WEALTH PLANNING
Your Financial Journey, Our Expertise
A Plan Tailored to You and Your Family
At SAM, we specialize in active investing and comprehensive wealth management solutions, focusing on building a holistic understanding of your financial landscape. Our approach provides a strategic roadmap for managing your investments, achieving financial goals, and navigating life’s pivotal moments.
We recognize that every family has unique financial needs that evolve over time. Through our dedicated planning process and proactive investment strategies, we empower clients to adapt to changing financial conditions and protect their wealth.
Our Approach
Key Components of Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Do you have sufficient funds to maintain your desired lifestyle during retirement?
Let’s evaluate retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and Medicare to make sure the strategies are in place and are sufficient to meet your need.
Estate Planning
Is a framework for future generations in place? SAM will help your family identify the need for outside legal assessment of your estate.
We will also discuss estate tools such as trusts, wills, and power of attorney, all with the purpose of helping to plan for the protection, growth, and distribution of your assets to the next generation.
Tax Planning
Are you being smart about managing your tax burden?
Evaluate and consider opportunities available to reduce long-term tax implications, while referring to tax professionals when necessary.
Risk Management
Do you understand what options exist to manage risk for you and your family?
Identifying and mitigating potential financial risks through insurance coverage, such as health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and more.
Strategic Investment Management
What investments do you actually own? Investment transparency through individual security choices, not funds or opaque investment options.
Determine how to invest to achieve your goals. This involves considering risk tolerance, investment time horizon, and the appropriate asset allocation (e.g., stocks, bonds, and varied alternative investments, etc.).
Our Team
Expertise You Can Count On
SAM’s Planning Team is a source for transparent and professional financial guidance.
Our mission is to help you identify your financial aspirations and determine the optimal path to achieve them. We are seasoned professionals who specialize in comprehensive financial planning. Importantly, some of our team members hold the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, making fiduciary responsibility and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional financial advice a requirement within their practice.
Learn More About SAM Wealth Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does SAM offer under Wealth Management?
SAM provides comprehensive wealth management services, including personalized financial planning, investment management, tax-efficient strategies, risk mitigation, and retirement planning. Our approach integrates advanced market insights with customized portfolio construction to align with client objectives.
How does SAM's client-centric approach benefit clients?
At SAM, our client-centric approach ensures that every investment strategy, financial plan, and piece of advice is tailored to each client’s unique goals, priorities, and life circumstances. We take the time to understand what matters most and will periodically review any changes in life circumstances or preferences — whether that’s growing wealth, preserving assets for future generations, or generating income in retirement.
By focusing on each client’s specific needs, we’re able to proactively adjust their strategy as markets shift and life changes occur. Clients also benefit from a dedicated team who knows them personally and is always accessible, providing proactive communication and advice to help them stay on track.
What are the key components of SAM's financial planning process?
SAM’s financial planning process includes identifying client goals, analyzing cash flow, developing tax-efficient investment strategies, incorporating estate planning considerations, and making ongoing portfolio adjustments. We utilize in-depth market research and proprietary analytics to ensure alignment with each client’s evolving goals and financial aspirations.
How does SAM construct client portfolios?
SAM constructs client portfolios using a suite of nine distinct strategies, all managed in-house by our investment team. Each portfolio is built with a diversified mix of asset classes — including equities, fixed income, merger arbitrage, and commodities — with a focus on delivering strong risk-adjusted returns.
We take the time to understand each client’s goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial picture, then create a tailored investment plan by allocating them to one — or a combination — of our strategies. With active oversight and regular adjustments, we ensure portfolios remain aligned with client objectives while managing risk in all market environments.
Does SAM use stop losses to manage risk?
SAM uses stop losses as one of many tools to manage risk in some of our portfolios, but they are not applied automatically across the board. Instead, we combine the use of stop losses with active oversight and our investment team’s discretion, ensuring decisions are made within the broader context of each client’s goals, market conditions, and the long-term strategy of the portfolio.
This balanced approach allows us to manage downside risk while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing market dynamics.
What is the minimum investment amount for a SAM portfolio?
The minimum investment amount for a SAM portfolio varies based on the selected wealth management strategy. To become a SAM client, households must have at least $500,000 in investable assets, which can be spread across multiple accounts. Contact our team to learn more about portfolio eligibility and how we can create a tailored investment solution to meet your goals.
How long has SAM been managing client assets?
SAM was founded in and has been managing client portfolios since 2016. In that time, we’ve grown from zero to over $1 billion in assets under management, a testament to our disciplined investment approach and client-focused wealth management. Our team brings extensive market experience, leveraging informed, active investing strategies to help clients achieve their long-term financial goals.
What qualifications do SAM's Wealth Managers hold?
Our Wealth Managers hold industry-recognized credentials, including CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) and other advanced designations. They bring deep market expertise and a strategic approach to financial planning and investment management.
How can I get started with SAM's Wealth Management services?
Getting started with SAM’s Wealth Management services is simple. The first step is to schedule an introductory consultation with our team. During this conversation, we’ll learn about your financial goals, current investments, and any concerns you may have.
