Services

Retirement Planning

CRB Strategic Services has worked with many clients as they transition into retirement or begin deriving income from their portfolio. Retirement Planning is one of the core duties of a financial planner.

A cornerstone of Retirement Planning is cash-flow analysis. This analysis helps estimate what a household may accumulate by a target retirement age. That analysis can then be used to explore sustainable withdrawal strategies, helping clients understand how their savings may support their lifestyle over time, including potential legacy goals.

Asset Allocation

For many years, investors have relied on portfolios made up primarily of stocks and bonds. In today's environment, some clients are interested in exploring a broader range of investment strategies.

Capital and savings are finite and valuable. Careful planning is required to manage risk and support long-term purchasing power.

Many investment firms operate within standardized frameworks shaped by regulatory and operational considerations. At CRB Strategic Services, asset allocation recommendations are customized based on each household's specific needs, goals, and preferences. Clients are educated on a range of asset classes, where appropriate, so they can make informed decisions about how their portfolio is constructed.

Correlation between assets is one of several factors considered when building and maintaining a portfolio.

Debt Management

Financial ratios can help provide context for how debt may impact a household's financial flexibility. For example, lower debt service relative to income may allow for greater savings and adaptability, while higher debt levels may require more careful planning.

CRB Strategic Services works with clients to review their current debt structure and explore strategies for reduction or management, based on their broader financial plan.

Building Around Existing Holdings

Clients do not always arrive with a blank slate. Many come with existing positions, including specialized or illiquid investments such as private equity or private credit, that were established previously.

CRB Strategic Services can review these holdings to help clients understand what they own, assess the quality and fit of those positions within a broader financial plan, and provide guidance on whether retaining them continues to make sense given the client's current goals and circumstances.

For clients who are evaluating new opportunities in private placements or hedge funds, CRB Strategic Services can also assist with the due diligence process. This may include reviewing offering materials, evaluating structural and liquidity considerations, and helping clients understand the risks and trade-offs involved before making a commitment.

The goal is to ensure that specialized investments, whether existing or prospective, are thoughtfully integrated into the overall plan, rather than evaluated in isolation.

Education Funding

There are several ways to plan for education expenses, each with its own rules and considerations.

For example, 529 plans, custodial accounts, and other savings vehicles may offer different benefits depending on the situation.

Clients often have questions such as:

  • Which type of account may be appropriate?

  • How much should be saved over time?

  • How can funds be used?

  • What are the tax considerations?

CRB Strategic Services helps clients understand these options so they can make informed decisions aligned with their goals.

Estate Planning

Estate Planning documents help communicate your intentions and provide direction for the management and distribution of assets.

For example:

  • A Will can designate guardians for minor children

  • Trusts may be used for privacy, control, or probate considerations

CRB Strategic Services assists clients by helping them think through which estate planning strategies may be appropriate, and by preparing them to have efficient and productive conversations with an estate planning attorney.

After documents are in place, CRB Strategic Services can also help review beneficiary designations and account titling to align with the overall plan.

Tax Strategies

Tax considerations are an important component of financial planning.

CRB Strategic Services works with clients to explore strategies such as:

  • Asset location across account types

  • Use of tax-deferred or tax-free accounts

  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

  • Charitable giving strategies

  • Roth conversions

  • Tax Loss Harvesting

We also coordinate with your CPA or tax professional when appropriate. The goal is to ensure that tax considerations are incorporated into the broader financial plan.

Gold, Commodities, Digital Assets and Hard Assets

Some clients are interested in exploring alternative asset classes such as gold, commodities, real estate, or digital assets.

Different firms and platforms may have varying capabilities when it comes to these types of investments. At CRB Strategic Services, we provide education and guidance to help clients understand how these assets function, including potential risks, benefits, and trade-offs.

Gold and other commodities have historically been used by some investors as part of a diversified portfolio. Digital assets, such as Bitcoin, are a newer asset class that some clients choose to evaluate.

Our role is to help clients understand these options and determine whether, and to what extent, they may fit within their overall financial strategy.

Ongoing Relationship

These services are provided as part of an ongoing relationship with CRB Strategic Services. Financial planning is a dynamic process, and we work with clients over time as their circumstances and goals evolve. If you would like to learn more about how CRB Strategic Services can help you co-create a custom plan for your future, please use the link below to contact us for a consultation, at no charge.