Where we’re going
together.

OUR PROMISE

Where we’re going

What we get to do for you—is weighty.

We’re mapping futures and retirements and legacies.

And the joy and pride and peace that come with it.

And so, we’d love to profoundly get to know you-and your history, hopes, and dreams.

It’s the details that show who you are and the future you want to have. And that’s where we want to take you.

How we can help get you there

We’re direct and transparent. The right thing is the only thing.

We return your calls immediately. And for all Wealth Management clients, we offer to do four planning meetings a year, not one or two.

We don’t take a commission. Creating a map where only your motives matter helps make sure the best decisions are made.

We’re not just investment planning. Quite often, we’re “everything” planning.

We are a solution for any of your personal or business financial dilemmas, and we have a specific expert in-house for each.

We have two professionals on your account, not just one. And always a mix of a regarded expert and a bright prodigy. So that the core of your team will be here for as long as you are.

And finally—incredibly important to us—we demand a low ratio of clients to advisors, to ensure you receive the utmost level of attention.

*Please Note: Limitations.
The scope of any financial planning and consulting services to be provided depends upon the terms of the engagement, and the specific requests and needs of the client. Summit does not serve as an attorney, accountant, or insurance agent. Summit does not prepare legal documents or tax returns, nor does it sell insurance products.

What we get to do for you
—is weighty

Which is why our infrastructure, protocols, accountability, and resources are equally substantial—and a must, to get you to the safety, comfort and peace that you seek.

OUR SERVICES

Simply put, we help you answer the tough questions. To make the most of your assets. And your future.

Investment recommendations

How do I properly diversify? What type of investment products? How much risk should I take on?

We learn your story. Gather data. And create a custom investment plan for you. Including a disciplined investment strategy, regular rebalancing, and a customizable investment mix.

Summit Story:

Several years ago, a young professional was approached by her superior about investing in a substantial commercial real estate development. Even though her earnings were on the uptick and projected returns were promising, the deal required a pledge of assets that far exceeded her current net worth. After several meetings with her Summit advisor, she decided to invest a small percentage of her assets. The deal did not pay off; a larger share would have potentially put her in desperate financial straits.

Retirement peace of mind

When should I tap into Social Security? Have I saved enough? How can I use my savings to help my family?

It’s never too early, or late, to plan for retirement. We’ve helped many clients cross the finish line, and that expertise can help you finish strong.

Summit Story:

When a physician and her husband came to Summit for a retirement analysis, their advisor recommended which products to keep and which to consolidate or eliminate. Feeling confident that they had more than enough money for retirement, the couple decided to fund their grandchildren’s college savings plans and provide annual gifts to their children. What’s more, since she is no longer worried about money, the physician now devotes more time to work that gives her personal fulfillment.

Redefining life’s goals

At Summit, financial planning is a lot more than choosing investments for you. From tax strategy to retirement planning, with a whole lot in between, we help you make smart financial decisions. So you can focus on making the most out of life. 

Summit Story:

During a planning meeting, a 62-year-old attorney and his wife were asked to write down five accomplishments that defined happiness. Later, their advisor remarked that they had already achieved everything on the list. They left feeling great. The next week, the attorney called to say that he just had one of the best days in his career. “Before our meeting, I was hoping that our financial situation would allow me to retire sooner,” he said. “Now I am wondering how long I can continue to practice law!”

Small business succession planning

How do I manage tied-up equity? How do I set-up a succession plan? How do we maximize our charitable giving?

Your business is personal, and it should be a part of your personal financial plan. Whether your goals are growth or succession, we help you maximize those decisions.

Summit Story:

An executive ran a successful family-owned business with his brothers. He hired Summit to prepare his personal financial plan, manage his portfolio and help him assess the buy-sell agreement being negotiated. Because most of his net worth was in the business, if the executive were to become disabled or die, his wife and children would have had no assets until his brother liquidated the company. Summit found solutions to help him feel confident about his family’s financial future.

Tax-Free gift giving

How do I set-up my family for the future? How can I maximize my estate?

The truth is, plans change. Shifting your plan from personal wealth to family-focused wealth is as simple as making a few smart decisions. 

