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5 Things Our Clients Love About the Five Pine Wealth Difference

admin • April 3, 2023
CDA Idaho

 

Imagine this: You’re starting to get serious about saving for retirement. You want to make sure you’re prepared for this major life transition, so you decide it’s time to hire a financial advisor. On the recommendation of your brother-in-law, you begin a relationship with an advisor—let’s call him Bill—and start to map out your path to retirement. 

During the first year, everything is going great. Bill puts together a portfolio of investments for you and supplies you with a bunch of fancy charts showing you your chances of success. You’re feeling good about the fact that you have a plan to follow! And so you start taking the actions that you and Bill outlined in your plan. 

But after a while, you stop hearing from Bill. You’re not sure if you’re still on the right track to reach your goals. You’re wondering whether recent market events have any bearing on the performance of your portfolio. And when you call Bill to ask these questions, he doesn’t get back to you for an entire week.

If you’ve ever experienced this type of relationship with a financial advisor, you’re not alone. A shocking amount of our clients have come to our firm with stories about feeling ignored or overlooked by their financial advisors. 

In our opinion, this is inexcusable. You deserve better, which is why we’ve committed to a higher level of customer service and communication in our firm. Below are five differences that set the Five Pine Wealth Management team apart:

  1. We approach wealth management holistically
  2. We are fee-only fiduciaries
  3. We are proactive communicators
  4. We believe in long-term, low-cost investment options
  5. We are younger than most other advisors

1. We Approach Wealth Management Holistically

There are “investment guys” a-plenty out there who can help investors manage their money and make trades on their behalf. Holistic financial planners, however, are harder to come by. We differentiate ourselves from those other “investment guys” with our holistic approach and breadth of knowledge within the financial planning realm. 

In our opinion, the “other guys” focus too heavily on return rates and forget that there are real dreams, goals, fears, and needs behind the numbers. By fixating on the numbers, they miss out on creative, more effective opportunities and approaches that will help their clients achieve the real results they’re looking for. 

From our point of view, investments are just one component of a healthy financial plan. 

Sure, they’re certainly important, and managing your portfolio is one of our core services. But things like insurance planning, estate planning, college planning, tax planning, and strategic asset allocation are equally important areas of financial planning. We help with all of these areas, and they’re automatically included in the annual fee our clients pay for our services.

2. We Are Fee-Only Fiduciaries

Lots of “financial advisors” are willing to sell annuities and permanent life insurance policies to anyone who will sign on the dotted line. But we feel strongly about identifying ourselves as fee-only fiduciaries . 

Being a fiduciary means that we are legally and ethically obligated to place our client’s best interests ahead of our own, so our clients can rest assured that we don’t make recommendations that are a poor fit for their needs.

Additionally, we pride ourselves on having built a fee-only book of business from scratch. Fee-only means that we do not sell financial products such as life insurance policies or annuities to our clients. We also do not collect referral fees or earn commissions on any investments we recommend. 

Beyond being fiduciaries, the fee-only model ensures that we are actually incentivized to work in your best interest. Because when you do well, we do well.

3. We Are Proactive in Our Communication

As holistic financial advisors, we know life happens. And when life happens, your plan might need to change. 

Plus, one of the main reasons we got into this business is because we like people. Developing strong relationships with our clients is one of our core values. While we always welcome calls from our clients, we understand that the phone works both ways. So we promise to stay in touch with you on a yearly basis at a minimum . 

Annual and semi-annual reviews provide us with more opportunities to identify possible challenges in your plan and make the most of any favorable circumstances that come your way. You can also expect to hear from us with intermittent updates throughout the year so that you’re never in the dark about what we’re doing and how we’re responding to changes in the markets.

4. We Believe in Long-Term, Low-Cost Investment Options

We advocate passive, long-term investing strategies, and are often opposed to using actively managed and potentially tax-inefficient mutual funds. To help our clients keep more of their money, we believe in using ETFs and indexing strategies to keep costs as low as possible without sacrificing performance. (Some of our favorites include Vanguard and BlackRock funds.)

We see value in diversification and utilizing nontraditional assets to help our clients reach their goals. The portfolios we design and manage consist of a mix of publicly traded equities (i.e., stocks), publicly traded fixed-income instruments (i.e., bonds), and private equity/credit investments (i.e., alternative assets). A Five Pine Wealth client’s portfolio may have up to 15% allocated to these non traditional assets, depending on their personal goals and risk tolerance. 

