Making the Most of Your Advisory Relationship
Your Savant financial advisor plays a crucial role in helping you pursue your financial goals, but if you only think of your advisor as someone who manages your investments, you may be missing some of the other important ways your advisor can be of service to you and your family.
Savant’s Holistic Approach
As a fiduciary, our firm is required to place your interests first. That’s why we believe in taking a holistic approach to managing your financial picture and helping you pursue your life goals. Think of your advisor as a partner who can guide you not only through investment decisions, but also through tax strategies, estate planning, charitable giving, and more.
At Savant, we consider 10 planning areas to get a sense of your situation now and help you determine and prioritize your opportunities for the future:
Health & Wellness: We work with you to consider any current or potential health concerns and discuss any necessary care options.
Retirement Planning: In addition to financial considerations, we explore ways to make your retirement meaningful to you. Whether it’s continuing to work in some capacity, pursuing a favorite hobby, or relocating to be near children or grandchildren, your advisor can help you prioritize and create a personalized plan for your ideal future.
Risk Management & Asset Protection: We help you identify, assess, and potentially reduce the likelihood and impact of risk to your financial well-being.
Debt Management: As needed, our advisors work with clients to plan for major purchases or manage debt in the context of financial planning.
Income Tax Planning: In concert with Savant’s tax team, our advisors can assist clients with analysis and strategies to maximize tax breaks and minimize liabilities to make the most of their assets.
Education Planning: For clients interested in contributing to a child’s or grandchild’s education, Savant’s advisors can help determine strategic ways to save for education expenses.
Investment Planning: Savant’s evidence-based approach are designed to help identify which investments are more likely to succeed, based on objective criteria, and which involve unnecessary risk and expenses.
Estate Planning and Administration: For clients interested in leaving a legacy or using their money to help care for future generations, Savant’s estate planning and wealth transfer team can help provide valuable guidance and structure around estate planning.
Business Planning and Succession: If you own a business, Savant can assist you with tax, accounting, payroll, and business consulting services, as well as tailored company retirement plans to help reduce fiduciary risk and minimize administrative burdens.
Charitable Planning: With frequently changing tax laws, it can be difficult to understand how timing and gift amounts can affect your gifting strategy. Your Savant advisor can help you create a tax-efficient plan to maximize your charitable impact.
How to Strengthen Your Relationship
While Savant offers a wide range of services—from tax and estate planning to investment management—we believe the key to making the most of your advisory relationship is proactive communication. Here are a few tips for building a strong, long-lasting relationship with your advisor:
Be Honest and Transparent: The more information you share with your advisor, the better they can serve you. Don’t hesitate to discuss your goals, even if they evolve over time.
Update on Life Changes: Whether it’s a new job, a marriage, or the arrival of a grandchild, keeping your advisor informed ensures your financial plan reflects your current situation.
Schedule Regular Check-ins: Don’t wait for your advisor to reach out. Regularly scheduling reviews can help you stay on track with your financial goals.
Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about anything—from market trends to your estate plan—ask. Advisors are there to help you make informed decisions, and no question is too small.
Take Advantage of Additional Services: Integrating these areas with your financial plan can potentially make a significant difference.
Maximizing Your Financial Future
Your advisory relationship is one of the most valuable partnerships you can have. By staying engaged, communicating openly, and leveraging Savant’s full range of services, you’re potentially setting yourself up for long-term financial wellness. Life is unpredictable, but with the right guidance, you can stay on course as you pursue your goals—no matter what changes come your way.
Advisors aren’t just here to manage your portfolio; they are here to help you navigate all aspects of your financial life. The more you involve them, we believe the better positioned you’ll be to make informed decisions that align with your evolving needs.
Robert E. Morrison
Chief Experience Officer
CFP®