Building a strong foundation (Ages 20-35)
Life Stage: Early career, initial investments, major life decisions
Focus: Establishing goals, growth, discipline
This is the time to start building good habits and creating financial momentum. Whether you’re establishing your career, getting married, or buying your first home, keep in mind that you’re laying the groundwork for your future.
Start with the big picture: What do you want your future to look like? Be as specific and concrete as possible. That gives a tangible target to work toward and measure your progress.
Questions to answer at this stage:
- How much of an emergency fund do I need?
- How does my desire for growing wealth compare to my tolerance for risk in the stock market?
- What's the best way to manage student loans, mortgages, and other debt while balancing saving for the future?
- Do I have basic estate planning documents (e.g., power of attorney, medical power of attorney, will) on file?
Investment model fit
People in the accumulation phase of life often choose one of the Wealth Accumulator models. Designed to capture long-term market upside when time is on your side, CWM's wealth accumulator models are ideal for those building their financial future from the ground up.
Living well and planning ahead (Ages 35-50)
Life stage: Career development, growing family, lifestyle upgrades
Focus: Strategic growth and maintenance, lifestyle alignment
With greater earning potential and responsibilities, this stage calls for more sophisticated planning. Maybe you're purchasing investment property, growing a business, or starting to think about your children’s education.
Potential questions to answer in this stage:
- How can I maximize my retirement account contributions?
- What's the best way to build college savings for my kids?
- What kind of insurance (e.g., life insurance, disability, long-term care etc.) do I need to protect my income and lifestyle?
- Now that I'm earning more, what are some long-term tax strategies I should consider?
- Have I updated my estate plan and other documents to reflect my current circumstances?
Investment model fit
CWM's Tactical Allocation and Global Allocation models allow for strategic growth while managing volatility. This balance between opportunity and caution is a common choice for investors whose financial picture is becoming more complex.
Pre-Retirement: Maximize momentum at the finish line (Ages 50-65)
Life Stage: Peak earning years, approaching retirement
Focus: Preserving wealth, clarifying goals, creating flexibility
With retirement on the horizon, this is the time to transition from accumulation to intentional distribution planning. Lifestyle questions become more central: What does my ideal retirement look like? How do I live richly in this next phase?
Common questions for this phase:
- Am I on track for a work-optional lifestyle and, if not, what adjustments to my financial strategy need to be made?
- Looking ahead, what will Social Security and Medicare contribute and how does that impact my plan?
- How do I best prepare for property, business, or legacy purchases?
- Is my estate plan, power of attorney, and other documents in order?
Investment model fit
In these peak earning years, CWM's Tactical Allocation or Global Allocation models offer continued growth potential with managed risk. Some clients begin blending in the Risk-Adjusted models to prepare for income-focused strategies.
Living richly in retirement (Ages 65+)
Life stage: Retirement or semi-retirement
Focus: Income stability, lifestyle fulfillment, legacy planning, preservation of capital
Retirement is not the end of planning - it's the time to reap the rewards of your hard work and foresight, while making your wealth work for you. Whether you're traveling, supporting important causes, or spending more time with family, this stage is about confidence and comfort.
Common questions at this stage:
- Are my account withdrawals and tax planning fine-tuned to support my goals?
- Am I set up to fund long-term goals like a second home, travel, gifting, or philanthropy?
- What kind of health care and long-term care will I need as I age, and is my current insurance sufficient?
- How should I manage debt and cashflow while no longer having a paycheck?
Now is the most important time to review estate documents and powers of attorney at least once a year. It is also the time many people dial up the risk management in their investing strategies.
Investment model fit
Investors in the distribution phase of their investment journey often choose one of the Risk-Adjusted models. These models are designed to preserve lifestyle and income with reduced exposure to market downturns. However, based on individual financial plans and risk tolerance, many clients opt to blend strategies for an more tailored investment experience.
A holistic, realistic approach to planning your future
CWM advisors partner with clients to align financial decisions with life and investing goals. Our proprietary Performance Targeting System® (PTS) is built to manage risk through market changes and target the Real Returns necessary to meet your personal goals.
Our in-depth planning process ensures that your financial plan reflects your material goals no matter your age or life stage. And because life is dynamic, we revisit your investments, insurance needs, and estate documents regularly - making room for change, ambition, and growth.
If you'd like to explore what stage you're at in your financial journey with a CWM advisor, contact us at (425) 778-6160 or click here to schedule a conversation.
