Adding Depth to Complex Investing Answers

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Substantial wealth inherently involves complexity that necessitates answers with substance. These are the questions we anticipate our clients asking and our subsequent tactical approach for each.

Q: How will you structure my portfolio to ensure my great-grandchildren can enjoy the same lifestyle I do? Traditional diversification seems inadequate.

A: Diversification includes more than assets. It includes risk factors, concentrations and liquidity. We use institutional analysis to blend asymmetric upside with sophisticated hedging that honor your multi-generational targets.

Q: How can I use debt as a tool, rather than a crutch?

A: When credit costs less than expected returns, it can potentially maximize after-tax accumulation — as long as borrowing happens purposefully. We can help fund liquidity for imminent opportunities as part of your overall cash flow strategy.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice.

Q: We think we have 30 or 40 more years of life left. How can we fully fund our next chapter without feeling anxious about outliving our assets?

A: This involves qualifying what it means for you to feel fulfilled post-retirement and quantifying the numbers needed as a result. The former involves in-depth dialogue; the latter requires reverse engineering, stress-testing, strategic asset location, Roth conversions and a factor of other possible tactics.

Q: Most of my wealth is concentrated in my company’s stock. How do I know when or if I should sell? I don’t like having so many eggs in one basket.

A: There is no clear-cut answer because every situation is different. Any strategy we propose would involve understanding your industry’s outlook, your tax bracket, liquidity requirements and confidence in your company overall.

Q: How can I make sure I’m doing everything I can to avoid a catastrophic hit to my wealth?

A: Our team is life insurance licensed and can provide the optimal balance of coverage. Additionally, we provide comprehensive risk-audits to recommend umbrella, long-term care and other considerations to help protect your physical and digital assets.

Q: How can I time the exit or sale of my business to make sure I’m not leaving any money on the table?

A: Pre-transition planning affects post-tax liquidity. We’ll build a liquidity roadmap well before the event takes place to account for key personnel, business valuation and communication strategies while implementing tax reduction measures.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice.

Q: Given then size and type of our assets, what can we do to leave more behind to our kids and grandkids?

A: Robust, comprehensive estate planning strategies need to anticipate potential legislative changes as well considering your family’s distinct dynamics and values. Our team works side-by-side with your trusted counsel as we create a custom strategy that can implement a number of tactics, including family foundations, trusts and other advanced strategies to minimize associated estate and income taxes. 

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice.

Q: What if I want my giving to make a difference socially and for my own legacy?

A: Sustained giving can offer sustained benefits for all parties involved. Donor-advised funds (DAFs), charitable trusts, endowments and legacy gifting are all options to provide generous, ongoing support that reflect your personal priorities.

Q: How can we structure the financing of multi-generational education?

A: With questions mounting around the true value of a college degree, options beyond conventional 529s are becoming more appealing. Establishing educational trusts that allow your loved ones to nurture their true interests and fund gap years as they adjust to a rapidly changing world.

Q: How can I keep more of what I earn, today and in perpetuity?

A: True tax planning should happen year-round, not just in condensed one-time sprints. We consider taxes to be an elemental — that is, essential — component of a comprehensive wealth management strategy. As a result, we focus on post-tax, inflation-adjusted returns.

Wells Fargo Advisors does not provide legal or tax advice.

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