If we relied on headlines and social media to inform us about investing, we could assume the Dow is the entire stock market. To set the record straight, there are only 30 stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average while there are more than 11,000 stocks in dozens of countries that allow investors to manage risk through diversification. We build globally diversified portfolios for our clients using low-cost asset class funds to match a client’s risk tolerance, or the ability, willingness and need to take risk. Why? Because diversification not only reduces risk, but it also drives higher expected returns.

Asset location and tax strategy go to the heart of wealth preservation. Asset location is the placement of assets strategically into taxable, tax-deferred and Roth accounts to maximize after-tax wealth. We explain the benefits of tax planning to clients in this way: Would you want to make the exact same portfolio return but pay less in taxes? It is possible to accumulate the same pretax return where the result is paying less tax long term when a wealth strategy is tailored to an investor’s specific circumstances. That is where we start when evaluating how to preserve your wealth.

When you name your beneficiaries, you are personally directing who will receive a portion of your wealth. Beneficiary designations are legal designations that will override instructions outlined in a will, even if the will was written after the beneficiaries were named. In the event that you do not name any beneficiaries, by default, you have named your estate as beneficiary. Your estate includes everything you own, including both liquid and non-liquid assets. Considering how many decisions you need to make when designing an estate plan, it is wise to consult a financial advisor and estate planning attorney for assistance.

When so much emphasis is placed on applying to the most prestigious schools, students and families should start with a written plan to provide a frame of reference before starting to investigate and gravitate toward different colleges. It is important to know all associated expenses (not just tuition) and how much financial assistance is being offered in the form of financial aid or merit money when considering acceptance offers from colleges. We help parents with college-bound students make decisions about saving for college and managing higher education debt that will shape a student’s life long after graduation.

We can help you build a charitable giving strategy that supports the causes and people important to you. Before you begin funding your charitable goals, it is essential to outline all the organizations and individuals you want to commit to helping now and then later via your estate. With this comprehensive plan in hand, we will assess the optimal ways to give through different charitable vehicles while maximizing your contributions that safeguard your wealth.

Forum advisors understand what it means to devote time and energy to seeing a business succeed. So, we are familiar with why some business owners are hesitant to begin the succession planning process and put in writing what will happen when someone new steps into the role of chief cook and bottle washer. With so many decisions required to ensure the longevity of a business, there are real risks associated with waiting to plan or having a weak plan. We help business owners prepare for a transition of ownership that represents their wishes for their business, their clients and their legacy.