Take Advantage of Fall Financial Planning
By Maggie Caldwell
School is well underway, the grocery stores are stocked with pumpkins and squash, and football season is back on TV – sure signs that, despite our mild climate, the end of the year is rapidly approaching. Autumn is a transitional season, a time of change, so it’s the perfect time to take a minute to reflect on what’s happened in your life this year and where you want to be. Have you changed jobs? Has your business changed? Are you getting ready to retire? Are the financial needs of any members of your family changing? Now is a great time to engage in some fall financial planning, to examine your finances, set goals and strategies, and learn to implement them before another new year sneaks up on us.
Erik Hanson and Jessica Hawkins of The Hanson Group at Morgan Stanley want you to know there’s no reason to avoid planning for your financial present and future. Together, they have over 20 years’ experience, Erik with 15 years and Jessica with 6, in the financial industry and so are well-prepared to demystify the financial planning process with you. And as local residents, they understand your life: Erik, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional, is a third-generation Santa Cruzan raising a family of his own.
Jessica, a Financial Advisor, is a UCSC graduate who is active in the local horse community and supports local equine charities. Erik comes from a family that owned businesses. Jessica is from a family of professionals, executives, and educators. Together, The Hanson Group is here to work with families, businesses, executives and non-profits stretching from Monterey to San Francisco. “Our business is all about the clients,” explains Erik. “We’re part of a team that helps you make decisions. Circumstances can be complex; financial planning can take on all different angles, and we can be helpful along the way.”
If you are a business owner, for example, join the owners of both large and small businesses who turn to The Hanson Group for financial advice. “Fiduciary responsibility is a crucial part of being a business owner,” says Jessica. “We help companies make decisions about retirement plans, provide guidance with corporate cash management, and other key financial decisions for business owners.” This involves understanding goals, how they are achieving those goals, and looking at how well the current programs are working.
Retirement plans, once in place, are not static. “Companies change; they grow, shrink, and evolve,” says Erik. “We help evaluate if the solutions they offer are still the proper ones both for fiduciary responsibility, tax strategies, as well as to attract and retain employees.” Jessica points out that education is also an important part of retirement plan management. “We want to educate employees to know about saving solutions and how best to prepare for their golden years.”
People preparing for retirement also turn to The Hanson Group for advice on how to manage their retirement savings. “How you manage your budget in the accumulation phase of your life is different from the distribution phase,” says Erik. “And people can retire in a lot of different ways. We focus on rollover management and consistency of cash flow, on recreating your paycheck. We want you to maintain the life you’re accustomed to.”
Often senior clients consider strategies to shift wealth and responsibility to their children and grandchildren, so Erik and Jessica help with multigenerational financial planning. “Moving an estate from one generation to another is intricately involved. It’s not just about renaming accounts and making stock transfers,” says Erik. “Heirs may need to learn, for example, how to manage commercial real estate, how debt works, or how you deal with cash flow. We become part of a team that often includes a CPA and family attorney whose goal is to maintain control of the estate and avoid probate.” “It’s not an easy time when a loved one passes,” he points out. “It’s very emotional and there are varying concerns and decisions to make. We represent the loved ones to help carry on their legacy.”
“The consulting nature of our practice is the most rewarding part. Our clients are real people; this is real life,” says Erik. “We’ve seen everything over the years.” Erik and Jessica invite you to contact them for a complementary discovery session to discuss your financial questions and learn how they may be able to guide you. “Come talk to us to see if you’d like to work together,” says Jessica. “Ask questions and get to know us. We’re here to help!”
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Contact The Hanson Group of Morgan Stanley (831)440-5297 or drop by their offices at 6004 La Madrona Drive in Scotts Valley.
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The investments listed may not be suitable for all investors. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment will depend upon an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives.
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Life insurance, disability income insurance, and long-term care insurance are offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC’s licensed insurance agency affiliates.
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Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US.
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Erik Hanson/Morgan Stanley, 6004 La Madrona Drive in Scotts Valley (831)440-5297. Website: www.morganstanleyfa.com/thehansongroup
©2014 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. (CRC1000997 08/14)