Understanding the intricate terrain of wealth management is a large feat, especially for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals and families. With great fortune comes more significant responsibilities and complexities, such as tax considerations, investment strategies, estate planning, insurance planning and more. All these demand careful attention, wisdom and expertise to produce excellent outcomes.
The same goes for optimizing wealth preservation, growth, spenddown and transferring your wealth. Along the way are uncertainties, ever changing policy and a host of other challenges.
However, you don’t have to embark on such a journey alone.Our clients are brilliant in their respective occupations. While some may attempt to be the specialist in all-things, a career in the financial planning space leaves me resigned to asserting that it is simply not possible, or highly unlikely for anyone to create the level of excellence necessary to build the level of financial planning our team and network are able to create for each of our clients. A qualified and experienced financial professional can help build and secure your wealth and eliminate blindspots that leave many vulnerable.
To prepare you for that type of high-level planning this article addresses financial planning for high-net-worth individuals, including practical tips for achieving long-term goals.
Why should high-net-worth individuals consult with a financial planner?
High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) have income streams from diverse sources such as executive positions, thriving businesses, professional endeavors, investments, real estate holdings, or inheritances. These require proactive tax planning for better financial efficiency. Before you move off of this point consider this story. We recently visited with a couple generating 1.1 million in combined revenue, with the probability of that number increasing each year.
As we reviewed what they were paying in taxes on their last dollars earned, it was clear to this family and to us that an egregious amount of their last dollars earned were going to taxes. We spent hours working with our network of brilliant tax strategists creating new strategies, as in strategies that this current couple’s CPA had not thought of. The outcome? Several new ideas that this couple will be able to implement each year! The real outcome – over their lifetime they will be able to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes. That’s what is available in one category of our services. One!
Then, there’s the need to ensure a seamless transfer of wealth to the next generation. This critical task necessitates careful estate planning and asset protection measures. Again, the heart of the planning – reducing taxes everywhere possible!
That’s why consulting with a certified financial planner (CFP®) specializing in HNW clientele is essential. CFP’s are professionals with the experience and expertise to navigate complex financial landscapes.
8 Tips for HNW Individuals from a Certified Financial Planner®
Certified financial planners can understand individual goals and risk tolerances. Hence, they can tailor comprehensive strategies to safeguard wealth, mitigate risks, and maximize growth opportunities. Here are some insights from the pros to ponder on:
1. Embrace a comprehensive financial plan
A wide-ranging financial plan provides a structured approach to managing complex portfolios, ensuring your finances strategically align with your goals and objectives.
As a high-profile executive with diverse investment holdings, real estate properties, and retirement accounts, your financial plan must outline clear strategies for asset allocation, risk management, and long-term wealth preservation.
2. Optimize for tax efficiency
You probably face substantial tax liabilities due to high income and your holdings. Tax efficiency involves utilizing legal strategies and structures to minimize tax obligations, which means you get to keep more from what you’ve made.
There are a host of different ways to reduce or minimize your taxes! There are many high income earners that believe they are doing all that they can to reduce their tax bill. In 9/10 of these instances we are able to lean on our brilliant and capable tax strategists to create lucrative yet ethical ways to reduce taxes!
3. Focus on estate planning and wealth transfer
Wealthy families typically establish a trust to protect assets from creditors and facilitate the seamless transfer of wealth to heirs. Here, estate planning is crucial to guarantee the smooth transfer of wealth to future generations while minimizing estate taxes and probate expenses. A CFP® can help you create a thorough estate plan encompassing trusts, wills, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney
4. Prioritize risk management
Although being wealthy is advantageous, it also comes with vulnerabilities. HNW individuals are prone to various risks, including market volatility, liability concerns, and being targeted by fraudulent activities. Similarly, unexpected life events, like hospitalization or the passing of a loved one, can cause negative financial ripples, especially when these risks are not mitigated properly.
5. Incorporate philanthropy into your broader financial plan
You may have a keen interest in utilizing financial resources to serve a purpose other than wealth accumulation. With your unique position, you can drive significant change in education, health, environmental conservation, the arts, or other areas you are passionate about.
By thoughtfully integrating philanthropic activities into your financial plan, you can establish a legacy that benefits society and cements your values and vision for future generations.
Philanthropy also allows HNW individuals like yourself to make a meaningful impact on charitable causes while providing potential tax benefits. Covering philanthropy into your financial plan involves strategic giving strategies, such as establishing donor-advised funds or creating generous trusts. By supporting charitable organizations, you can receive tax deductions that can be weaved into your planning.
6. Maintain flexibility
With the financial landscape constantly evolving, you must adapt your strategies accordingly. Accommodating changing market conditions, tax laws, and personal circumstances can help with effective wealth management. A good application of this is adjusting asset allocation based on market trends or modifying estate plans in response to changes in family dynamics or tax regulations.
7. Educate yourself and your heirs
Financial literacy is essential for preserving and growing wealth across generations. A sudden financial windfall from an inheritance may be a boon to the next generation but cost the family’s legacy if not handled properly.
Where can you turn to for financial education for you or your family? Tencap is proud to host and allow access to several events where you and/or your family can spend time receiving coaching around money – where you and your family can spend time with professionals examining your habits and true purpose for money.
Invest in education around finances and money! Discuss and get coaching on economic principles, investment strategies, and estate planning techniques with your successors. These acts are crucial to instilling a sense of responsibility and stewardship over family inheritance, especially if you intend to leave your family significant amounts of money!
8. Collaborate with finance professionals
Being informed is one thing. However, you can gain invaluable insights and guidance by partnering with an experienced financial planner or finance advisor from Tencap. Tencap’s finance professionals work with HNW individuals through customized strategies to optimize wealth management and achieve long-term goals. At the same time, we can help you face financial challenges with clarity. We can help you create excellence around all areas of your financial world.
Boosting Financial Prosperity for High-Net-Worth Individuals
HNW individuals face various challenges and opportunities. These can range from mitigating risks and settling estate plans to ensuring smooth inheritance transfers. Teaming up with a reliable financial planner who empowers you to leverage your wealth effectively can make all the difference.
At Tencap, we provide tailored financial guidance to diverse clients, including HNWIs. Our specialists are here to lead you confidently through complex financial landscapes
Secure financial prosperity and responsibility with the elite team at Tencap Wealth Coaching. Contact us today to schedule your no-cost consultation.
Greg Black, CFP®, ChFC®
Greg Black is the owner and founder of Tencap Wealth Coaching, an independent investment advisory firm founded on academic investing principles. As a Certified Financial Planner, Greg takes an educational approach to helping his clients be settled and responsible with their financial circumstances. Greg specializes in helping his clients create a proactive plan to minimize the exposure of market conditions while still harnessing the incredible power of global financial markets.
Greg specializes in "complexity" and is skilled at turning a complicated situation into an organized strategy for the families he serves. Greg, and each advisor of Tencap, is a stated fiduciary. You never have to wonder if your best interest is being served. Greg has been transforming the investor experience since 2012.
