Aug 22, 2025
Client Background
A couple with a young child approached us to plan for their child’s future education. They wanted a flexible savings vehicle that accounted for the possibility that their child might not attend college.
Challenge
The couple was torn between a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account and a 529 plan. They were concerned about committing funds to a 529 if their child chose a non-educational path, potentially facing penalties or taxes on withdrawals.
Solution
After comparing options, we recommended a Colorado 529 plan due to its flexibility and tax benefits. Contributions to a Colorado 529 plan qualify for a state income tax deduction, and earnings grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. We outlined the following pros for each option:
| Feature |
UTMA |
Colorado 529 Plan |
| Tax Benefits |
No tax deductions; earnings taxed annually |
State tax deduction; tax-free growth for education |
| Flexibility |
Funds usable for any purpose |
Primarily for education, but flexible options |
| Control |
Child gains control at 21 |
Account owner retains control |
| Investment Options |
Broad investment choices |
Limited to plan’s investment options |
If the child does not pursue higher education, the 529 plan offers flexibility:
- Change the beneficiary to another family member.
- Use funds for vocational or trade schools.
- Withdraw funds for non-educational purposes (subject to taxes and a 10% penalty on earnings).
- Use up to $10,000 for student loan repayment or K-12 tuition.
Results
The couple began monthly contributions to a Colorado 529 plan, benefiting from the state tax deduction and tax-free growth. The plan’s flexibility reassured them that their savings could adapt to their child’s future choices, whether educational or otherwise, aligning with their goal of financial security.
Are you planning for your child’s future with flexibility in mind? Contact Michael Brady for a personalized consultation to discuss how your wealth can align with purpose and possibility.
Aug 22, 2025
Client Background
A couple approached us after the husband received a terminal diagnosis with a five-year prognosis. The husband, who managed their finances, wanted to ensure his wife’s financial security after his passing.
Challenge
The wife had limited experience with financial decision-making, and the couple’s children lived across the country, making ongoing family involvement challenging. The husband sought a trusted advisor to guide his wife post-mortem.
Solution
We developed a relationship with both spouses, involving the wife in all financial decisions to build her confidence. The husband gradually delegated control to us, ensuring a seamless transition. We also engaged their children to align the family with the wife’s future financial plans, maintaining her authority with our guidance.
Results
After the husband’s passing, the wife confidently managed their finances with our support, exceeding the initial prognosis period. The family remained united in supporting her decisions, and our ongoing relationship ensured her financial stability and peace of mind.
Are you planning for your family’s financial future? Contact Michael Brady for a personalized consultation to discuss how your wealth can align with purpose and possibility.
Aug 22, 2025
Client Background
A business owner planning to exit their company in three to five years sought our advice to ensure sufficient retirement funds.
Challenge
The client’s wealth was heavily tied to their business, and their personal savings alone might not support their desired retirement lifestyle. Business-related expenses, like company cars and health insurance, complicated their financial planning post-exit.
Solution
We conducted a retirement analysis to determine the minimum sale price needed to meet their retirement goals. We adjusted their profit and loss statement to account for personal expenses previously covered by the business. Working with a certified value growth advisor and exit planning advisor, we maximized the business’s value through strategic improvements, ensuring a higher sale price.
Results
The client achieved clarity on the business sale price needed for their retirement lifestyle. Our collaborative approach enhanced the business’s value, increasing the likelihood of a successful exit. The client gained confidence in their retirement plan, knowing their personal and business finances were aligned.
Are you preparing for a business exit? Contact Michael Brady for a personalized consultation to discuss how your wealth can align with purpose and possibility.
Aug 22, 2025
Client Background
A client, nearing retirement, sought our guidance, overwhelmed by market volatility and a fear of losing money.
Challenge
The client’s conservative approach, keeping funds in low-yield bank accounts, jeopardized their ability to achieve their retirement goals due to insufficient returns. They needed to embrace calculated risks to meet their long-term objectives.
Solution
We conducted a retirement analysis to demonstrate that low-risk investments wouldn’t meet their goals. We educated them on market volatility, demonstrating that diversified portfolios have historically recovered over time. We implemented a balanced investment strategy with mitigated risks, aligning with their long-term objectives.
Results
Over 20 years, the client’s diversified portfolio weathered market fluctuations and achieved sufficient growth to meet their retirement goals. Their increased comfort with calculated risks, supported by our ongoing guidance, ensured they stayed on track for a secure retirement.
Are market fears holding back your financial goals? Contact Michael Brady for a personalized consultation to discuss how your wealth can align with purpose and possibility.
Aug 22, 2025
Client Background
An older client worried they couldn’t retire at their desired lifestyle due to limited savings and a short runway to retirement.
Challenge
The client’s savings and expected returns were insufficient to fund their retirement lifestyle. They needed to adjust key variables—savings rate, retirement age, or lifestyle expectations—to achieve their goals.
Solution
We performed a retirement analysis to evaluate their assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. We identified actionable variables: increasing savings, delaying retirement, or reducing retirement expenses. Together, we prioritized delaying retirement by a few years and boosting savings, balancing their current lifestyle with future security.
Results
By adjusting their retirement timeline and savings rate, the client significantly improved their retirement outlook. The clear plan provided confidence, and our annual monitoring ensured they remained on track, adapting to any changes in their circumstances.
Are you unsure which retirement variables to adjust? Contact Michael Brady for a personalized consultation to discuss how your wealth can align with purpose and possibility.
