Frequently asked questions & planning topics
Educational perspectives on business strategy, tax-efficient planning, and legacy decisions, plus answers to the questions we hear most often. Every situation is different — use these as a starting point for a conversation, not a substitute for one.
Topics worth a closer look
Your Financial Independence Number is an estimate of the investment balance that may be needed to support your desired retirement income, based on a common 4% withdrawal guideline. Use the calculator below to estimate your number and see how your current savings plan is tracking.
Estimate your Financial Independence Number
This estimate uses a common guideline (desired annual income × 25, based on an approximate 4% withdrawal rate) and a simplified compounding projection based on the figures you enter. It does not account for taxes, inflation, Social Security, pensions, investment fees, or market volatility, and actual results will vary based on individual circumstances. This is an educational estimate only, not individualized investment, tax, or financial advice — we recommend reviewing your specific situation with a qualified financial professional.
DIME stands for Debt, Income (×10), Mortgage, and Education or Expenses — a simple framework some families use to start estimating how much life insurance coverage may help protect against the loss of an income earner. Use the calculator below to get a starting estimate for your situation.
Estimate a potential life insurance coverage amount
DIME is an educational framework that adds together your outstanding Debt, ten times your annual Income, your remaining Mortgage balance, and future Education or final expenses to arrive at a simplified estimate. It does not account for life insurance coverage or savings you may already have, other income sources, health factors, inflation, or your broader financial plan, and actual needs vary by individual circumstances. This is an educational estimate only, not individualized insurance or financial advice — we recommend reviewing your specific situation with a qualified, licensed insurance professional.
The tax impact of a Roth conversion can vary significantly depending on your current income, future tax expectations, and the timing of the conversion. A coordinated review can help you evaluate whether a conversion strategy may align with your broader retirement and tax goals.
Estimate the tax cost of a conversion
Based on 2026 federal marginal tax brackets for ordinary income. Does not account for state taxes, the standard deduction or other deductions, credits, Medicare IRMAA surcharges, or the net investment income tax. This is an educational estimate only, not tax advice — individual circumstances vary, and we recommend reviewing any conversion with a qualified tax professional before proceeding.
A business sale involves more than negotiating a price. Structure, tax treatment, timing, and post-sale planning can all significantly affect the outcome, and are worth evaluating well before a transaction is finalized. We offer a complimentary business valuation to help you understand where your business currently stands before you begin evaluating a sale.
A properly designed and funded buy-sell agreement can help provide clarity for owners, partners, and their families if an owner passes away, becomes disabled, or exits the business.
For business owners, estate planning and succession planning are closely connected. Reviewing both together can help avoid gaps between what your estate documents say and what actually happens to your business.
Entity structure, depreciation strategy, and cash-flow planning can all affect the tax efficiency of a real estate portfolio, and are worth revisiting as a portfolio grows.
Business owners often lack a traditional pension or employer retirement plan, which makes coordinated planning around business cash flow, personal savings, and eventual business sale proceeds especially important.
Common questions we hear
Business consulting generally focuses on how your business is structured and run, while advanced financial planning generally focuses on your personal retirement, tax, and estate strategy. Many clients benefit from both, since business and personal finances are often closely connected.
Not necessarily. We can work alongside your existing CPA and attorney, or help you identify professionals to consult as part of your plan. We do not provide tax or legal advice ourselves.
No. We work with a range of business owners, professionals, and families, including those earlier in their planning journey. The consultation is designed to help determine whether our approach may be a good fit for your situation.
It typically begins with a complimentary conversation about your goals and current situation, followed by a more detailed review if it makes sense to move forward together.
The content on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Tax laws and regulations referenced are subject to change and may affect individual circumstances differently. Please consult a qualified, licensed tax, legal, or financial professional regarding your specific situation before making any decisions.
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