If we’re a good fit, we’ll work with you to develop a customized wealth management plan that aligns with your objectives, risk tolerance, and overall financial picture. To become a SAM client, your household must have at least $500,000 in investable assets, which can be spread across multiple accounts.
What is wealth management, and how does it differ from financial planning?
Wealth management is a comprehensive approach to managing your entire financial picture. It includes investment management, financial planning, tax strategies, estate planning coordination, and ongoing portfolio oversight — all tailored to your specific goals.
Financial planning focuses more narrowly on creating a roadmap for your goals, such as retirement planning, budgeting, and tax efficiency. At SAM, our wealth management services combine informed, active investment strategies with personalized financial planning to help you grow, protect, and pass on your wealth.
How can wealth management help me achieve my financial goals?
Wealth management provides a strategic approach to aligning financial resources with long-term objectives. Integrating various financial services ensures that investment strategies, tax considerations, estate planning, and risk management are all coordinated to support and achieve specific financial goals.
What services are typically included in wealth management?
Wealth planning services typically encompass:
Investment Management: Strategic asset allocation and portfolio management
Tax Planning: Strategies to minimize tax liabilities
Estate Planning: Preparation for the transfer of assets to heirs
Risk Management: Identification and mitigation of financial risks
Philanthropic Planning: Guidance on charitable contributions and legacy planning
These services are integrated to provide a holistic approach to managing and growing wealth.
How do I know if I need a wealth manager?
You might benefit from working with a wealth manager if you have significant investable assets (typically $500,000 or more) and are looking for comprehensive financial guidance that goes beyond basic investment management.
A wealth manager can help if you:
Want a custom investment strategy tailored to your goals and risk tolerance
Need help with retirement planning, tax strategies, or estate planning coordination
Are managing multiple accounts or assets across different financial institutions
Want proactive advice to adjust your financial plan as your life and the markets change
Want to manage downside risks while still focusing on achieving strong, risk-adjusted returns
What are the benefits of working with a wealth management firm instead of managing my finances on my own?
Collaborating with a wealth management firm offers several advantages:
Expertise: Access to seasoned professionals with specialized knowledge in various financial domains
Comprehensive Planning: Integrated strategies that consider all aspects of your financial life
Time Efficiency: Delegating complex financial tasks allows you to focus on personal and professional pursuits
Objective Advice: Unbiased recommendations tailored to your unique financial situation and goals
These benefits collectively contribute to more informed decision-making and the potential for enhanced financial outcomes.
What types of investments does SAM manage?
SAM actively manages diverse investments, extending beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Our strategies are designed to pursue growth, generate income, and preserve capital. We build portfolios primarily using individual securities, as we believe they offer greater flexibility and control than mutual funds.
Client portfolios typically include a mix of equities, fixed income, merger arbitrage strategies, commodities, and in some instances cryptocurrency, providing broad diversification across asset classes.
Additionally, we offer access to non-traditional investments typically unavailable to the broader market, helping further diversify portfolios and create alternative sources of growth and income.
How does SAM determine the right investment strategy for me?
We employ a personalized approach, developing a holistic understanding of your financial condition to provide a roadmap for managing your finances. This process involves evaluating your risk tolerance, time horizon, and specific financial objectives to tailor a strategy that aligns with your unique circumstances.
Do you offer actively or passively managed portfolios?
SAM specializes in informed, active management, continuously assessing market dynamics to identify opportunities and manage risks. We adapt to changing conditions rather than following a passive set-it-and-forget-it approach. For example, we completely avoided owning fixed income going into 2022 when this asset class offered minuscule returns. Similarly, we vigilantly managed risk to ensure Magnificent 7 stock exposure was minimal for our portfolios, as we exited 2024 and entered 2025.
What is your approach to risk management?
Our proactive approach to risk management involves a combination of qualitative judgment and quantitative risk assessment. For example, our Tactical Select strategy integrates SAM’s fundamental analysis with a proprietary blend of analytical tools including those from TradeSmith Finance™ to optimize investment decisions. We diligently monitor risk metrics and adjust portfolios accordingly to mitigate potential downsides. SAM goes beyond simple geographic and sector diversification in our risk management practices. We also focus on macroeconomic and style factor risks to manage our exposure to several independent drivers of return.
How do you handle market volatility?
We take a proactive approach to managing market volatility. Our investment team actively monitors portfolios and makes adjustments based on changing market conditions and economic trends. We construct diversified portfolios across asset classes — including equities, fixed income, merger arbitrage strategies, commodities, and alternative investments — to help reduce risk and smooth returns over time. Rather than reacting emotionally to short-term market swings, we focus on long-term opportunities and maintaining a disciplined investment process that prioritizes risk-adjusted returns.
How are your fees structured?
SAM’s investment management fees are charged monthly in arrears, based on the average daily market value of the assets in the client account. Our fee structure is tiered, with rates decreasing as asset levels increase.
Do you charge a flat fee, a percentage of assets or commission-based fees?
We charge fees based on a percentage of assets under management, with rates decreasing as asset levels increase. SAM does not charge performance-based fees or commissions.
Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of?