It’s important to note that alternative assets are not always accessible to individual investors, as they typically have a $1 million minimum purchase price. Therefore, many investors can only purchase alternative assets by working with a financial advisor. We believe our commitment to including alternative assets in our portfolios is a huge value-add to our clients.

5. We Are Younger Than Most Other Advisors

In the financial planning world, most advisors are 50 or older . And while advisors certainly need to have experience on their side, there are some serious downsides to working with an older advisor. 

For one, you risk that a financial advisor who is older than you will retire before you do! Then you’re left in the dust, scrambling to develop a new relationship right before you’re about to make one of the biggest transitions of your lifetime.

Secondly, many (not all!) of these older advisors are simply behind the times. They’re missing the mark on issues that are relevant to investors today—issues like income-replacement alternative assets,  the role of Bitcoin in a diversified portfolio, student loan repayment strategies, and the frequent career changes so many people are choosing to make these days. 

As younger advisors, we help our clients take advantage of modern, creative strategies and technology to help them plan for the challenges they’ll need to overcome and reach the goals they’re set on achieving. 

We Choose Our Clients Carefully

At Five Pine Wealth , we don’t work with just anyone. We are not the right fit for day traders or for investors with a market-timer mentality. Our clients don’t engage in frequent buying and selling of shares, and they don’t try to predict what’s going to happen in the markets. 

Instead, we’re best suited to work with long-term investors who understand that markets experience natural cycles of growth and decline. These investors are committed to holding onto their investments—even when prices drop—because they understand that history tells us the markets will eventually go back up.

We prefer to work with individuals and families who recognize they have cognitive and behavioral biases that can negatively impact their investment decisions. While they may naturally experience emotional reactions to market activity, our clients do not allow their financial decisions to be driven by alarming headlines. Instead, they reach out to us first.

The individuals and families we work with are willing to delay gratification because of the opportunity costs associated with not saving for retirement. Our clients understand that to retire well, they must live below their means today—and that their savings rate is more important than their rate of return.

Ultimately, our clients value holistic financial planning. They recognize that proper insurance protection, strategic tax planning, and detailed estate planning are just as important for a healthy financial life as investment management. And finally, our clients care about being good stewards of their wealth so they can leave a lasting legacy behind to their loved ones and charities of their choice.

How to Become a Five Pine Wealth Client

At Five Pine Wealth , we’re a little picky when it comes to choosing our clients. But that’s because we want to ensure that we’re the right fit—both for ourselves and for you! If the Five Pine Wealth difference resonates with you, we invite you to schedule a complimentary meeting with us today. Give us a call at 877.333.1015, email us at info@fivepinewealth.com , or visit our website to learn more about what it’s like to work with us.

