Not Your Average Financial Advisor. Retirement Planner. Financial Coach. Business Planner.
See why Carman and IWB are the right fit for you!
Our Process
Discovery Meeting
Learning about your situation and your goals
Strategy Meeting
Discussing current strategies and opportunities
Action Plan
Analyzing options and selecting your preferred path forward
Progress Meetings
Ongoing support as the years go on
How We Help
Examples of Our Work
Carman Kubanda, CFP®
Carman graduated with a degree in finance from the University of Washington.
He holds the series 7 and 66 securities licenses plus life and health insurance licenses. Beyond that, he is a Chartered Financial Consultant and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™.
As an SEC-regulated Registered Investment Adviser, we specialize in investment management, retirement planning, and advanced tax planning strategies. Our fiduciary advisors are committed to making financial planning straightforward and stress-free, tailoring strategies to fit your unique needs and goals.
We pride ourselves on being large enough to access the same tools as global firms, yet small enough to know your name, your kids’ names, and maybe even your dog’s name. Simple, transparent, and all about you – that’s what we do.
FAQS
The amount needed for a comfortable retirement varies based on lifestyle, location, and personal goals. Generally, a common rule of thumb is to aim for 70-80% of your pre-retirement income annually. A detailed retirement plan considers your expected expenses, healthcare costs, inflation, and potential sources of income such as Social Security, pensions, and investments. Working with a financial planner can help you develop a personalized retirement savings plan to meet your specific needs and goals.
The best investment strategy depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. A diversified portfolio that includes a mix of stocks, bonds, and other asset classes can help manage risk while aiming for growth. It’s important to regularly review and adjust your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your changing goals and market conditions. Financial planners can provide personalized advice and strategies to help you build and maintain a portfolio that supports your long-term financial objectives.
Diversification involves spreading your investments across various asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.) and within asset classes (different sectors, geographies, etc.) to reduce risk. The best way to diversify depends on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. A well-diversified portfolio balances the potential for growth with the need for stability, helping to protect against market volatility. Financial planners can help you build a diversified portfolio tailored to your specific needs.
Choosing the right financial advisor involves considering several factors:
- Credentials and Experience: Look for advisors with reputable certifications such as CFP (Certified Financial Planner), CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), or CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Experience in handling clients with similar financial goals can be beneficial.
- Services Offered: Ensure the advisor provides the services you need, whether it’s retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, or estate planning.
- Fee Structure: Understand how the advisor is compensated. Fee-only advisors charge a flat fee or a percentage of assets under management, while commission-based advisors earn commissions from financial products they sell. A transparent fee structure can help avoid potential conflicts of interest.
- Personal Compatibility: A good advisor should listen to your needs, communicate clearly, and make you feel comfortable. Trust and good rapport are essential for a successful advisor-client relationship.
- Fiduciary Duty: Prefer advisors who act as fiduciaries, meaning they are legally obligated to put your interests ahead of their own.
During your first meeting with a financial advisor, you can expect:
- Introduction and Background: The advisor will likely introduce themselves, explain their background, credentials, and services offered.
- Discussion of Goals: You’ll discuss your financial goals, concerns, and current financial situation. This helps the advisor understand your needs and tailor their advice accordingly.
- Financial Information Gathering: Be prepared to provide details about your income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and any existing financial plans or investments.
- Assessment of Risk Tolerance: The advisor may assess your risk tolerance to recommend suitable investment strategies.
- Explanation of Process: The advisor will explain their planning process, how they will develop and implement a financial plan, and how often you will meet to review and adjust the plan.
- Fee Structure: Expect a clear explanation of the advisor’s fee structure and any potential costs associated with their services.