In addition to our management fees, client accounts may incur other investment expenses such as custodial charges, brokerage fees, transaction costs, and related expenses. We are committed to transparency and ensure all potential fees are communicated to our clients.
What is the minimum investment required to work with your firm?
The minimum investment required to work with SAM is $500,000 per household, which can come from multiple accounts, such as an IRA, taxable individual account, or a joint account with a spouse or significant other. This minimum ensures we can effectively implement our portfolio strategies and provide the personalized wealth management services our clients expect.
How do I know if the services justify the cost?
Our clients benefit from personalized investment strategies, informed, active portfolio management, and a holistic approach to wealth management. We believe that the value derived from our comprehensive services and strategic guidance justifies the associated costs.
Do you provide tax-efficient investment strategies?
At SAM, we recognize the importance of tax efficiency in wealth planning. While we do not provide tax advice, we evaluate investment strategies with tax considerations in mind and collaborate with tax professionals when appropriate to help optimize long-term outcomes.
How can you help me minimize my tax burden?
We assess your financial situation to identify opportunities for tax efficiency, such as strategic asset allocation, tax-loss harvesting, and utilizing tax-advantaged accounts. We integrate tax considerations into your financial plan to reduce tax liabilities while aligning with your investment objectives.
Do you assist with estate planning and inheritance strategies?
SAM assists clients in identifying the need for an external legal assessment of their estate and discusses estate tools. Our goal is to help plan for the protection, growth, and distribution of your assets to the next generation.
How do you coordinate with my accountant or attorney for tax and estate planning?
We are able to collaborate with your existing advisors, including accountants and attorneys, to ensure a cohesive approach to your tax and estate planning needs. This integrated strategy ensures that all aspects of your financial plan are aligned and working toward your goals.
Can you help set up trusts or charitable giving plans?
While SAM does not directly establish legal instruments, we guide estate tools such as trusts and charitable giving strategies. We work with you to identify the need for outside legal assessment and collaborate with legal professionals to implement these structures effectively.
How do you help clients plan for retirement?
SAM evaluates retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and Medicare to ensure that strategies are in place and sufficient to meet your retirement needs. We focus on building a holistic understanding of your financial landscape to provide a strategic roadmap for managing your investments and achieving your retirement goals.
What strategies do you use to ensure my retirement savings last?
We employ personalized investment strategies, active portfolio management, and continuous monitoring to adapt to changing financial conditions. Our goal is to empower clients to protect their wealth and maintain their desired lifestyle throughout retirement.
How can I balance retirement savings with other financial goals?
SAM’s comprehensive financial planning approach considers all aspects of your financial life, including retirement, estate planning, tax planning, and risk management. We evaluate your unique financial situation to help you prioritize and balance multiple financial goals.
Do you offer Social Security and pension planning advice?
Yes, as part of our retirement planning services, we evaluate various income sources, including Social Security and pensions, to ensure they align with your retirement objectives. We provide guidance on optimizing these benefits within your overall retirement strategy.
Can you help me determine when to retire based on my financial situation?
Absolutely. Through detailed analysis of your financial condition, retirement accounts, income sources, and lifestyle goals, SAM assists you in determining the optimal timing for retirement. Our personalized approach ensures that your retirement plan is tailored to your needs and aspirations.
What qualifications and certifications do your wealth managers have?
Our team comprises seasoned professionals with diverse expertise in financial planning and investment management. Notably, several team members hold the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation, underscoring our commitment to providing exceptional financial advice.
Are you a fiduciary? (Do you always act in my best interest?)
Yes, as a Registered Investment Advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, SAM operates under a fiduciary duty, obligating us to act in our client’s best interests at all times.
How often will we meet to review my financial plan?
The frequency of meetings is tailored to each client’s preferences and needs. We offer regular reviews and are available for consultations as needed to ensure your financial plan remains aligned with your goals.
Will I have a dedicated wealth manager or work with a team?
Clients are assigned a dedicated wealth manager who collaborates with a team of specialists to provide comprehensive financial guidance. This ensures all aspects of your wealth plan are addressed.
What happens if my wealth manager leaves your firm?
In the event of a wealth manager’s departure, SAM ensures a seamless transition by assigning another qualified professional to your account, maintaining continuity in the management of your financial plan.
How do I access my account information and track my portfolio's performance?
Clients can access their account information and monitor portfolio performance through our secure online portal, providing insights into their investments.
What level of transparency do you provide regarding my investments?
SAM is committed to full transparency, offering detailed information about your holdings, transactions, and the rationale behind investment decisions.
Do you provide regular performance reports?
We provide comprehensive performance reports regularly, detailing portfolio performance and other pertinent information to keep you informed.
Clients also have access to their accounts through the SAM client portal, where they can view account details and generate performance reports anytime.
How can I contact my wealth manager if I have questions?
Clients can reach their dedicated wealth manager via phone or email. Contact information is provided upon engagement.
Do you offer digital tools or apps to monitor my portfolio?
SAM offers digital tools, including a secure client portal, enabling you to monitor your portfolio, access reports, and stay updated on all of your investments. Clients also have access to the SAM-branded Orion app, which provides account insights, performance tracking, and important updates, all from the convenience of your mobile device.