Client:
Robert & Marlene Chen – Pre-Retirees, Dual Physicians in their early 60s

Problem:
Despite earning high incomes, Robert and Marlene lacked an integrated retirement plan. Their investment portfolios were fragmented across various institutions, their estate documents were outdated, and they weren’t sure when they could retire confidently.

How the Issue Arose:
Over their careers, they contributed to employer-sponsored plans, bought rental property, and held taxable investments but never consolidated or reviewed them. They avoided estate planning because it felt “too final.”

Our Approach & Solution:
•Conducted a full financial analysis including pension options, social security timing, and healthcare needs
•Built a dynamic retirement projection model showing multiple income scenarios
•Updated wills and created a living trust to avoid probate
•Consolidated accounts and implemented a tailored tax-sensitive investment strategy
•Provided retirement income modeling and peace of mind through stress testing

Outcome:
They confidently retired at 64 with a robust, unified financial strategy and began traveling and volunteering overseas — their long-held dream.

Client:
Amit Patel – Tech Entrepreneur, Age 35

Problem:
After selling his startup, Amit had $12M in liquid assets and $1.5M in various cryptocurrencies. He wanted diversification but didn’t trust traditional advisors to understand digital assets.

How the Issue Arose:
Amit’s wealth came quickly. While he was crypto-savvy, he lacked a tax-optimized investment strategy and a roadmap to long-term security.

Our Approach & Solution:
•Integrated his crypto holdings into an overall asset allocation model
•Created a risk-adjusted investment plan blending public markets, venture capital, and stable digital holdings
•Coordinated with his CPA for crypto tax harvesting and reporting
•Helped transfer a portion of his crypto to cold storage custodians and introduced yield strategies
•Educated him about philanthropic vehicles like DAFs (Donor-Advised Funds)

Outcome:
Amit gained peace of mind and a stable multi-asset strategy, and he donated $500k in appreciated crypto to launch his family foundation.

Client:
The Garrison Family

Problem:
Each year, they were shocked by how much they owed in taxes. Bonuses, stock compensation, and real estate income triggered AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax), leaving them with few deductions.

How the Issue Arose:
Their CPA did annual filings but provided little proactive planning. No one was coordinating RSU vesting strategies or charitable giving.

Our Approach & Solution:
•Modeled income acceleration vs. deferral scenarios
•Created a strategy to donate appreciated stock to a donor-advised fund
•Designed a charitable remainder trust (CRT) for future legacy planning
•Coordinated with CPA and estate attorney for full alignment

Outcome:
They reduced their effective tax bill by $187,000 in the first year, aligned their philanthropy with financial planning, and started funding their children’s education through tax-advantaged vehicles.

Client:
Margaret DeVine – Widow, Age 72, Former Art Dealer

Problem:
Margaret had a valuable art collection, multiple properties, and no clear estate plan. She feared family conflict and heavy estate taxes.

How the Issue Arose:
After her husband passed, Margaret inherited complex assets but had no centralized advisor. Her children were unprepared to handle the estate.

Our Approach & Solution:
•Worked with estate counsel to create a comprehensive legacy plan
•Established irrevocable trusts for her grandchildren and a family foundation in her name
•Developed an art gifting strategy to museums, avoiding capital gains
•Created a family governance system with annual meetings and legacy storytelling

Outcome:
Margaret transferred $8.3M in assets efficiently, preserved family harmony, and created a lasting charitable impact through the arts.

Client:
Carlos Mendes – Owner of a Manufacturing Firm, Age 58

Problem:
Carlos was preparing to sell his $22M business but had no succession or liquidity plan. He worried about taxes and his family’s financial security.

How the Issue Arose:
Years of hard work left little time for personal planning. Most of Carlos’ net worth was tied up in the company.

Our Approach & Solution:
•Performed a pre-sale valuation review and cash flow analysis
•Coordinated a sale structure with his M&A advisors for favorable tax treatment
•Created a GRAT (Grantor Retained Annuity Trust) and family LLC for wealth transfer
•Designed a portfolio strategy to convert business proceeds into lasting income

Outcome:
Carlos exited with $18.7M net after taxes, launched a second consulting business, and secured his family’s long-term lifestyle and legacy.

Client:
Nina and Gregory Walters – Public Sector Professionals, Ages 60 & 63

Problem:
They had several pensions, social security options, and small retirement accounts but no clarity on how to generate income in retirement.

How the Issue Arose:
Over decades in education and civil service, they accumulated multiple plans but never coordinated them.

Our Approach & Solution:
•Evaluated pension buyout options vs. lifetime income elections
•Modeled social security strategies for longevity planning
•Created a conservative, inflation-adjusted investment drawdown strategy
•Consolidated accounts and simplified their financial life

Outcome:
They retired confidently with a clear income roadmap and began mentoring and traveling full-time.

Client:
The Wang Family – First-Generation Asian American Entrepreneurs

Problem:
With aging parents, rising kids, and cultural expectations around inheritance, the Wang family faced tension about financial transparency and planning.

How the Issue Arose:
The parents ran a successful import/export business but were reluctant to discuss money. The children, now professionals, wanted to modernize the family finances.

Our Approach & Solution:
•Facilitated intergenerational family meetings with translation and coaching
•Created trusts and gifting strategies to minimize conflict and estate tax
•Set up a family education fund and governance structure
•Introduced philanthropy planning for shared family values

Outcome:
The Wang family created a durable structure that honored both cultural legacy and modern planning, ensuring $14M+ of family assets will be passed on intentionally.

Client:
Laura Breckenridge – Fortune 100 CMO, Age 49

Problem:
Her compensation included RSUs, ISOs, deferred bonuses, and an executive pension — all misaligned with her tax and retirement goals.

How the Issue Arose:
Laura’s financial life grew complex fast, and her previous advisor lacked experience with executive comp.

Our Approach & Solution:
•Modeled multiple vesting and exercising strategies
•Coordinated 10b5-1 plan for pre-scheduled equity sales
•Structured income deferrals to align with future tax brackets
•Optimized benefits alongside her company’s financial planning office

Outcome:
Laura gained clarity, minimized tax shocks, and stayed in compliance with insider trading policies while building long-term wealth efficiently.