Investing for what’s next
Investing for what’s next
Investment Planning
Personalized financial roadmapping
We develop an individualized financial strategy tailored to your risk tolerance and financial objectives. This personalized roadmap serves as your strategic guide to wealth accumulation, ensuring your investments meet your unique goals and funding requirements.
Risk management and mitigation
We prioritize safeguarding your investments with robust risk management techniques. By using hedging strategies, regular portfolio rebalancing, and additional measures, we work to minimize risks while keeping your investments aligned with your financial objectives.
Complete portfolio diversification
We provide comprehensive diversification by strategically allocating assets across equities, fixed income, and alternative investments. We then look to drive tax efficiencies for our clients in both their working and their retirement years. Finally, we use a range of products to deliver targeted guarantees as needed through the use of low-cost insurance vehicles.
Accumulating with a plan for distribution
We calculate your accumulation goal based on your projected income needs in retirement. Our approach considers factors such as life expectancy, additional income sources like Social Security, and unexpected expenses, including medical bills, new technology costs, and lifestyle changes, ensuring financial stability and peace of mind
Legacy planning for all people
We assist with legacy planning, focusing on tax-efficient wealth transfer to maximize your estate’s value. By collaborating with your accountant, estate planning attorney, and other trusted advisors, we create a comprehensive strategy that reflects your wishes and secures your financial legacy for future generations
Explore your options
Traditional IRAs are individual retirement accounts allowing tax-deferred growth on contributions and investment earnings. Contributions may be tax-deductible, depending on income and employer retirement plan participation. Ideal for long-term savings, Traditional IRAs provide an opportunity to reduce taxable income now while growing retirement funds for future withdrawals, which are taxed as ordinary income.
Key points to understand
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- Surender period and penalties
- Annuitization and lifetime income
- Inflation risk
Roth IRAs are individual retirement accounts offering tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars and are not tax-deductible, but qualified withdrawals, including earnings, are tax-free. Ideal for long-term savings, Roth IRAs provide flexibility and significant tax advantages for those expecting higher taxes in retirement.
Spousal IRAs allow a working spouse to contribute to an IRA on behalf of a non-working or low-earning spouse. These accounts can be either Traditional or Roth IRAs, offering tax-deferred or tax-free growth, respectively. Spousal IRAs help couples maximize retirement savings, providing a tax-advantaged way for both spouses to prepare for the future.
Non-Deductible IRAs are traditional IRAs where contributions are made with after-tax dollars, typically because the contributor's income exceeds the limits for tax-deductible contributions. While contributions are not tax-deductible, the account's earnings grow tax-deferred. Ideal for high-income individuals, Non-Deductible IRAs provide an additional retirement savings option, and they can be a step toward a backdoor Roth IRA conversion.
Key points to understand
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- Buffers and Floors
- Caps and Spreads
- Long Term Commitment
Rollover IRAs are retirement accounts created to transfer funds from an employer-sponsored plan, such as a 401(k), into an IRA. This process preserves the tax-deferred status of the funds and avoids penalties.
Ideal for individuals changing jobs or retiring, Rollover IRAs provide flexibility in managing investments and often offer a broader range of options than employer plans.
Key points to understand
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- Fee structures
- Riders and associated costs
- Products without income riders can used solely for tax deferred growth
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Backdoor Roth IRAs are a strategy for high-income individuals to contribute to a Roth IRA indirectly. This involves making a non-deductible contribution to a Traditional IRA and then converting it to a Roth IRA, allowing for tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement. This approach is ideal for those exceeding income limits for direct Roth IRA contributions, offering a tax-efficient way to maximize retirement savings.
Business IRAs are retirement savings plans designed for small business owners and their employees, such as SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs. These accounts provide tax advantages, including tax-deferred growth on contributions and potential tax deductions for employers. Ideal for businesses seeking to offer competitive retirement benefits, Business IRAs are cost-effective, easy to manage, and adaptable to various business sizes and needs.
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- Ensure Your 401(k) Allows After-Tax Contributions:
- Before using the mega backdoor Roth strategy, you need to max out your pre-tax (or Roth) contributions to your 401(k). For 2024, this is $22,500 (or $30,000 if age 50 or older).
- Once regular contributions are maxed out, you can make after-tax contributions up to the plan's total contribution limit.
- Convert After-Tax Contributions to Roth:
- In-Plan Roth Conversion: Some 401(k) plans allow you to convert after-tax contributions to a Roth 401(k) account within the plan.
- Rollover to a Roth IRA: Alternatively, you can roll over the after-tax contributions to a Roth IRA. This step may involve some paperwork and coordination.
A mega backdoor Roth is a retirement savings strategy that allows individuals to contribute significantly more to a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) than the standard contribution limits permit. It involves making after-tax contributions to a 401(k) plan and then converting those contributions to a Roth account, typically either within the plan (if allowed) or by rolling them into a Roth IRA. Here's how it works
- Ensure Your 401(k) Allows After-Tax Contributions:
- Before using the mega backdoor Roth strategy, you need to max out your pre-tax (or Roth) contributions to your 401(k). For 2024, this is $22,500 (or $30,000 if age 50 or older).
