We make money for our clients in a variety of ways. For example, we saved a number of families significant amounts by replacing investments carrying very high fees with some of the most efficient and low cost investment vehicles available. Having worked with traditional stock brokers, many clients come to us with portfolios full of poorly performing mutual funds that carry sales loads up to 5.75% and yearly operating expenses far greater than 1%. One client had been convinced to purchase shares in a complicated financial scheme that we found had total sales charges and loads of more than 26%.

We put more money into clients' pockets through meticulous planning and skillful use of the tax laws. For a client who received a wealth of stock options from his employer, we created a program to help him diversify while continuing to defer tax recognition over many years. For another, we rearranged investments to take advantage of the corporate divided tax preference. Many clients can increase tax deferral through a careful selection of the most efficient mutual funds.

Several families have benefited recently from our knowledge of the best ways to use 529 college saving plans. The programs are certainly not all alike, and we have been able to advise our clients how best to invest in them.

We have guided many families in purchasing the right amount and type of life insurance. It is a complex series of buying decisions best considered with the help of an advisor who has only your family's best interest at heart. Many of our clients have commented on the unique advantage of being able to discuss these matters with someone who is knowledgeable but is not trying to sell them anything.

We even help people plan what will happen after the end of their lives. Some families need a trust; some don't. Some people have special circumstances that necessitate great complexity in their wills. Others need rather straightforward solutions. One client expressed deep appreciation for being able to discuss this with us at length, knowing that our only incentive was planning what was best for her.

A number of clients have consulted with us on the best ways to give away their money. There are many options for giving to charity, children, grandchildren and other family members. All these gifts have both tax consequences and emotional implications. Drawing on our experience and knowledge, we are able to help with both.

Of course, no two families are alike and each person has special circumstances. We work hard to tailor our advice to each individual's needs. We help our clients with everything that comes up, as appropriate. We have shown clients how to think about elderly parents, family members with special needs, and others who may not be able to take care of their own affairs. We have guided families through times of crisis, windfalls and uncertainty.

We see each client, and each family member, as a person with needs, goals and dreams. As we have for others, we can help you think about how your financial life affects your quality of life.