Our Process

Working with an independent financial advisor

Craig Koller and James Appelt are independent Registered Investment Advisor Representatives (IARs) of Independent Financial Partners (IFP). As IAR's of IFP, they can maintain independence and work in a capacity as a fiduciary for clients. They are not tied to any Family of Funds or Investment products. As fiduciaries, they are held to the highest standard of care. They are always required to act in the best interests of their clients.

At Integrated Wealth Management, custom really means custom. We do not plug you into a “system”. You are more than simply data inputted into a software program. When you work with us, you get a personalized game plan and coaching tailored to you. Sometimes only a certain service is all that is needed. Others take advantage of a complete integrated approach to all aspects of their financial lives across our network of specialized professionals. In the end we pride ourselves on an educational and collaborative approach to best meet what you need.

Our Capabilities

INVESTMENT PLANNING

ASSET PROTECTION

ESTATE PLANNING

RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING

CORPORATE RETIREMENT PLAN DESIGN

401K MANAGEMENT

TAX STRATEGIES

INSURANCE

Our Simple and Laid Back Process

Step 1: Determining where you are now

On our first meeting, we will discuss your current Financial position, your goals and their time frames. Then, we will gather as much information on you as possible so that we can determine the best path forward. We want to know who you are and what you are comfortable with. Just as important, what you are not comfortable with (your Risk Tolerance).

Step 2: Deciding where you want to go

In our second meeting, we will present a game plan that will organize your financial life for the future. Should you want to proceed, we can then gather more detailed information about your specific documents and accounts. This is all working towards the completion of a comprehensive plan for implementation. Soon you will be on your way to accomplishing your goals.

Step 3: Customizing your plan

On our third meeting, we will review the Plan, answer your questions and address any other concerns. In doing so, we want to address your comfort zone. We will continue to address your other goals, present multiple options, review suggestions, and put the remainder of your plan into action.

Step 4: Providing consistent services and support

Once your plan is in motion, continued maintenance and plan management is essential. We provide recurring consultations, customized plan reviews, an annual update meeting, and dynamic communication with unlimited availability. And this is done in a cost effective manner that is clearly understood in advance and agreed to.

For more information about our firm and the services we offer, send us a quick email or call the office. We would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

ckoller@myiwm.com | (813) 314-2288

Using The Bucket Plan

We are believers (and often recommend) the “Bucket Plan”. The Bucket Plan is a three-part approach using planned purpose and a structured timeline to divide your money. This plan helps alleviate the uncertainties and risks of modern retirement. The Bucket Plan organizes your assets to help secure a reliable source of income during retirement and ensure your assets are passed on to the intended beneficiaries in the most tax-efficient manner. For younger clients, the Bucket Plan helps navigate saving for short-, intermediate- and long-term financial goals while ensuring the correct tax diversification as well as a plan for the “what if.”

Now Bucket

This bucket consists of your “magic number” of secured money and a comfortable amount for living expenses or for the first few years of retirement. Additionally, this bucket will contain liquidity for larger expenses like repairs or a new car. This money was previously saved for emergencies but now it will hold an extra cushion for much more. As this bucket grows, you will shift the extra into the Intermediate Bucket and the Later (Long Term) Bucket.

Intermediate Bucket

This bucket contains money that might be needed within 2-17 years of your plan. Also considered the preservation bucket, the money in this bucket is conservatively invested for growth. It is for College Funds, a vacation home, an RV or Boat. This might also become your income source for the first part of your retirement as many people supplement their retirement income with part time or consulting work.

Later (long term) Bucket

This final bucket is created for long-term growth through investments and endowment planning. Having the safety of the first two buckets, you can invest with a longer time commitment for potentially greater growth. This Bucket can provide you with Retirement Income. The later bucket also allows for planning to maintain and support your legacy, such as a surviving spouse or family member.

Approach to Investments

We will continue to manage your Investments to provide you with the best opportunity to help you prepare for troubled areas or mediocre market returns. We do not use proprietary investments. Our firm does not have a cookie cutter agenda with your investment choices. When world events or markets change, we change. Our goal is to keep you in the top performing Investments available.