- Once regular contributions are maxed out, you can make after-tax contributions up to the plan's total contribution limit.
- Convert After-Tax Contributions to Roth:
- In-Plan Roth Conversion: Some 401(k) plans allow you to convert after-tax contributions to a Roth 401(k) account within the plan.
- Rollover to a Roth IRA: Alternatively, you can roll over the after-tax contributions to a Roth IRA. This step may involve some paperwork and coordination.
529 Plans are tax-advantaged savings plans designed to help families save for education expenses. Contributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified expenses, such as tuition, books, and room and board, are tax-free. Ideal for parents and grandparents, 529 Plans offer flexibility, high contribution limits, and potential state tax benefits, making them an excellent tool for funding education.
As of 2024, 529 Plan-to-Roth IRA Conversions offer a new opportunity for unused education savings. If the beneficiary of a 529 plan does not pursue higher education, certain funds can be transferred into a Roth IRA in their name, subject to specific conditions. These include lifetime contribution limits (currently $35,000), the account being at least 15 years old, and adhering to annual Roth IRA contribution limits.
This option provides flexibility, allowing families to repurpose unused 529 funds for the beneficiary's long-term retirement savings, ensuring the money remains tax-advantaged and useful.
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are tax-advantaged accounts designed to help families save for a child's educational expenses. Contributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified expenses, such as tuition, books, and supplies for K-12 and college, are tax-free. Coverdell ESAs have annual contribution limits of $2,000 per beneficiary and income eligibility requirements. They are ideal for families seeking a flexible savings option to cover a wide range of education-related costs.
UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) and UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) accounts are custodial accounts that allow adults to transfer assets to minors. These accounts hold cash, securities, and other assets until the child reaches the age of majority, which varies by state.
UTMA accounts can include a broader range of assets, such as real estate, while UGMA accounts are typically limited to financial assets like stocks and bonds. These accounts are ideal for transferring wealth to children, though the assets become the child's property once they reach the designated age.
Custodial Roth IRAs are retirement accounts established for minors under the care of a custodian, typically a parent or guardian. Contributions are made with the minor's earned income and grow tax-free, with tax-free withdrawals in retirement for qualified expenses.
These accounts are ideal for teaching children the value of saving early, leveraging the power of compounding, and providing a head start on retirement savings. Once the minor reaches the age of majority, they gain full control of the account.
Trust Accounts are financial accounts managed by a trustee on behalf of a beneficiary, ensuring that assets are used according to the trust's terms. These accounts can hold various assets, including cash, securities, and real estate, and are often used for estate planning, asset protection, or tax management.
Trust accounts are ideal for individuals looking to control asset distribution, provide for loved ones, or protect wealth for future generations while benefiting from legal and financial safeguards.
Taxable Accounts, also commonly referred to as Brokerage Accounts, are non-qualified investment accounts, meaning they are not tax-advantaged and do not adhere to the rules governing retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s. These accounts allow you to buy and sell securities such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, and mutual funds, with earnings from dividends, interest, and realized capital gains subject to taxes.
While "brokerage account" is often used interchangeably with taxable accounts, it is also a management type that can apply to tax-qualified accounts like IRAs. This flexibility makes brokerage accounts a versatile tool for managing both taxable and tax-advantaged investments, catering to a variety of financial goals.
Which one is right for you?
Direct Account
A direct account involves purchasing mutual funds directly from a single fund family. We can help you choose the right combination of funds that’s best for you.
Managed Account
A managed account offers personalized investment management with options for active, passive, dynamic, or tactical strategies tailored to your needs.
Brokerage Account
A brokerage account empowers you and your financial consultant to build a diversified portfolio from various investment options tailored to your goals.
Own investments that fit you
While we can help you choose the investments that work best for you, some investors prefer to have more or even full decision-making power when building their portfolios. We understand that every investor has unique needs and preferences.
Whether you opt for a hands-on approach or rely on our expertise, we are here as a resource to support you throughout the decision-making process. Our team is ready to provide education and guidance whenever you desire.
Our goal is to ensure you gain exposure to the strategies you want while making sure your investments work together seamlessly to meet your risk appetite. We remain committed to helping you achieve your investment objectives with clarity and confidence.
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are professionally managed investment vehicles pooling resources from multiple investors to create diversified portfolios of stocks, bonds, or other securities. They offer broad market exposure with smaller capital and diversification that's hard to achieve individually.
Designed with specific goals like growth, income, or balance, mutual funds help investors align their strategies with financial objectives and risk tolerance, making them a versatile portfolio tool.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are professionally managed investment vehicles that trade on stock exchanges like individual stocks. They pool resources from investors to create diversified portfolios of assets, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities, offering broad market exposure at a low cost.
ETFs cater to various investment goals, including growth, income, or sector-specific strategies. Their flexibility, cost efficiency, and diversification make them an ideal choice for building a well-rounded portfolio.
