The Different Types of Clients I Help & How Their Needs Shape Their Financial Plan
12/01/2025
As a financial advisor who is a fiduciary, clients come to me with different goals, different financial concerns, and different life circumstances. But over the years, I’ve found that many people fall into a few key groups, and understanding these groups helps me create personalized financial strategies that bring clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Here’s a look at the most common types of clients I help and the challenges we solve together.
1. High-Income Professionals Looking to Maximize Their Wealth
Common examples: Medical professionals, technology workers, executives, business owners, and dual-income households earning $175k+.
What they’re usually asking:
“How can we invest with tax savings in mind?”
“Are we saving enough for retirement?”
“Is my investment strategy too conservative or too risky?”
How I help:
High earners often pay more in taxes than they need to. I work with them to optimize retirement contributions, implement tax-efficient investing, and consider advanced strategies like backdoor Roth IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, tax-loss harvesting, and charitable planning. We also look at long-term goals like early retirement and funding college for their kids.
2. People Navigating Big Financial Transitions
Common examples: Career changes, selling a business, receiving an inheritance, marriage, divorce, or retirement.
What they’re usually asking:
“What should I do with this lump sum?”
“What does this mean for my long-term finances?”
“What’s the best way to combine finances with my new spouse?”
“Can I afford this next step?”
How I help:
Major transitions come with major uncertainty. I help clients understand the financial implications of their new reality, build a flexible plan, and avoid costly mistakes that often happen under stress. This often includes investment recommendations, cash-flow planning, and building a roadmap for the future.
3. Middle Class Individuals & Families Working Toward Long-Term Security
Common examples: Individuals, couples or families who may or may not be preparing for big life changes (house, children, etc.)
What they’re usually asking:
“Should we prioritize retirement, college savings, or paying down debt?”
“How do we protect our family if something happens?”
We’re making good money, but how do we maximize our income?”
How I help:
Families juggle competing priorities. I help them organize their financial life, protect their income with proper insurance, and optimize savings goals. This often includes investment management, budget guidance, tax planning, and long-term goal setting.
4. Pre-Retirees Who Want to Know They’re Ready
Common examples: People within 5–10 years of retirement.
What they’re usually asking:
“Do I have enough to retire?”
“When should I take Social Security?”
“How do I make sure I don’t run out of money?”
How I help:
Retirement planning is one of the biggest financial puzzles people face. I help clients model their retirement income, choose the right withdrawal strategy, reduce taxes, and invest in a way that keeps them on track through market cycles. The goal is to retire with confidence, not guesswork.
Why People Choose Clarity Wealth Management
Every client is different, but they all want transparency, straightforward advice, and a plan built around their life.
At Clarity Wealth Management, I focus on:
- Fiduciary, fee-only guidance (I only make money when I manage assets and do not charge for meetings)
- Tax-focused planning
- Clear, simple communication
- Strategies tailored to each client’s goals
- A long-term relationship built on trust
Whether you’re building wealth, growing a family, facing a big financial transition, or preparing for retirement, I’m here to help you create a plan that supports the life you want.