Case Studies
Inherited Wealth
Name: Maria and Nicole Services Used: Wealth Management
Background:
A 34-year-old web developer at a nonprofit, Maria was left a trust by her grandmother. She and her wife Nicole are interested in owning a home, planning for IVF and also having social impact with their wealth. They are also… a little uncomfortable with it. Nicole grew up with an entirely different money story and not much money. Maria’s grandmother had very different values for the trust. Plus, the advisor managing the trust is an older man who has no interest in them as people and mostly talks in jargon.
My Approach:
Instead of recommending specific products or tactics, I listened as Maria and Nicole explained their goals and feelings around money. By learning what the money meant to them, I guided them on how to achieve their financial objectives in a way that felt genuine and authentic to them
The Results:
- Reviewed and discussed their goals, structuring a flexible financial plan
- Organized their financial picture (i.e. assets, investment accounts, and income streams)
- Generated projections, so they could understand the opportunities in front of them
- Assessed their employee benefits, insurance and tax returns, and made recommendations for each
- Managed their investment portfolio, giving them time to focus on family and life.
Wealth Management
Name: Steve and Linda, 60's
Background:
Steve and Linda were Progressive when it was a type of Rock and a political orientation. Today, they are partially retired and devote much of their time to leadership roles at local non-profits. Over the course of their careers, they have gathered substantial wealth…and have seen enough greenwashing and financial fads to be wary. Not only do they want their investments managed responsibly, but they want to start a family legacy of philanthropic impact. They want an advisor who shares their values, and can support estate planning, tax-efficient giving strategies, and also empower their adult children.
My Approach:
Based on what I learned about Steve and Linda during our process, I knew they could skip the 101 class. I worked with Steve and Linda to build a comprehensive plan to create the most - authentic - impact with their wealth now and in the future. I created an investment plan that they feel good about both now and for future generations and identified opportunities for high-impact, tax-efficient wealth transfer in the future.
The Results —
Working with Steve and Linda over a number of years, we created a financial and estate plan in partnership with their lawyer, accountant and institutions they care about, adding peace of mind to what they have achieved already. I also work with their adult children, to empower them financially on their own journeys.
Their ongoing relationship with Modern Assets means they can focus on their impact (and grandkids) rather than manage their investment portfolio or worry about their legacy.
Investment Management
Name: Michelle and Ravi Service Used: Investment Management
Background:
Michelle and Ravi, are both successful careerists and have two young children. Despite the high costs of their lifestyle, their financial life is generally on the right path, but they have no time to dive deeply into a financial plan. Right now, they are focused on life and want to make sure their investments set them up for a stable retirement, financial flexibility, and the opportunity to focus on impact later.
My Approach:
I sat with Michelle and Ravi to discuss investment management and their goals. I created an investment plan they both understand and feel good about and that will give them options as their kids grow and they approach retirement.
The Results:
- Implemented an investment portfolio that focuses on flexibility for future decisions
- Ongoing monitoring, rebalancing, and research into all aspects of their portfolio
- A yearly review of their 401(k) and stock plans to make sure they are balanced in the context of the overall portfolio allocation.