The arch has been used in building for thousands of years due to its strength and durability.  Designed to bear substantial weight, the center or ‘key stone’ of the arch distributes the weight or load to each stone in the arch.  

We have always thought that this was a fitting metaphor for the way KeyStone Planning Group delivers the services our clients require.  By providing the ‘key stone’ of comprehensive planning, times of financial tension can be anticipated, and an action plan can be developed, providing stability and peace of mind.

The KeyStone Arch Planning Process

Our Arch Planning Process is an easily understood yet complete analysis of the four key areas of your financial situation.  The broad base of information from these four areas is distilled into your own comprehensive financial plan, or your KeyStone MasterPlan.  Each MasterPlan rests on a strong foundation of analysis and presents our recommendations in each of the four distinct arch blocks:

1 Tax & Income Planning   

2 Investment Selection & Management

3 Risk Management & Asset Protection

4 Estate & Legacy Planning

We will work with you to help you understand how the various pieces of your plan fit together.  As part of the education process we will discuss ideas to help you gain more complete control of your financial life.  Understanding how your plan works is critical if it’s to be used as a guide into the future.

 

<b>Tax &#38; Income Planning</b>

Tax & Income Planning

For most of us our biggest lifetime expense will be taxes.  It only makes sense to start here!

The first block of your Arch Planning Process focuses on taxes and income: tax efficient saving and income pre-retirement, tax efficient income and distribution in retirement.

  • Analyze your tax returns, investments, and retirement savings accounts to identify ways to help you lower your tax bill today and in the future.
  • Develop a Social Security or pension optimization strategy to make sure you’re adequately funded for the spending needs of retirement.
  • Using the latest in income analysis software, develop a retirement income distribution plan, designed to minimize tax and maximize income.

We can work hand in hand with your current tax professionals making sure everyone is on the same page.  If you’re not currently working with a tax professional, we may be able to recommend someone.

<b>Investment Selection &#38; Management</b>

Investment Selection & Management

In a perfect world, investments would have unlimited growth, guaranteed return of principal and be accessible whenever we wanted.  Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world.

However, we do have the most up to date investment analysis and financial planning technologies.  Our recommendations are backed by in-depth, thoughtful examination and become the second block in the Arch Planning Process.

  • Working together we will arrive at the optimal balance of risk and reward, mindful that the objective is to fulfill your goals and dreams.
  • Through careful planning and research, employing the latest technologies available, we’ll design a portfolio strategy that is unbiased, evidence-based and that is within your risk profile
<b>Risk Management &#38; Asset Protection</b>

Risk Management & Asset Protection

Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.”  It doesn’t matter if it’s an unexpected illness or accident, a fire or flood, an untimely death, a wealth zapping lawsuit, or some other catastrophe, there are lots of risks that can turn even the best financial situations upside down.

  • We will carefully look in all the corners of your financial life to uncover the cracks and gaps that may endanger the integrity of your MasterPlan.
  • Any potential weakness uncovered is brought to your attention and discussed so that you understand the risk and how you and your family could be affected.
  • We will explore solutions and alternatives with you so the potential risk can be effectively addressed.
<b>Estate &#38; Legacy Planning</b>

Estate & Legacy Planning

Just about everyone needs an estate plan.  It’s not just for millionaires & billionaires…and it’s not just about money.  It’s been said there are three potential beneficiaries of your estate, your family, charity and the IRS.  You get to pick two.

  • We can help you design a plan that will pass the assets you want, to the people and organizations you want, as efficiently as possible.
  • We’ll also help you plan for other sensitive end-of-life concerns, such as planning for incapacity, helping you understand the advantages and disadvantages of various ways to title your assets and selecting the right executor(s) and trustee(s) to help see your plans through to fruition.

Many times, this element of your MasterPlan will require the support of an attorney.  We are happy to work with your existing estate planning team, if you have one, or to recommend one from our network of professional contacts.

<b>Tying It All Together</b>

Tying It All Together

It’s our job to help you understand how the various pieces of your MasterPlan fit together.  As part of the education process we will discuss ideas to help you gain control of your financial life.  Understanding how your MasterPlan works is critical if it’s to be used as a guide into the future.

Thank you for your interest in KeyStone Planning Group. 

Whether you are interested in learning more about how to plan and save for retirement or you’re an experienced financial advisor interested in joining the KeyStone Group, we want to hear from you.  Please call or email and we’ll be in touch just as quickly as we can.

                                                                                                                                                                              (C) Edw. M. Reinig 1930