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How We Helped Pam
Overcome Her Husband’s
Loss & Get On Track

The Story

Pam unexpectedly lost her husband at 61. Suddenly alone and facing an uncertain future, she knew she needed to assess her financial situation, but the task felt daunting. With two homes, assets held in several locations, and competing financial priorities, she needed guidance from a professional she could trust. Pam was referred to us by an existing client, who knew we would take care of her and help her through this challenging part of her life.

Her most pressing questions were:

  • Will I have enough money to maintain my current lifestyle?
  • Should I start drawing my Social Security now or later?
  • Will I be able to help cover my grandchildren’s education costs?

The Challenge

  • Not knowing where to start, Pam was eager to find a partner to help
  • Pam’s husband had always managed their finances, leaving her overwhelmed by all of the decisions she now faced on her own.
  • With three adult children and four grandchildren, Pam needed guidance to get through this difficult time while keeping her family’s future in mind
  • Her current advisor had worked primarily with her husband and used financial jargon that left her feeling disconnected.  She wanted to work with someone who would be there for her, help her understand what she has, and work with her to coordinate her entire financial picture

Our Approach

Guiding her every step of the way, we helped Pam get
organized and establish a plan by:
  • Organizing her investment assets in a simplified and understandable way
  • Coordinating her estate and incorporating a consistent college funding strategy to help secure her family’s future
  • Providing a consistent income from her portfolio that was sustainable for the foreseeable future and coordinating Social Security that maximized her benefits

Pam’s Results

Pam now has peace of mind knowing her financial picture is secured as she moves into the next phase of her life, thanks to a long-term partner she can rely on to help her through all financial matters.

After working with us, Pam:
  • Significantly reduced investment fees by consolidating and simplifying her accounts
  • Saved thousands of dollars through tax planning and working with a coordinated tax advisor who amended previous tax returns
  • Consulted with us to find and purchase a new car, taking an important step toward independence

The above hypothetical example story is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation.
It does not involve an actual client and may not be representative of your experience.

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13919 S W Bay Shore Drive,
Suite 104
Traverse City, MI 49684
Call us: 231.421.7711
Fax: 231.421.7760
Info@BlackWalnutWM.com

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Click here for Dynamic’s Form CRS (Client Relationship Summary) and here for Dynamic’s ADV Firm Brochure.  For additional information click here.

Important disclosures

Black Walnut Wealth Management  is a fee-only firm that provides fiduciary investment services.  We are a  financial planning, financial services, and financial advisory firm that proudly serves Traverse City and the Northern Michigan area near you including Beulah, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids, Frankfort, Gaylord, Glen Arbor, Grand Traverse, Leland, Ludington, Manistee, Petoskey, Suttons Bay, Marquette and Iron Mountain.

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP®are professional certification marks granted in the United States by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”).
The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires financial planners to hold a CFP® certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The material in the website has been distributed for informational purposes only. The material contained in this website is not a solicitation to purchase or sell any security or offer of investment advice. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee or a reliable indicator of future results.Investing in the markets is subject to certain risks including market, interest rate, issuer, credit and inflation risk; investments may be worth more or less than the original cost when redeemed. No part of this website may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission.

Eric Braund is an Investment Advisor Representative with Dynamic Wealth Advisors dba Black Walnut Wealth Management. All investment advisory services are offered through Dynamic Wealth Advisors. A copy of Dynamic Wealth Advisors’ ADV Part 2A Firm Brochure is available upon written request and can also be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission website at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/151367 by searching under crd #151367.

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