Unit Investment Trusts (UITs)
UITs are pooled investment vehicles offering a fixed portfolio of securities, such as stocks or bonds, for a set period. Unlike actively managed funds, UITs follow a buy-and-hold strategy, ensuring stability and predictability.
UITs are designed to align with specific investment objectives, such as income or growth. Their defined timeframe and predictable structure make them a simple, diversified option for investors seeking clarity and consistency in their portfolios.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
REITs are investment vehicles that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate. They allow investors to access a diversified portfolio of real estate assets without directly owning property.
REITs typically focus on specific sectors like residential, commercial, or industrial properties and often pay high dividends. Their liquidity, diversification, and income potential make them an attractive option for building a balanced portfolio.
Hedge Mutual Funds
Hedge Mutual Funds are professionally managed funds that combine traditional investment strategies with advanced techniques like short-selling, leverage, or derivatives. They aim to achieve higher returns while managing risk across various market conditions.
These funds often pursue specific objectives, such as growth or risk mitigation, making them a flexible option for investors seeking diversification and performance beyond traditional mutual funds.
Liquid Interval Funds
Liquid Interval Funds are hybrid investment vehicles combining features of mutual funds and private investments. They provide periodic liquidity, allowing investors to redeem shares at set intervals while maintaining exposure to less liquid assets like private equity or real estate.
Designed for specific goals like growth or income, these funds offer diversification and access to alternative investments, making them a flexible option for investors seeking balance between liquidity and long-term returns.
Real Asset Funds
Real Asset Funds invest in tangible assets like real estate, infrastructure, commodities, or natural resources. These funds provide diversification and serve as a hedge against inflation by focusing on assets with intrinsic value.
Designed to achieve goals such as income, growth, or stability, real asset funds are a practical choice for investors seeking exposure to physical assets in their portfolios.
Fixed Income Funds
Fixed Income Funds invest primarily in bonds and other debt securities, providing regular income and capital preservation. These funds focus on stability and are less volatile than equity investments.
With objectives like generating income or managing risk, fixed income funds suit investors seeking steady returns and diversification in their portfolios.
Target Date Funds
Target Date Funds are diversified investment funds designed to align with a specific retirement or financial goal date. They automatically adjust their asset allocation over time, shifting from growth-focused investments to more conservative options as the target date approaches.
Ideal for long-term planning, these funds offer a simple, hands-off approach for investors aiming to balance risk and return throughout their investment journey.
Indexed Funds
Indexed Funds are investment funds that mirror the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500. They provide diversification, low fees, and consistent returns by holding the same assets as the tracked index.
These funds are a simple, cost-effective choice for investors seeking broad market exposure and long-term growth with minimal management.
Sector Funds
Sector Funds focus on specific industries or sectors, such as technology, healthcare, or energy. They provide targeted exposure to areas of the market with growth potential or specific economic trends.
Ideal for investors with strong convictions about a sector's performance, these funds offer diversification within a niche while carrying higher risk due to their concentrated focus.
Regional Funds
Regional Funds invest in companies within a specific geographic area, such as Asia, Europe, or Latin America. They provide focused exposure to the economic and market conditions of a particular region.
These funds are ideal for investors seeking to capitalize on regional growth opportunities or diversify their portfolios geographically while being mindful of the potential risks tied to regional market fluctuations.
Thematic Funds
Thematic Funds focus on investments tied to specific trends, themes, or ideas, such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, or healthcare innovation. They aim to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities within a particular theme.
Ideal for investors passionate about specific trends, these funds provide a targeted approach to diversification, though they may carry higher risks due to their concentrated focus.
Tax Exempt Bond Funds
Tax-Exempt Bond Funds invest in municipal bonds and other debt securities that generate income exempt from federal taxes, and sometimes state or local taxes. These funds are designed to provide steady, tax-advantaged income.
Ideal for investors in higher tax brackets, tax-exempt bond funds offer a way to preserve capital and earn income while reducing tax liabilities.
Dividend Income Funds
Dividend Income Funds focus on investments in companies that consistently pay dividends. They aim to provide regular income while offering the potential for capital growth through quality, dividend-paying stocks, and reliable securities.
These funds are ideal for investors seeking a steady cash flow, portfolio stability, and long-term wealth building.
Why Elkmont
Personalized Experience
Our systems are fully functional and operating smoothly. We are ready for you to hit the ground running.
Tailored Financial Advice
We operate on the most advanced technology available in our space today,
All in one access
Our time-tested operating procedures efficiently mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.
Trusted Expertise
We provide highly competitive compensation plans with options for you to choose what fits you best.
Is a variable annuity right for you?
A tax deferred - variable annuity can help grow your assets in the market and simultaneously protect your withdrawal value from taking losses. Tailored endorsements can do even more to give you guarantees and piece of mind.
Elkmont Partners Program
Are you a professional and interested in building a secondary income stream? If you'd like to learn more about working together, please contact us.
