Published on 21, Mar 2023

Keith Gebert: Breaking Down Financial Planning

As the founder of RightBridge Financial Group, a wealth management firm, Jason Gebert has heard it all - and he says that a huge number of clients come to him feeling utterly overwhelmed by the prospect of financial planning.

“Financial planning can be complex and confusing, particularly if you are not familiar with financial concepts, such as asset allocation, tax implications, and investment strategies,” Keith shares. “Also, it can be an emotional journey. Fear, anxiety, and stress can make financial planning overwhelming, particularly if you are dealing with financial issues, such as debt or job loss.”

He adds that good financial planning requires time and effort to research and implement the best strategies that fit your financial goals, and some people feel overwhelmed by the commitment. Also, the financial environment is constantly changing with new rules, regulations, and tax laws, making it difficult to keep up. And many people simply lack financial education and expertise, making it harder to make informed financial decisions.

“To overcome these challenges, it’s really important to get guidance from a financial advisor who can help you understand the complexities of financial planning,” Keith says. “At RightBridge, we work with clients to develop a plan that meets their unique needs and goals. We also help keep them informed about changes in the financial environment and provide ongoing support to help them stay on track.”

Think about what you want

Before you start investing your money, you need to consider your financial goals, your risk tolerance, and your investment horizon. Keith says that an individual’s financial goals will determine the type of investments they should make, as well as how much they should allocate to each investment.

“If you have a long-term goal, such as saving for retirement, you may want to invest in stocks or mutual funds that have the potential for higher returns over the long term, but also carry a higher level of risk,” he reveals. “On the other hand, if you have a short-term goal, such as saving for a down payment on a house, you may want to invest in lower-risk investments, such as certificates of deposit or high-yield savings accounts.”

Keith educates his clients that their particular risk tolerance is another important factor to consider when constructing a financial portfolio. Some people are comfortable taking on a higher level of risk in the hopes of achieving higher returns, while others prefer a more conservative approach.

“You also need to consider your investment horizon,” he says. “This is the length of time you plan to hold your investments. A longer investment horizon may allow you to take on more risk, while a shorter investment horizon may require a more conservative approach.”

Start building your portfolio

Once you have considered these factors, you can begin constructing your financial portfolio. This may involve diversifying your investments across different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, to minimize risk and maximize returns - which is a strategy employed at RightBridge Financial Group.

“When I founded RightBridge, it was with the intention of utilizing creative solutions that meet individual needs and situations,” Keith affirms. “We help select individuals and families to protect and increase their assets and wealth. We handle tax exposure, insurance against risks, and we also help them create a legacy for their future.”

RightBridge Financial Group assists affluent families in creating a financial plan to safeguard and enhance their wealth, manage tax exposure, mitigate potential risks, and establish a legacy for their future. RightBridge employs a range of strategies such as alternative investments, endowment structuring, risk mitigation, and expert fund managers to construct a dynamic portfolio that meets the needs of its clients.

“As every client has unique needs and objectives, we provide personalized attention throughout the planning, execution, and follow-up phases,” Keith says.

Employing a proactive approach, RightBridge works with clients to develop a customized strategy that effectively addresses their financial goals using the most efficient methods available. Recognizing that unforeseen challenges can arise, the company strives to anticipate and address these situations as they occur, ensuring that clients stay on track toward a fulfilling and purpose-driven financial future.

Consider your legacy

“We place great importance on providing a stable retirement income as a key factor in achieving a fulfilling and enduring retirement,” Keith says. “Retirement should be something to look forward to - not worry about!”

By carefully assessing each client's financial situation, RightBridge seeks to develop a tailored retirement plan that helps generate an income that is sustainable throughout the client’s retirement years. The plan is designed to maximize the value of their assets and establish a legacy for their heirs or beneficiaries.

“Legacy planning can be a challenging and emotional process that involves making complex decisions about your assets and their distribution after your passing,” Keith says. “It’s a sensitive subject, but definitely one that should be addressed.”

Whether a client wishes to leave their assets to heirs, a charitable organization, or develop a business succession plan, Keith and his team are equipped to design a comprehensive strategy to achieve these goals. The RightBridge team understands that each client has unique needs and objectives, and takes a personalized approach to ensure that each legacy plan is customized to the client’s specific circumstances. 

“We work closely with you to address any concerns, identify potential challenges, and develop a plan that reflects your values and wishes while maximizing the value of your assets,” Keith assures. “Our goal is to provide peace of mind and confidence that your legacy will be preserved for generations to come.”