As an Investment Advisory team, we've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients - to help them identify and reach their financial goals. Below are just a few examples of how we've helped our clients unlock their financial potential and provide confidence in their financial future.

Financial Planning: Minimizing a Large Tax Bill

Did you know that less than 50% of high net worth individuals have a comprehensive financial plan in place?

Many assume that their wealth alone is enough to secure their financial future. However, without a comprehensive plan, it's easy to overlook opportunities for growth and savings.

At GWM, we recently worked with a high net worth family to prepare a financial plan for their retirement. Although they were already in a position to retire comfortably in the near future, they wanted to forecast and manage their retirement spending, to ensure they could leave sufficient funds for their children.

By taking a deep dive into their current financial situation, we were able to identify areas that were being overlooked, such as the structure of their estate. If left unattended, this item alone would have resulted in a large tax bill for the clients. This is just one example of how financial planning was able to highlight key areas to take action, allowing the client to manage future spending, reduce tax liability, and enhance the family's wealth.

Confused to Confident: The Value of Communication

Many of the clients we work with have limited experience or interest in investing. Specifically in these relationships, trust is a critical element for ensuring comfort and peace of mind throughout the investment process.

When we first onboarded one of our high net worth clients, she didn't ask many questions and was rather hands-off with her investments. Often, it's "low-maintenance" clients like her that require the most attention - as it can be unclear how the client is feeling. From our first meeting, being transparent and clear in my communication was the first step in building trust and establishing open lines of inbound and outbound communication. From the onset, our client was aware that if she ever needed anything, or had any concerns, that we would be more than happy to speak with her.

As time went on, I met with the client on a regular basis to discuss ongoing market conditions, her portfolio's performance, and relevant changes we had made to her strategy. During these meetings, I took time to educate her on her investment strategy and why it remained suitable for her needs, and in line with her risk tolerance. Over time, this open dialogue, combined with this baseline of understanding we had worked towards, provided not only comfort, but confidence in her investment strategy - ultimately reducing concerns, minimizing errors, and providing peace of mind for my client.

Beyond the Numbers: Making an Impact With Your Money

 We understand it's not just about the numbers, but what you want to do with your money.

One of the most rewarding experiences in my career was working with a local charity to provide them with the financial education and wealth management resources they required.

When the charity approached us, they’d been working with a previous advisor who was charging them very high fees - without providing the education they needed. This gap in financial knowledge was not uncommon, especially for organizations focused on providing critical services to their community. With a lack of time and resources to dedicate to financial education, they were left with a limited understanding of how to optimize and manage their pool of donations - which would be used to fund operations and build a larger reserve for future projects.

Recognizing this gap, my team and I worked alongside their investment committee to revise their existing portfolio - in line with a more appropriate risk profile and updated investment goals. Working with clients like this stands as proof that investment management isn't just about maximizing returns—it's about using our skills and resources to make a positive difference in people's lives.

In the Words of Our Clients...

“I have recommended and continue to recommend The Gerstel Wealth Management Group based on their expertise, results and ability to understand clients’ needs well beyond that of traditional advisors.”

- A. Crombie, Client since 2000

“Gerstel Wealth Management takes a unique approach in managing my affairs. The measurement of success is achieving my needs, wants and aspirational goals, which are mutually discussed. This process has resulted in making me more comfortable in periods of volatility, eliminating knee jerk emotional selling events. I now stay the course and it has served me well.”

- Susan Morton, Client since 2005

“Effective ongoing communication, and excellent recommendations.”

- Christine Sinclair, Client since 2006

“The Gerstel Wealth Management Group not only manages my financial affairs but also ties those financial affairs to personal hopes, dreams and principals held dear.”

- Alan David, Client since 2010

“These are true professionals. I feel decisions are always made based in my best interest.”

- Ian Sinclair, Client since 2000

“A very clear, simple and concise process. Moving-forward results are relative to my goals, not the market.”

- Barbara Holden, Client since 2001