Protecting what you have from those that would take it from you is asset protection.  The “takers” can be creditors, relatives, the government, and others.  Your assets not only include traditional things like stocks, bonds, and real estate.  For many, their single biggest asset will be their ability to earn an income over their lifetime.  That needs to be protected too.  The goal is simply to create barriers and boundaries that prevent and/or deter others from taking what you have earned.

We look at our financial lives in two phases; one while you are living and the other when you are not.  I call this your life and your legacy.   Think of it as asset protection once you are no longer here to physically protect your assets.  The goal of estate planning is to ensure that what you have accomplished in your live will be passed on to your future legacy in a manner that you choose.

Taxes are life’s single biggest expense.  Yet, like most expenses, paying taxes are a choice that you get to make.  It’s not that you get to choose if you should or should not pay taxes.  It is simply a matter of making tax-efficient financial decisions.  This is the principle of “The Net” which states, “it’s not what you make, it’s what you keep that matters.” In our opinion, any comprehensive financial plan needs to address each of the essential elements, simultaneously, or the plan falls short of being as effective as possible.

Eliminate debt

Establish significant liquid cash reserves

Invest for long-term goals and plans