The Best Long-Term Investment Strategy? Stay Invested, Stay Calm

June 20, 2025
When markets are calm, investing can feel easy. You contribute regularly, watch your portfolio grow, and start picturing that future vacation home or early retirement. But when markets get volatile, everything changes. Suddenly, headlines are full of dire warnings. Account balances fluctuate. And the urge to do something can feel overwhelming. At Five Pine Wealth Management , we understand how emotional investing can become during periods of market uncertainty. One of the most important things we do as fiduciary financial planners is to help our clients stay grounded when the market gets choppy. Let’s walk you through how we approach investment risk management and why having a clear, disciplined philosophy matters most when volatility strikes. Our Philosophy: Think Long-Term, Not Next Week When markets are moving fast, it is easy to think that the “best long-term investment strategy” must involve taking action to avoid losses or chase gains. The reality is usually the opposite. Reacting to market noise can often do more harm than good. In fact, one of the greatest risks to long-term returns is making emotional decisions in response to short-term events. We coach our clients to stay focused on their long-term financial plans and goals. Volatility is a feature of markets, not a flaw. By designing portfolios with realistic expectations for ups and downs, we help clients stay invested through all market environments. Here is what this looks like in practice: We use broadly diversified portfolios built around low-cost ETFs. We focus on asset allocation aligned with your time horizon, goals, and risk tolerance. We do not chase trends or attempt to time the market. We regularly review and rebalance portfolios based on your financial plan, not headlines. In short, your portfolio is designed to ride out volatility, not avoid it entirely. Fiduciary Financial Planning: Advice in Your Best Interest There is a great deal of noise in the financial world, particularly during turbulent market conditions. One of the most significant ways we help cut through it is by being fiduciary financial planners. That means we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times. We are also fee-only advisors. We do not receive commissions for recommending one investment over another. Our primary agenda is to help you reach your goals. During market volatility, this matters more than ever. Too many investors fall prey to sales pitches disguised as “solutions” to market risk. We focus on education and long-term planning rather than quick fixes. Being a fiduciary allows us to focus on what serves you best: Keeping you aligned with your personal goals and values Helping you tune out market noise and media hype Offering sound, research-backed guidance without conflicts of interest Your Coach Through Emotional Market Cycles One of our most important roles as financial planners is helping clients manage the psychological side of investing. It is one thing to know, intellectually, that markets will recover over time. It is another thing to watch your portfolio drop 15% and not feel anxious. Market downturns create powerful emotions. Fear. Doubt. Sometimes, even panic. As humans, our instinct is to take action to relieve those feelings, even when the logical course is to stay invested. That is where we come in. We help coach clients through these moments so they can avoid costly mistakes like: Selling during a downturn and locking in losses Chasing the next hot trend during a rebound Over-concentration in “safe” assets out of fear We remind clients that volatility is a normal part of the market. Markets have experienced recessions, wars, pandemics, and political turmoil before. They will again. Over time, markets have historically rewarded patient investors who stayed the course. When you work with us, you gain a trusted partner who is here to talk through your concerns, offer perspective, and help you make decisions that serve your long-term goals. Why Staying the Course Actually Works It may seem counterintuitive, but reducing activity during market volatility often yields better outcomes. Consider this: From 1999 through 2018, if an investor missed just the 10 best days in the S&P 500, their overall return would have been cut nearly in half . Many of the best market days happen very close to the worst ones. Trying to time the market is a challenging task, even for seasoned professionals. By maintaining a disciplined investment approach and staying fully invested, you ensure that you are there for both the recoveries and the long-term growth that markets provide. Our role is to help you build a portfolio designed for precisely this kind of staying power. We structure your investment mix to help you weather market cycles without having to guess what will happen next. Educating Clients About Normal Market Cycles Another key aspect of fiduciary financial planning is helping clients understand what is “normal” in the market. Volatility is not a sign that something is broken. It is a natural part of how markets function. In fact, without volatility, markets would not offer the returns that make long-term investing so powerful. We work with clients to help them see: Why some years will be down, but others will be very strong Why trying to avoid all losses is neither realistic nor necessary How staying invested through cycles often leads to far better outcomes than jumping in and out of the market Perspective is everything . The more you understand market behavior, the less likely you are to make emotional decisions during downturns. Different Stages, Same Principles Our approach also adapts to the varying needs of clients at different stages of their financial journey. For clients in their 40s to 60s: We may focus on prudently preserving and growing wealth. We help manage sequence-of-returns risk as you approach retirement. We may emphasize income planning and portfolio sustainability. We ensure that your investment mix aligns with your evolving goals and risk tolerance. For clients in their 30s: We provide education about typical market cycles (especially if this is their first experience with volatility). We coach clients to take advantage of their longer time horizons. We help younger investors see downturns as buying opportunities, not threats. In all cases, we are committed to helping clients invest with confidence, regardless of the headlines. Ready to Build a More Resilient Investment Strategy? Market volatility will always be part of investing, but it doesn't have to derail your financial goals. As your trusted financial advisor Coeur d'Alene team, we're here to help you navigate market uncertainty with confidence through our comprehensive financial planning approach. Contact Five Pine Wealth Management today to discuss how our investment philosophy and comprehensive financial planning approach can help you navigate market uncertainty with confidence. To see how we can help you support your financial goals, send us an email or call us at 877.333.1015.  Whether you're looking to preserve the wealth you've already accumulated or build a foundation for long-term growth, our team has the experience and commitment to help you stay focused on what matters most: achieving your financial goals.

