Save Smart.
Spend Well.
Live Greatly®.
We’ll help you find answers, spot opportunities, and use your money in a way that fits your life.
Our Financial Planning Process
The Clarity Framework is a tailored planning process designed to bring order to your finances and purpose to your decisions. Every step is shaped around your life, your goals, and your vision for retirement.
STEP ONE
In our discovery meeting, we take time to understand you and your needs. From there, we move into a deep financial analysis to understand your full financial picture. Using that analysis, we present a blueprint with key opportunities for improvement.
STEP TWO
Next, we answer your questions and start building your Clarity Framework with you, not just for you. This step includes detailed strategies across income, investments, risk management, tax planning, and more.
STEP THREE
Planning isn’t one-and-done. We actively review and refine your plan to keep pace with life. Whether it's a retirement, an inheritance, or an unexpected change, we’re here to keep you moving forward. We also offer specialized services such as Medicare planning, estate planning, and tax strategy.
CREATE YOUR COMPASS
This is where your financial plan becomes more than a document. The "Compass: Live Greatly® Guidebook" is a practical tool to help you create a life plan that informs your financial decisions.
Income Planning Strategies
Implementing specific strategies such as electing or delaying social security, pension analysis, and key investment allocations, you could save substantial amounts of money over the course of your retirement.
Spending Plans and Guardrails
A smart financial plan should help you know what you can spend with confidence. We build personalized spending plans that balance enjoyment today with security for the future.
Our spending guardrails set clear parameters for your withdrawals so you know when it’s safe to spend more or when it’s time to pull back.
Great Waters clients enjoy
62% MORE*
of their retirement savings
than industry average.
*Source: Great Waters Financial internal client Withdraw rates using dynamic guardrails in their plans (Nov 2024–Oct 2025) compared to the 4% industry benchmark in Morningstar’s “State of Retirement Income: 2023.” Withdrawal rates exclude annuity and advisory-fee transactions. Higher withdrawal rates may result in faster depletion of principal. Individual results vary.
Integrated Investment Management
Our investment management services are available as part of a holistic financial plan or as a standalone service. Whether you’re looking for a full financial strategy or focused portfolio support, we’ll meet you where you are.
Risk Management & Protection
We offer life insurance and long-term care strategies designed to safeguard your income, your loved ones, and your legacy.
Financial Planning FAQs
Explore our frequently asked questions to understand our financial planning services better.
Financial planning involves assessing your current financial situation, setting goals, and creating a roadmap to achieve those goals. This process helps you make informed decisions about savings, investments, and retirement.
From retirement income to tax efficiency, we focus on what matters most to you. Our fiduciary team builds custom strategies without overcomplicating or overselling. You get the support you need, and only pay for the services you use.
Our fees are transparent and straightforward. Some clients choose a flat fee, while others prefer a percentage based on assets managed. Either way, you’ll always know what you’re paying and what you’re receiving in return. Learn more about our fee schedule here:
Absolutely! Our team is dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance. Whether you have questions about your plan or need assistance with specific financial matters, we are here to help. Reach out anytime for personalized assistance.
