Comprehensive Financial Planning for Your Family

Oct 23, 2014 12:51:35 PM / by Jason Shaw

comprehensive financial planning

Boelman Shaw Tax & Financial Planning offers a specialized blend of expertise in multiple aspects of financial planning.  We provide our Des Moines area clients with well-rounded advice to create an optimized financial plan that provides for the needs of individuals and their families. We advise families just starting their financial journey with their first steps toward securing their child’s college tuition and individuals nearing retirement who worry that they have not saved enough.  Wherever you are on your financial path, we can help.

Getting Started with Family Financial Planning

Just getting started with your family and career?  We can help you get on track for a healthy financial future. Start by looking at your income, your spending, and your goals, and create a household budget that fits your needs.  An effective budget will make room for everyday expenses, as well as emergency expenses, savings, and investments for future goals.

Many parents wish to save for their children’s higher education expenses. We can help you navigate the differences among different savings options, such as 529 Plans, Coverdell ESAs, savings bonds, and custodial accounts. Each type of fund has its own restrictions, limitations, and benefits.  Your particular financial picture and your family’s needs will determine which will be best for you.

Aside from helping you plan for college, we can help you get your kids off to a good start before they are financially independent. For example, opening a Roth IRA for a child who earns income can be an excellent way for them to make the most of the money they are earning now and have tax-free money available to them in the future when they will need it more.

Preparing for Retirement

As Americans’ ability to rely on Social Security for retirement income has dwindled, individual retirement planning has become increasingly essential.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, fewer than half of us have calculated how much we need to save for retirement. Even among those offered a defined contribution plan at work, 30% pass on the option to participate. This isn’t necessarily surprising, given that the prospect of calculating one’s costs in retirement and contemplating how to meet them can be quite overwhelming.

We provide retirement services to help you tackle this complex task. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, especially with matching contributions, investing in it is usually the optimal place to start.  We can help you look over your investment options and choose a portfolio to help you meet your goals. On the other hand, if you do not have access to a retirement plan through work, we can help you evaluate other options, such as a Roth and/or a traditional IRA, annuities, or other investments.  We can also offer advice tailored to the needs of small business owners, who face particular challenges in retirement planning. Whatever your age or your retirement goals, we can help you find a way to a more secure future.

Estate Planning

Family financial planning must provide for the family as well as the individual. That is why an estate plan is a critical part of comprehensive financial planning for your family. To ensure that your family has access to all possible resources in the unfortunate event of your death, it is critical to at least have a few key documents in place. We can advise you about what you need to do in the state of Iowa to ensure that your assets will benefit those you intend.

Insurance

Because risk management is a key part of a sound financial plan, we provide insurance services as part of comprehensive financial planning for your family. Life presents us with unforeseen obstacles.  Appropriate insurance will enable you to navigate these unexpected events and recover from misfortunes much more quickly and easily.

Tax Planning

Effective tax planning adds strength to any financial plan by ensuring that you can hold on to as much of your money as the law allows.  This involves more than simply making sure you claim all of your deductions and credits at tax time.  It also includes making savings and investment choices that minimize your tax obligation and maximize your tax benefits, both now and in the future.  The synergy of combined tax and financial planning creates a more powerful way for you to make the most of what you earn today.

Call Boelman Shaw Tax & Financial Planning in Des Moines to take advantage of our comprehensive family financial planning services today. Request a free initial consultation to find out how we can put you and your family on a path to a more secure future.

Tax and accounting services provided through Boelman Shaw & Company, LLC. Advisory services provided through BSC Capital Partners, LLC a state of Iowa registered investment advisor.

Topics: Financial Planning, Tax Services, Retirement

Written by Jason Shaw