No More Surprises - Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Did you owe taxes with your 2017 returns? Did you receive a big refund? Did you have any idea whether you would owe or receive a refund before you sent us (or your CPA) your tax information? Wouldn't it have been nice if you had?

We hate surprises and you probably do too. We hate finishing a return and seeing a big tax due for a client that we didn't anticipate. Yet there is no greater feeling than finishing a return that closely matches the projection we prepared the prior year. That feeling is even greater if we were able to use that projection to implement some tax planning strategies before year-end that saved our clients a significant amount of money. This happens a lot.

This is why so many of our clients engage us to do more than just prepare their tax returns. With an ongoing fixed fee engagement, we work with you throughout the year on a variety of financial issues. We monitor and/or manage your investments and make sure you own a low cost, well-diversified, tax efficient portfolio. We help you determine how much you should save and the best vehicle to use for your savings. Or we help you determine how much you should withdraw from your portfolio and from where you should take the money. We prepare tax projections for you to see what your current year tax situation looks like so we can implement tax planning strategies before it's too late. We help you plan for retirement and make sure your estate plan is in line with your goals. 

You might already have a financial advisor who manages your portfolio for you. They might be doing a great job for you. But could they be doing more? We believe we add a lot more value through some of the other services we provide aside from simply managing a portfolio or preparing a tax return. We help you focus on the things that are important in your life and make sure your financial plan helps you accomplish your goals. There are things you can do that are within your control that will have a much greater impact on your financial situation than picking the right mutual fund or asset allocation.

If you are sick of surprises each April and want someone to help you manage your entire financial life all year round, you need to take the time to come talk to us.  Our first meeting is always free and you can schedule a meeting here or give us a call. We'd be happy to discuss how we can help you.

-Chris Benson, CPA/PFS

The views expressed represent the opinions of L.K. Benson & Company and are subject to change.  These views are not intended as a forecast, a guarantee of future results, investment recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any securities. The information provided is of a general nature and should not be construed as investment advice or to provide any investment, tax, financial or legal advice or service to any person.Please see Additional Disclosures more information.