High Net Worth Individuals & Families
Helping individuals and families make informed financial decisions across every stage of life.
How We Add Value
We believe informed clients make better decisions. That’s why we are fully transparent about how we invest, what we charge, and how we communicate. You will always know where your portfolio stands and have direct access to the people managing it.
Investment Management
Our investment philosophy is built on rigorous academic research and evidence-based strategies, with a commitment to transparency in every investment decision.
Planning
A solid financial plan serves as a guide to help you make informed decisions, measure progress, and navigate the expected and unexpected.
Family Office
We understand that the needs of high-net-worth individuals and families are often multifaceted and complex, and we help coordinate those complexities in one place.
OUR SERVICES
Comprehensive Portfolio
Management
Wealth Planning
A comprehensive planning process that evaluates income, assets, liabilities, and long-term financial goals to develop a coordinated strategy for building, managing, and preserving wealth over time.
Investment Management
Development of an Investment Policy Statement (IPS), followed by construction and ongoing management of customized portfolios using evidence-based investment strategies. Accounts may include taxable brokerage accounts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, rollover IRAs, and other investment accounts.
Retirement Planning
Helping individuals prepare for retirement and determine how their savings and investments can support income and spending needs throughout retirement.
Tax Planning
Coordination with clients and their tax professionals to evaluate strategies that help manage tax exposure while aligning investment decisions with long-term financial goals.
Estate Planning & Wealth Transfer
Coordination with estate planning attorneys and other professionals to help structure the efficient transfer of wealth through wills, trusts, beneficiary planning, and long-term legacy strategies.
Philanthropic Planning
Guidance for charitable giving strategies including donor-advised funds (DAFs), charitable trusts, and long-term philanthropic planning aligned with family goals.
Family Office Services
Investment management for families with complex financial structures, coordinated alongside a network of experienced family office service providers including attorneys, tax professionals, and trustees.
CASE STUDIES
See Our Tailored Investment
Solutions in Action
5 min read
Case Study A:
Establishing a Family Trust
A family seeking to transition a portion of their investment assets into a trust structure as part of a broader estate planning strategy.
Case Study A:
Establishing a Family Trust
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The case study presented is hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. It does not represent an actual client, and no representation is made that any investment strategy will achieve similar results. Investment outcomes may vary based on individual circumstances, objectives, and market conditions. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Organization
A family seeking to transition a portion of their investment assets into a trust structure as part of a broader estate planning strategy.
Challenge
The family wanted to establish a trust to support long-term wealth preservation for future beneficiaries but were unsure how to begin the process or how trust assets should be structured from an investment perspective. They needed guidance on coordinating the legal setup of the trust and developing an appropriate long-term investment strategy.
Approach
Gaard worked with the family and their estate planning attorney to establish the trust structure and coordinate the transfer of investment assets. Discussions focused on the role of the trust within the family’s overall financial plan, long-term investment objectives, and the appropriate level of portfolio ris Gaard then develoned an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) for the trust outlining investment obiectives, asset allocation guidelines, and governance procedures. A diversified portfolio was implemented within the trust to support long-term growth while maintaining appropriate liquidity and risk management.
Outcome
The family successfully established a trust structure aligned with their long-term estate planning objectives. Trust assets are now managed within a disciplined investment framework and coordinated with the family’s broader financial plan.
5 min read
Case Study B:
Establishing a Donor-Advised Fund
A family seeking to organize their charitable giving and create a more structured approach to long-term philanthropy.
Case Study B:
Establishing a Donor-Advised Fund
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The case study presented is hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. It does not represent an actual client, and no representation is made that any investment strategy will achieve similar results. Investment outcomes may vary based on individual circumstances, objectives, and market conditions. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Organization
A family seeking to organize their charitable giving and create a more structured approach to long-term philanthropy.
Challenge
The family regularly supported several nonprofit organizations but made donations informally throughout the year. As their income and investment assets grew they wanted a more coordinated giving strategy and greater tax efficiency. They were interested in using a donor-advised fund but were unfamiliar with how the structure worked, how contributions should be made and how charitable assets could be invested once contribute.
Approach
Gaard worked with the family to evaluate charitable giving strategies and determine whether a donor-advised fund would support their goals. After reviewing options, the family decided to establish a DAF with a sponsoring organization.
Gaard assisted with opening the account and coordinating the contribution of appreciated securities into the fund. Discussions focused on how the DAF would be used to support ongoing charitable grants and how charitable assets should be invested within the account.
Gaard then developed an Investment Policy Statement outlining investment objectives, asset allocation guidelines, and liquidity needs based on the family’s expected grant schedule. A diversified investment portfolio was implemented within the DAF to support long-term growth while maintaining flexibility for future charitable distributions.
Outcome
The family established a donor-advised fund that now serves as the central structure for their charitable giving. Contributions can be made in tax-efficient years while grants to nonprofit organizations are recommended over time. The charitable assets are now managed within a disciplined investment framework aligned with the family’s long-term philanthropic objectives.