Summit Story:

A couple was advised to make annual tax-free gifts to their children in order to reduce their taxable estate. After her husband passed away, the widow worried that it was unfair to make gifts to her children based on the number of grandchildren involved, because that would divide her money unequally among siblings. Summit helped her resolve this dilemma with annual gifts of equal amounts to each of her three children, who could then decide whether to allocate any of the funds to the grandchildren.

Adjusting cash flow

How much cash should we keep in an account? How do we budget? Should we pay off outstanding loans?

Creating the right balance is key. We want our clients to have the peace of mind that comes with having cash on hand, while still maximizing assets through smart investment.

Summit Story:

A recently retired couple had never needed to budget for cash flow. Upon retirement, they decided to establish $100,000 in cash reserves, using investment accounts for living expenses. This unfamiliar arrangement was very uncomfortable at first. Summit arranged for an amount equal to their pre-retirement paycheck to transfer monthly into their checking account, periodically sweeping some of the extra cash back into investments. The new arrangement has put the clients’ minds at ease.

Purchasing a second home

When is the right time to invest in a vacation home? Can we afford it?

You’ve worked hard to meet your goals. Our goal? Get you into that vacation home with a smile on your face and a plan for maximizing your value.

Summit Story:

A couple in their 60s had been planning their retirement for years. They decided to purchase a second home for the summer months, which would eventually serve as their primary retirement home. Summit assisted them by preparing projections on their finances assuming different values and financing options for their second home, as well as the tax impact of establishing residency in another state. The couple eventually purchased the home with cash and set aside enough money to fund annual maintenance and upkeep.

 

*Please Note: Limitations.
The above Summit Stories are hypothetical-not involving actual Summit clients. The Client Stories illustrate the hypothetical experience of a fictitious client based on a scenario that an actual client might experience. The Client Stories are designed to generally illustrate how we may provide our services to our clients. Keeping in mind that no two clients, situations, or experiences are exactly alike, the Client Stories are not to be construed as an endorsement of Summit by any of its past or current clients, nor any assurance that Summit may be able to help any client achieve the same satisfactory results. To the contrary, none of the Client Stories should be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results or satisfaction if Summit is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services.

THREE PARTNER
LEVELS

There are three ways we can partner together…
To start mapping your Now to Next®.

eSummit
$5,000 Minimum Balance
Conference call
1 PER YEAR
Diversification in Investment Asset classes
Investment Advisory
$300,000 Minimum Balance
In person planning
2 PER YEAR
Diversification in Investment Asset classes
Portfolio tax management
Manage outside retirement accounts
Wealth Management
$500,000 Minimum Balance
In person planning
4 PER YEAR
Diversification in Investment Asset classes
Portfolio tax management
Manage outside retirement accounts
Financial planning services

 

Please Note: The scope of the services to be provided depends upon the terms of the engagement.

 

eSummit Services

If our Wealth Management and Investment Advisory services aren’t the right financial fit for you, eSummit could be a great starting point.

Our eSummit services give you the advantage of our decades of expertise using a streamlined online Robo advisor.

Our eSummit services include risk assessment and diversification in investment vehicles.

Investment Advisory Services

We offer our clients a disciplined investment strategy, regular rebalancing, and a customizable investment mix tailored to meet their individual goals.

We want to understand how much movement in the market causes discomfort to our clients and how much risk is necessary to meet their life’s goals. Our first meeting together will focus on data gathering and portfolio development. Once we agree on a blueprint for the portfolio, Summit will manage the assets ongoing within the framework established, reviewing the strategy and investment mix regularly.

Our Investment Advisory services include asset allocation and portfolio development, portfolio implementation, tax managed rebalancing, account consolidation, investment recommendations, and performance reviews.

Wealth Management Services

Our Wealth Management Services build a comprehensive, dynamic plan around your goals that continues to evolve as you move closer to achieving your goals. Typically, we meet six times during our first year together. We’ll meet as often as quarterly to review investments and periodically revisit planning topics going forward. Following our first data gathering meeting, we begin to implement your financial plan based on your prioritized goals.

Our Wealth Management Services include data verification and cash flow review, retirement planning, asset allocation and portfolio development, portfolio implementation, account consolidation, investment recommendations and performance reviews, college funding, tax planning, estate planning, tax managed rebalancing and insurance needs and policy reviews.

 

Learn more about Summit Financial