As a CPA Working in Wealth Management, Here’s How I Plan for My Clients
Because the biggest threats to your wealth aren’t always in the markets—they’re in the missed planning
In retirement, your single biggest expense won’t be your mortgage, healthcare, or even that dream vacation to Italy—it will be taxes. Yet when I ask new clients about their long-term tax strategy, the most common answer is, “I don’t have one.” That is the gap I fill. As a CPA in wealth management, I look at the full financial picture—taxes, investments, income, cash flow, and risk—and design strategies that help clients make the most of the wealth they’ve worked hard to build. It’s not just about growing money in a portfolio; it’s about creating a plan that works in real life. Here’s how I approach planning and why a combination of tax expertise and long-term strategy can make such a meaningful difference.
1. It Starts with Taxes—Because They Quietly Shape Everything
Taxes influence far more than annual income; they determine how retirement income is taxed, how investments grow, and even whether your Social Security benefits are reduced. Without tax planning, you may be leaving money on the table. For example, a Roth conversion may mean paying taxes now at a lower bracket to avoid large Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) later that could push you into a higher bracket. For charitably inclined clients, I may recommend donor-advised funds or Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to reduce taxable income in retirement. I also pay close attention to Medicare’s Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which can increase healthcare premiums if income crosses certain thresholds. Proper planning can help avoid these hidden costs. The point is simple: taxes are not a fixed cost—you can control when and how your income is taxed, saving potentially thousands over your lifetime.
2. Investments Are a Tool, Not the Goal
Your portfolio should reflect your life goals—not market headlines or CNBC noise. Do you want to retire early? Leave a legacy to your children? Generate reliable retirement income without draining principal? Those answers shape how I build and manage portfolios. Our investment philosophy is disciplined and research-driven, but flexible enough to adapt as life evolves. We don’t chase trends or try to time the market; instead, we structure portfolios based on risk tolerance, time horizon, taxes, and personal objectives. Markets change, and so does life. A portfolio should be built to respond to both while staying grounded in a long-term plan that isn’t rattled by every headline.
3. Cash Flow Is Where the Plan Comes to Life
Cash flow management is the bridge between a financial plan and everyday living. It’s one thing to have investments—it’s another to know exactly how and when to draw from them. We design withdrawal strategies that minimize taxes and maximize efficiency. That might mean using taxable accounts first, delaying Social Security to increase future benefits, or using a “bucket strategy” to cover short-term needs while allowing long-term investments to grow. The goal isn’t simply to maximize account balances—it’s to create a plan where you can spend confidently, knowing your long-term needs are protected.
4. Risk Is More Than Just Market Ups and Downs
Most people associate risk with stock market volatility, but market swings are often among the least damaging risks when a solid plan is in place. Larger threats include rising healthcare costs, changes in tax laws, inflation, or the sudden loss of a spouse’s income. I stress-test financial plans for these scenarios: What happens if the market drops 20% in your first year of retirement? What if tax brackets increase when key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expire? What if long-term care becomes necessary? By running these “what-if” scenarios, we build contingency plans so you’re prepared not only for the good times, but also for the unexpected challenges.
5. The Best Plan Is the One You Actually Use
A financial plan isn’t a 40-page PDF that gets printed once and forgotten. It’s a living strategy that evolves with your life. We update plans when circumstances change—a new job, a move, a tax law update, a market shift—so that you stay aligned with your goals. A plan isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about being ready for whatever comes next.
Final Thoughts
I’m not here to sell products or guess where the market is going. I’m here to bring order to your financial life, help you make smarter decisions, and prevent Uncle Sam from taking more than his share. If that kind of planning sounds valuable, find someone who understands the full picture. Or reach out—I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.