How should an investment strategy fit your targets and taxes?
An investment strategy is a concrete, documented plan for what you invest in & how much market risk you accept and the rules you embrace once your targets or cash needs shift. A proper plan aligns the portfolio with what matters to you by taking the tax picture into consideration.
What does such a strategy include?
A quality strategy sets transparent guardrails first. Then it details further by covering the items listed as follows:
- The time horizon for each goal — near-term, mid-term, long-term
- A target mixture of holdings — your asset allocation
- How you add money — regular contributions, lump sums, bonuses
- How you take money out later — withdrawal order & timing
- A re-check schedule, covering portfolio rebalancing rules
- Important limits — preventing big swings, keeping cash available, protecting a legacy target
How does a CFP at Maris & Associates get started?
Our CFP services start with specific questions that pin down what you want the money to do & what would keep you up at night. Our professionals talk through targets, lifestyle plans, cash flow & debts, upcoming life changes and how you react to market drops.
From that area, the work generally obtains a transparent sequence as follows:
- Setting priorities & timelines — we rank targets & attach dates to them
- Defining the risk range — our team picks a level of volatility you prefer
- Building the portfolio — this is portfolio construction: preferring building blocks that comply with the target mix & the timeline
- Adding tax-aware rules — our professionals look at account types & tax rates in order to prevent surprises
- Reviewing & adjusting — we check progress on a set schedule & establish updates if the timing points/cash flow shifts
What is asset allocation?
It is the split between broad buckets like bonds & stocks and cash, and it is the main lever for balancing growth & stability. The right mixture varies in parallel to the target dates & your comfort with short-term drops.
How is portfolio construction distinct from “picking winners”?
It’s about custom-building a portfolio that behaves the way you need even when headlines get loud. Instead of chasing the optimal recent performer, you choose diversified building blocks & set limits and keep costs and taxation in mind.
What does tax-efficient investing look like?
Tax-efficient investing targets keeping more of the return by planning where investments sit and how gains and dividends along with interest show up on a tax return. An alternative, good way to think about it is “right assets in the right accounts.”
| Type | Tax rule — in general | Importance for investing |
|---|---|---|
| Taxable brokerage | You might owe tax each year on dividends/interest; realized gains matter | Favors long holding periods & careful selling |
| Traditional IRA/401(k) | Taxes are generally deferred — until withdrawal action | Leverageable for tax-heavy income inside the account |
| Roth IRA/401(k) | Satisfy the rules, then withdrawals aren’t taxed | Works well for long-term growth assets |
When should you rebalance a portfolio?
Portfolio rebalancing is the process of bringing the holdings back to the target mix upon market moves. It is a practical form of risk management because it prevents the portfolio from drifting into a risk level that was not chosen. The general triggers can be outlined as below:
- The mix drifts beyond a set percentage — for example, 5% off target
- A big life event changes the timeline — new job, new child, planned move
- You shift from saving to spending in retirement
- A large deposit/withdrawal changes the balance
Ready to build an investment strategy with Maris & Associates?
If you need a plan that links your targets to a transparent set of investing rules — we are ready to talk. Reach out to us to schedule a CFP consultation and see if a professional strategy would be optimal for your distinct scenario.
For other dedicated CFP services, you can visit the pages below:
- Comprehensive financial planning
- Retirement planning
- Estate planning coordination
- Overall wealth-management
FAQs
What should I bring to an investment strategy meeting?
Latest account statements, a simple list of targets with dates and notes on income & major expenses.
Can you improve an existing portfolio or do I need a new one?
Our professionals review what you own now & update portfolio construction in order to match the plan — rather than starting over.
How do you handle a big position in one stock?
Our team sets risk management limits & maps a gradual plan that complies with the timeline & tax picture.
How often should I update my investment strategy?
At least once a year. And again after major changes like a job move or marriage or relocation.
What do CFP services for investment strategy cost at Maris & Associates?
Our pricing starts at $480 / hour. Pricing varies with the number of accounts and the work necessary for tax-efficient investing and portfolio rebalancing.