1. Finding a primary  advisor who can coordinate with your other advisors is essential to long-term financial success.
2. A written, comprehensive financial plan that integrates all aspects of your finances results in a balanced plan.
3. Planning is an ongoing process that must be revisited annually for review and to measure progress.
4. Achieving wealth does not eliminate the need for a financial plan; it actually increases the need for one.
5. Wealth protection is the cornerstone of wealth management; we need to protect what we have before we can grow it.
6. A highly diversified investment portfolio that is designed around a specific plan is the most intelligent way to invest.
7. Withdrawing a conservative percentage of your portfolio per year during retirement is essential, since many retirements now last for 20 to 30 years.
8. Estate planning is the only way to properly ensure that your wealth is transferred in an efficient way that is true to your wishes and values; failing to plan in this arena can quickly destroy wealth.
9. Major life events and transitions must be discussed well in advance in order to make the best possible decisions.

Mistakes That We Can Help You Avoid

1. Failing to plan—Assuming that success can be achieved without a plan.  Failing to plan is planning to fail.
2. Poor communication among advisors—Letting your various advisors make decisions in a vacuum without regard to other aspects of your finances.
3. Avoiding estate planning—Leaving your heirs with a potentially large estate tax bill, a long and costly probate process, and an unclear picture of your wishes.
4. Being under-insured—Leaving too much of your financial future to chance.
5. Being over-insured—Focusing too much on protection while ignoring other opportunities.
6. Carrying too much debt—Maintaining high-interest loans that are limiting your future.
7. Carrying too little debt—Not maximizing your financial resources.
8. Careless charitable giving—Being philanthropic without taking advantage of current tax laws.