Passion For Planning

Our planning-based approach drives everything we do. From the outset of each relationship, we help clients explore and prioritize their most cherished goals for themselves, and the people they love. To learn, we ask many questions and listen (more than talk):

• “What concerns do you have – what keeps you up at night?”
• “How much do you expect to spend in retirement?”
• “Do you have a trust or will? Was it recently updated?”
• “Do you anticipate supporting someone (parent, child, for example) in retirement?”
• “What do you really want that you think you can’t afford?”
• “What role would you like us to play?”

We also get specific. We ask about a new client’s current cash flow – how much and how they spend. How do they feel about their investing experience? And what part of their financial picture they hope to improve. We also examine both sides of their balance sheet – assets and liabilities – to identify ways to consolidate or improve the use of debt.

Please note that our planning process is ongoing, not a one-time event. Over the course of each relationship, we will work to enhance our understanding of clients – what is on their mind and in their heart. Ultimately, we aim to help clients identify their goals for their wealth, so that the strategy we develop can help them feel comfortable in pursuing these goals.

To provide the depth and breadth of “family wealth” planning, we devote ourselves to understanding the ambitions of all stakeholders – spouses and children. From familial relationships with clients and open communications come strategies that often span risk-managed investing, retirement and education planning, wealth transfer and legacy planning, and philanthropy.

To optimally coordinate and align our tax minimization and estate planning strategies with those of clients’ other trusted advisors, we often invite their CPAs and attorneys “to the table.” And to provide a fiduciary standard and share the highest level of knowledge and know-how, we also call upon specialists at our firm’s trust company.

When it comes to investments, we encourage clients to share their perspective on achieving steady long-term growth, in relation to the risk they are willing to take. Formulating customized portfolios that incorporates our firm’s world-class research and a client’s investment timeline, liquidity needs, goals and risk tolerance, we use multiple asset classes including individual equities and options portfolios for income and to help mitigate downside risk.

Our clients’ achievements and discipline have led to financial and personal success. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to help manage that wealth responsibly and in the most respectful manner. The quality and longevity of our client relationships remind us of the roles we play and the trust we’ve earned.

*Institutional Investor magazine announced BofA Global Research as one of the Top Global Research Firms in 2022 based on surveys held throughout the year. The magazine creates rankings of the top research analysts in a wide variety of specializations, drawn from the choices of portfolio managers and other investment professionals at more than 1,000 firms. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. Learn more about the methodology at Institutional Investor. Rankings and recognition from Institutional Investor are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement.

*Any information presented in connection with BofA Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC, and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. BofA Global Research does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.

*Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Before engaging in the purchase or sale of options, investors should understand the nature of and extent of their rights and obligations and be aware of the risks involved in investing with options. Prior to buying or selling an option, clients must receive the options disclosure document Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options. This document is available by contacting your Financial Advisor.

Focus On Retirement

In the vast majority of cases, a rewarding retirement lifestyle is the #1 priority for clients of The Gunter Hamilton DeCaro Wealth Management Group. Consequently, we have developed a strong competency in helping clients plan for and prosper in retirement. Our experience creating retirement income generation and distribution strategies is very significant.
Getting to appreciate each client’s vision of retirement is both fascinating and fulfilling to us. Beyond the bottom line, we remind clients that part of our job is helping them leave memories, not just money – finding joy along the way without compromising their long-term financial goals.

With most clients earning, or having earned, the money they need for themselves and their families, our team’s goal is to help clients preserve and grow their wealth without undue risk or tax consequences. Through our extensive planning process, we account for a client’s aspirations, risk tolerance, investment timeline and the need for liquidity. Likely and unlikely scenarios are also evaluated and explained. It is critical that clients can articulate what wealth means to them and appreciate how decisions can affect future generations.

Each day, we address clients’ far-ranging concerns – which include outliving their money in retirement, when to take Social Security benefits, the overall viability of Social Security, the sustainability of their other distributions, Medicare and long-term care insurance decisions, and future medical costs. As the primary financial resource for most clients, we welcome their questions. And rather than ever make assumptions, we make time for multiple meetings at clients’ kitchen tables, local restaurants, our conference table, or with a virtual meeting.

Working collaboratively as a team and closely with clients, we position ourselves to understand the decision points that clients will face. As a result, we can be proactive (not reactive) and help clients “see around corners” – to help them prepare for circumstances they envision, and those they do not.

When clients’ life transitions bring about significant financial challenges, we take a “hands-on, hands-held” approach. As seasoned and sensitive advisors, we strive to help clients make thoughtful, unhurried decisions. In everything we do, we are dedicated to increasing the probability of what our clients deserve – a rewarding and stress-free lifestyle in retirement.

Given our decades of experience, we rarely see situations we have not encountered. In addition to our team’s nuanced insights, we allow clients to benefit from others we have assisted in similar positions. We feel incredibly fortunate to have long memories and relationships.