5 min read
Case Study A:
Establishing a Family Trust
A family seeking to transition a portion of their investment assets into a trust structure as part of a broader estate planning strategy.
Case Study A:
Establishing a Family Trust
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The case study presented is hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. It does not represent an actual client, and no representation is made that any investment strategy will achieve similar results. Investment outcomes may vary based on individual circumstances, objectives, and market conditions. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Organization
A family seeking to transition a portion of their investment assets into a trust structure as part of a broader estate planning strategy.
Challenge
The family wanted to establish a trust to support long-term wealth preservation for future beneficiaries but were unsure how to begin the process or how trust assets should be structured from an investment perspective. They needed guidance on coordinating the legal setup of the trust and developing an appropriate long-term investment strategy.
Approach
Gaard worked with the family and their estate planning attorney to establish the trust structure and coordinate the transfer of investment assets. Discussions focused on the role of the trust within the family’s overall financial plan, long-term investment objectives, and the appropriate level of portfolio ris Gaard then develoned an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) for the trust outlining investment obiectives, asset allocation guidelines, and governance procedures. A diversified portfolio was implemented within the trust to support long-term growth while maintaining appropriate liquidity and risk management.
Outcome
The family successfully established a trust structure aligned with their long-term estate planning objectives. Trust assets are now managed within a disciplined investment framework and coordinated with the family’s broader financial plan.
5 min read
Case Study B:
Establishing a Donor-Advised Fund
A family seeking to organize their charitable giving and create a more structured approach to long-term philanthropy.
Case Study B:
Establishing a Donor-Advised Fund
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The case study presented is hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. It does not represent an actual client, and no representation is made that any investment strategy will achieve similar results. Investment outcomes may vary based on individual circumstances, objectives, and market conditions. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Organization
A family seeking to organize their charitable giving and create a more structured approach to long-term philanthropy.
Challenge
The family regularly supported several nonprofit organizations but made donations informally throughout the year. As their income and investment assets grew they wanted a more coordinated giving strategy and greater tax efficiency. They were interested in using a donor-advised fund but were unfamiliar with how the structure worked, how contributions should be made and how charitable assets could be invested once contribute.
Approach
Gaard worked with the family to evaluate charitable giving strategies and determine whether a donor-advised fund would support their goals. After reviewing options, the family decided to establish a DAF with a sponsoring organization.
Gaard assisted with opening the account and coordinating the contribution of appreciated securities into the fund. Discussions focused on how the DAF would be used to support ongoing charitable grants and how charitable assets should be invested within the account.
Gaard then developed an Investment Policy Statement outlining investment objectives, asset allocation guidelines, and liquidity needs based on the family’s expected grant schedule. A diversified investment portfolio was implemented within the DAF to support long-term growth while maintaining flexibility for future charitable distributions.
Outcome
The family established a donor-advised fund that now serves as the central structure for their charitable giving. Contributions can be made in tax-efficient years while grants to nonprofit organizations are recommended over time. The charitable assets are now managed within a disciplined investment framework aligned with the family’s long-term philanthropic objectives.
What is an Investment Policy Statement (IPS)?
An Investment Policy Statement is a document that defines how an investment portfolio will be managed.
An IPS typically outlines:
• investment objectives
• risk tolerance
• asset allocation ranges
• liquidity needs
• governance and decision-making procedures
• reporting and oversight guidelines
What is the difference between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?
Both accounts allow individuals to invest for retirement with tax advantages, but they differ in how taxes are applied.
A Traditional IRA may allow contributions to be tax-deductible, and taxes are generally paid when funds are withdrawn in retirement.
A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax contributions. Qualified withdrawals in retirement are generally tax-free, including investment earnings.
What are common types of trusts?
Trusts are legal structures used to manage and transfer assets.
Common examples include:
• Revocable living trust – Allows assets to be managed during life and transferred efficiently at death.
• Irrevocable trust – Removes assets from the grantor’s estate and may provide tax or asset protection benefits.
• Charitable trust – Used to support charitable giving while providing potential tax benefits.
• Generation-skipping trust – Designed to transfer wealth to future generations.
What is a donor-advised fund (DAF)?
A donor-advised fund is a charitable giving account established at a sponsoring organization. Individuals or families contribute cash or other assets to the fund and receive a charitable tax deduction in the year of the contribution.
Assets can be invested within the fund and grants can be recommended to nonprofit organizations over time.
What is a fiduciary?
A fiduciary is a professional who is legally required to act in the best interests of their client.
Registered investment advisors operate under a fiduciary standard, which requires them to place client interests ahead of their own and to provide advice that is prudent and transparent.
When I invest with you, where are my funds actually held?
Client assets are typically held at an independent custodian rather than directly by the investment advisor.
The custodian is responsible for safeguarding assets, processing transactions, and providing account statements. The advisor provides investment management and oversight but does not take custody of client funds.
Still Have Questions About Us and How We Can Help Your Organization?
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