We are your personal financial partner and coach. Our goal is to help you achieve a sense of financial well-being and peace of mind.
We achieve this through a process of getting to know our clients and their unique goals, values, dreams, resources and circumstances. We then design a plan around these factors, help you to implement the plan when necessary, and monitor the ongoing maintenance that may be necessary due to life changes or financial events.
By partnering with our clients, we build long-term relationships one at a time.
At NAFS, we are committed to providing high-quality service and practical advice in an independent, fee-only setting. This is the cornerstone of what we are all about.
Resources
To enhance the scope and depth of our knowledge base and keep abreast of the latest industry developments, we utilize the latest in financial software and resources, attend continuing education seminars and conferences, are actively involved in professional organizations, and maintain an ongoing network of professional contacts and experts.
Clients
NAFS clients are individuals and families who may not have enough time to devote to their finances or just want a second opinion. They come to us looking for a way to view the big picture of their financial house, objectively and accurately. They also seek a firm that can provide one-stop shopping - from investment management to tax preparation.
Our clients range from those who are accumulating assets to retirees who need to distribute wealth. Additionally, we have developed a special emphasis in working with widows, non-traditional families, and those going through a divorce.
Regardless of demographics, our clients all have the same common goals - financial security and peace of mind.
Financial Planning
A financial plan is a customized blueprint that guides you towards meeting your financial and life goals. Your personal plan starts off with the building blocks - a detailed analysis of your current financial position, including your net worth and cash flow summary - and provides you with the tools necessary to take control of your financial future. NAFS helps you clarify and quantify your goals and formulates strategies to put them within your reach.
Our holistic approach to financial planning offers a comprehensive review of your entire financial situation. Since each of the components are integrated and depend on each other, we view this big-picture approach as necessary to do our full due dilligence.
Components of a Financial Plan
Retirement Planning
- Will you be able to retire comfortably?
- How long will your assets last during retirement?
- Will you need to work part-time during retirement?
A retirement analysis answers these questions and more. For retirees or pre-retirees, NAFS can determine the most efficient method of receiving retirement plan distributions.
Income Tax Planning
NAFS can develop strategies to minimize potential income tax and capital gain liabilities. Additionally, NAFS can prepare or review your income tax returns, estimated tax projections and other IRS worksheets.
Insurance Planning
Are you and your family sufficiently protected in the event of a catastrophe? Is your current insurance the most cost effective? NAFS can provide the answers to those questions and also recommend and acquire suitable products for your needs.
Estate Planning
NAFS can propose an estate plan that transfers assets according to your wishes while potentially reducing estate taxes. Additionally, NAFS can work with your attorney to ensure that the legal documents are properly executed.
Investment Planning
Are your investments suitable, given your risk tolerance, tax status, time horizon, investment objectives and financial planning goals? NAFS can review your current portfolio and indicate which investments make sense.
Portfolio Management
NAFS's Assets Under Management (AUM) program provides active portfolio management using mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), and individual stocks and bonds, if applicable. Portfolios are customized for each client and can be as general as a balanced account or as focused as a socially responsible portfolio.
NAFS does not take discretion over your assets, meaning that no trade can be executed without your consent. This structure lends itself to the philosophy that NAFS is part of your financial team. Clients are encouraged to be involved in the investment decision-making process through a process of education and counseling.
The fee structure is a percentage of assets under management; there are no commissions. AUM clients receive customized monthly statements and can check their accounts online. Portfolio performance review meetings are held annually or on an as-needed basis.
Income Tax Preparation
Are you frustrated with the ever-changing and complex tax rules? Do you worry that your tax returns may not be accurate? Why struggle with the forms when NAFS can prepare or review your income tax returns, estimated tax projections, and other IRS worksheets.
Focused Needs
Non-traditional Couples and Families
You and your partner have been in a committed relationship for as long as many married heterosexual couples. However, only married couples are offered legal and financial protection under U.S. laws and rules. Married couples can file joint tax returns and freely exchange assets; non-married couples (both same-sex and opposite sex couples) don't have such luxuries.
Married same-sex couples have the unique dilemma of having their marriage recognized only by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and not by the Federal government. This can pose potential discrepancies in terms of tax reporting and estate planning.
Whether you are married, partnered, or single, it is important for you to understand the impact that your financial decisions have on your overall plan.
Socially Responsible Investing
We understand that socially responsible investing means different things to different people. We can work with you to determine how to best align your values with your investments.
Divorce Planning
Are you in the midst of filing for divorce? As part of your team of advisors, NAFS can work with you and your attorney to determine your cash flow needs and analyze the tax implications of choosing certain assets.
Education Planning
Are you overwhelmed by the rising cost of a college education? Do you have a sense of which schools offer better financial aid packages? Do you have an idea of how you will finance your child's education? Let NAFS help answer these questions.
Additional Services
Workshops/Educational Seminars
Debra A. Neiman, CFP has extensive teaching experience at the academic level and through employee workshops. She has also a frequent speaker at financial planning events. If you are interested in a speaking or teaching engagement, let us know.
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