TWM FAQs

What is your firm’s basic philosophy?

Our overall objective is to assist you, our clients, in understanding and taking personal control of overall and specific financial issues. The intent is to function as a coach and advisor. Our firm provides process and structure to assist in the control of financial decisions and their impact on your life plans. We believe that the integration of wealth and tax strategies provides an additional benefit to our clients.

What do you provide?

Financial advice regarding taxes, investments, insurance, estate planning, pensions, estates and trusts.

Whom do you serve?

Individuals, corporations, small businesses, pension & profit sharing plans, estates and trusts.

Who can benefit from your services?

Any client who has a financial, tax or investment problem, or who wishes to plan prudently for the financial future. Furthermore, clients who desire a higher, more sophisticated level of financial or investment planning services than they are receiving from their other advisors may find our programs appealing.

How much money do you need to start a Financial Planning program? *

We recognize that each client has a different level of wealth. Whether a minimum dollar amount is required depends on the needs of the client, and on the advisory program recommended. Some of the accounts we may recommend have minimums ranging from $25,000 - $100,000.

What type of investment strategies do you generally recommend? *

We generally make long term recommendations with occasional short-term strategies as the circumstances may indicate. Our investment philosophy focuses on proper diversification and asset allocation over the long haul. Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) is the basis for our investment philosophy. We use a client’s risk profile to identify allocation between various sectors and styles. We offer ongoing service and periodic review as necessary.

Do you guarantee investment performance?

No

What makes you different?

• We maintain the highest ethical and moral standards in conducting our business and we pledge to place our clients' interest above all else.
• We believe that there is no "one size fits all" solution when it comes to developing a client's financial plan. We conduct an in-depth analysis of all aspects of our clients' finances including income, expenses, assets, insurance, taxes and current investments.
• Whether it's a financial decision concerning retirement, an inheritance, or windfall, we use our extensive tax knowledge to help our clients make financial decisions while minimizing taxes
• We strive to communicate frequently, proactively, and in a manner that each client is best able to understand their situation, our advice, and the reasons behind our advice.
• During business hours a well trained staff member, not a machine, answers the telephone. We strive to answer most of your questions immediately, or within 24 hours.
• We believe there is more to a client relationship than just numbers. We hold various social and financial related events throughout the year so that we can get to know our clients on a professional and social level.
• We specialize in pre-retirement income planning and, upon the client's retirement, they are adept in assisting them with the transition from their company plan to their personal retirement plan.
• We seek to instill peace of mind in our clients throughout the Wealth Management process.
• We provide advice that is second to none in our industry. We take pride in the fact that the majority of our new clients are financial referrals from our existing clients who are not only satisfied, but motivated by our high level of service to tell their friends, business associates and family members about our practice. 

What are the eight wealth management issues? *

1. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
   In today’s environment, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of information available. It seems that the media and so-called “experts” are always telling you what to do with your investments, even though they do not have any knowledge of your specific financial situation. Without professional advice, taking action could be detrimental to your investment goals.
2. CASH FLOW AND DEBT MANAGEMENT
   Cash flow is the cornerstone of your wealth management plan. Without a clear picture of what money is flowing in and out each month, it is impossible to make informed decisions with respect to the other wealth management issues that affect you.
3. FAMILY RISK MANAGEMENT
   Are you prepared for the unexpected? Even the best investment and financial plans can crumble if you have not properly prepared for the risks that exist for every family. Should something happen to you or a family member such as a disability, death, or a long-term- care need, the careful planning and investing you have so diligently developed can be unraveled in an instant.
4. RETIREMENT PLANNING
   People entering retirement are facing concerns that retirees simply did not face 20 and 30 years ago. As healthcare is improving and life expectancies rise, you are likely to live longer during retirement than past generations. And, unlike your parents and the generations of the past who had their retirement funded mostly with guarantees made by their employers and the government, the assets that you have accumulated may be your primary source of cash flow. Will you continue to work part time? Will you be traveling the world? Everyone’s vision of the “dream” retirement is different.
5. EDUCATION PLANNING
   Every child dreams about what they will be when they grow up, and a college education can be the most important factor in that dream becoming a reality. The available education planning choices can be confusing, and it is important that you have someone helping you who understands how your savings will affect your child’s or grandchild’s ability to qualify for financial aid, as well as the implications for your income, gift, and estate tax situation.
6. LEGACY PLANNING
   What type of legacy would you like to leave? Legacy planning is about so much more than just money. Simply stated, a legacy plan ensures that what you want to happen will happen at the time of your passing. However, because the subject of legacy is a complex and emotional topic, many families overlook planning before it is too late. If this topic is not discussed before a loved one dies, it could place your family in a difficult position of making decisions and deciding details when family members are the most emotionally fragile. Having a plan in place reduces this stress and the red tape that goes along with losing a loved one. Without a good plan, the government may be in a position of dividing your assets between members of your family, and often they may not make the same decisions you would. Also, without a suitable plan, your family may be giving up a substantial portion of their inheritance to taxes, causing significant financial burden during a very emotionally devastating time.
7. BUSINESS PLANNING
   As a business owner, you likely face daily challenges such as having enough cash available to take advantage of opportunities when they arise, using the business as a vehicle to save for your and possibly your employees’ retirement, and protecting your business from a potentially devastating financial loss. The demands of running your company may leave very little time to focus on the important financial matters that can have a major impact on you, your family, your business, and your future.
   
8. SPECIAL SITUATIONS PLANNING
   Throughout your life, as you pursue your long-term goals, some expected and unexpected needs will come your way, whether it is planning for a wedding, taking a spur-of- the-moment dream vacation, deciding to buy a second home or facing unexpected expenses due to unforeseen events.
   

*Investment & financial planning services are offered by David Mendenhall through his affiliation with HD Vest 2. 
*Asset Allocation and Diversification do not assure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses.