A married couple in their 50’s, owners of a manufacturing business, contacted Middleton & Company through a family relationship. The demands of running their dynamic business, with its associated travel and time commitment, and managing their family left them little time to plan for their future financial needs. Their investment planning consisted of a collection of individual stocks, mutual funds, and piles of unrelated investment statements.

Working with a senior portfolio manager from Middleton & Company, they were able to articulate near- and long-term investment objectives, which resulted in an investment policy that reflects both their investment goals and their risk tolerance. An investment strategy was implemented to meet their specific needs. Regular investment reviews and consistent communication have kept them informed about progress toward their financial goals, while also providing them more time to focus on their daily family and professional responsibilities.

A family group, with significant legacy holdings, was seeking responsive investment management, research and portfolio analysis, and a strategy to reposition their investments for the future. Near-term considerations for taxes and income were coupled with this desire to transition investments with an eye to future generations.

Working together with the client, Middleton & Company designed an investment strategy that addressed the legacy holdings, incorporated gifts to younger generations, and implemented opportunities for diversification to improve long-term returns. Close communication with the client created not only a positive investment outcome, but also confidence and consensus among family members that the needs of current – and future – generations are being addressed.

As a long-time Middleton & Company client, a non-profit organization was in the midst of several internal transitions – hiring a new Executive Director, incorporating several new investment committee members, and analyzing proposed capital improvements to its facility. Based on our history of working with the organization, we served as a valuable resource to the committee members in their decision-making process.

With our input, the committee was better able to understand the impact of the capital project on its long-term endowment, its near-term operating budget, and the potential financial risks associated with the project. In addition, the new Executive Director was able to set reasonable expectations for long-term budgeting, once the project was completed.

A sudden change in financial status, whether through job transition, inheritance, or sale of a business or property can create new challenges, as well as new opportunities. A couple in their 60’s contacted Middleton & Company as they were completing the sale of their business, which they had built and managed for over twenty years.

Along with the excitement of this new-found liquidity came many unanswered questions. Would the proceeds be able to fund not only their long-term retirement, but also replace the annual income that was no longer present? What were reasonable expectations for growth and annual returns? What level of risk was appropriate, and was this the same for both of them? How did this impact their plans for building a new house and moving?

Working with the clients, Middleton & Company developed a portfolio strategy that recognized their risk tolerance, while meeting their objectives for growth and income. The couple was able to adjust their near- and long-term plans based on realistic expectations of portfolio performance.