From Full House to Financial Freedom: Smart Money Moves for Empty Nesters

May 23, 2025
The day your last child leaves home hits differently. It’s not just about the quiet hallways or fewer groceries in the cart. It’s the moment you realize that the life you’ve known for 20+ years is evolving into something new. For many, that change is deeply emotional. But it’s also a golden opportunity. At Five Pine Wealth Management, we work with parents who are entering this new season of life. Maybe you’re celebrating. Perhaps you’re feeling uncertain. Likely, you’re feeling a mix of both. This new chapter comes with financial freedom and decisions to match wherever you land. Let’s explore the smart financial moves you can make as empty nesters. Empty Nesters: A New Financial Season Meet Rob and Dana. After 25 years of raising three kids, their youngest finally left for college last fall. Their house, once bustling with backpacks, soccer cleats, and half-eaten cereal bowls, suddenly felt oversized and eerily quiet. They weren’t used to grocery bills being cut in half or weekends without games and activities. But what really surprised them? Just how much less money was going out each month. They came to us with a familiar feeling: a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "We think we're in a good place," Dana said. "But are we doing what we should be doing?" This is where a financial check-in becomes vital. With fewer day-to-day expenses and more flexibility, this is a time to refocus your finances. Here’s where to focus: Revisit your monthly budget. Your spending needs have probably changed. Without dependents at home, you may find new flexibility. Redirect those dollars toward long-term goals. Refresh your financial goals. That dream trip to Italy or the kitchen renovation you’ve put off? Let’s pencil it in, but also ensure your retirement accounts are getting the love they need. Update your estate plan. Now that the kids are young adults, your wills, healthcare directives, and beneficiaries may need adjusting. Freedom looks different for everyone, but for many, it starts with clarity. Pre-Retirement Planning: Your Next Big Financial Milestone For most empty nesters, retirement is no longer a distant concept—it’s getting real. Pre-retirement planning becomes a critical focus, especially in your late 40s to mid-60s. This is often the highest-earning period of your life and the sweet spot for pre-retirement planning. Here’s what we help our clients prioritize: Maximizing retirement contributions : As an empty nester, your cash flow could increase by 12% or more . Now’s the time to supercharge your 401(k), IRA, or other investment accounts with that extra cash. If you’re 50 or older, take advantage of catch-up contributions. Evaluating your risk exposure : Is your portfolio still aligned with your risk tolerance and timeline? Consider your tax strategy: With fewer deductions (like kids at home) and possibly a high-earning year, you may want to explore Roth conversions, charitable giving, or other tax-aware strategies. Running retirement projections : We help clients answer big-picture questions like: When can I retire? Will I have enough? What lifestyle can I realistically support? These aren’t always easy questions, but they’re essential. Planning for healthcare : Don’t wait until 65 to think about Medicare. Explore long-term care insurance and out-of-pocket expectations now. Rob and Dana sat down with us to run a retirement analysis. With only 8 years until Rob planned to retire, we helped them rebalance their portfolio to reduce risk, evaluate their pension and Social Security options, and make a plan to pay off their mortgage early. The result? They now have a clear retirement date and peace of mind. Should I Downsize My Home? One of the most common questions we get from empty nesters is, “Should I downsize my home?” It’s not just a financial question. It’s an emotional one, too. That house holds birthday parties, graduation photos on the stairs, and a dent in the drywall from a wild game of indoor tag. But it may also hold higher property taxes, more space than you use, and maintenance costs that don’t serve your current lifestyle. When deciding whether to downsize, we walk clients through: Total cost of ownership : What are you paying for the space? Emotional readiness : Are you ready to let go of the home? What would moving free up? : Cash for retirement? A move to your dream location? Family needs : Will your kids (or grandkids) be visiting regularly? Would a smaller home still support that? Downsizing doesn’t always mean moving into a tiny condo. Sometimes it means relocating to a one-level home with less yard or trading square footage for a better lifestyle. For Rob and Dana, downsizing meant moving to a townhome closer to their daughter and walkable to their favorite coffee shop, all while cutting their housing costs by nearly 35%. Give Yourself Permission to Dream Again One of our favorite things about working with empty nesters is helping them rediscover what they want. For years, life revolved around the kids. College tours. Dance recitals. Saturday mornings spent on the soccer sidelines. You were investing in their future. Now, it’s time to invest in yours. That might mean: Launching the business you put on hold Traveling during off-peak seasons (because you can!) Picking up a new hobby or volunteering more Creating a legacy through charitable giving or a family foundation Whatever it is, we want to help you align your money with your vision. Ready to Rethink the Next Chapter? This stage of life is full of opportunities, but it can also raise big questions. The good news is you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Whether you're considering downsizing, exploring early retirement, or just want to know you’re on the right path, Five Pine Wealth Management is here to help you plan wisely, invest intentionally, and live fully.  Take advantage of this pivotal financial moment. Call (877.333.1015) or email us today to schedule your empty nester strategy session. The empty nest doesn't have to feel empty. It can be the launch pad for your next chapter of financial success.