MONEY TRANSITIONS
Has your company stock skyrocketed, or have you received an inheritance that might change your financial picture and force you to reimagine what might be possible?
LIFE TRANSITIONS
Have you felt like moving across the country, to start fresh or to be closer to family, but are nervous about all the steps to make that a reality?
FAMILY TRANSITIONS
Are you expecting a child (or grandchild), and family is starting to replace work as your main priority?
CAREER TRANSITIONS
Have you longed to leave your corporate job for a creative role, but aren’t sure how to plan to make the leap?
There is a saying that we have two lives, and the second life starts when we realize we only have one life. We work with folks at the crossroads of life’s big inflection points. Maybe you’ve worked an entire career to diligently grow your savings, or maybe you’ve just got enough to do something you’ve always wanted. Either way, this moment is a call to use your money in alignment with what you would consider a truly fulfilled life. If you want an investment advisor to help you focus on asset growth, Wonderland probably isn’t the best fit for you. But if you want to figure out how to maximize your wealth to live the life you always wanted, we relish the possibility of exploring that roadmap together.
Who We Serve
Case Studies
Pam and Jim
Jim and Pam saw their relationship take root at work. They now have two beautiful children they support. The rest of their career seems straightforward if they continue to do what they’ve always done. But Jim’s always had an idea to start a business, and he can’t seem to shake the idea that this is the career that he wants to pursue. But uprooting a family, moving states, changing jobs, losing benefits and a steady paycheck all seem like reasons that the moment for Jim to launch has passed him by.
Values
Fun, Honesty, Friendship
Questions Pam and Jim are Asking
How do we plan to sell our house and move with two young kids at home?
How can we manage our cash flow with the uncertainty of startup life?
Is it too risky to do this?
The Wonderland Way
Explore What is Possible
What Lights Jim and Pam up about this transition? What could or might get in the way? How do we find the right fuel and mindset to help them take this wonderful leap of faith?
Creating A Roadmap for Around Uncertainty
Model cash flows and set aside reserves to draw on during business launch. How much can they afford to put into the business? What do they need to make to support expenses? What can they spend from their savings without jeopardizing their long term financial freedom?
Review whether to sell or rent current home and whether buying or renting is a better choice in Austin.
Discuss tax implications of equity payout, and possible tax opportunities of moving to Texas
Draft estate plan to protect kids
Michael and Holly
Michael’s worked at the same company for almost 20 years. It was his entire identity. Until he met Holly. They’ve built a beautiful life together, but Holly needs to move back to Colorado to care for her aging father. Michael doesn’t know if he can afford to quit and leave his job, a place that has given him everything he’s ever had. But he loves his partner more than anything, and something is telling him he’s ready for the next chapter.
Values
Humor, Authenticity, Belonging
Questions Michael and Holly are Asking
Can we afford to stop working, or slow down to support family?
How do we begin to withdraw on the money we’ve spent a lifetime saving?
How do I find purpose, if it’s not work?
The Wonderland Way
Explore What is Possible
What are Holly and Michael retiring from? What are they retiring to? What are the little spending experiments they can run to see what brings them joy? How will they spend their time? They don’t have all the answers, but Michael and Holly have always loved improv…
Creating A Roadmap for a Stress Free Semi-Retirement
Review current savings and develop cash flow plan to support Coast FIRE lifestyle.
Understand and develop tax efficient strategy and investment plan for withdrawing funds for spending needs. What assets are available to spend now and how do they best utilize them?
Plan around health care costs and other benefits as Michael and Holly lose benefits through work. Maybe taking on a small job with some benefits allows Michael and Holly the freedom to support their other goals and aspirations
Oscar
Oscar is fed up at work. For starters, there’s constant talk of layoffs, downsizing, and organizational restructuring. On top of that, despite the work culture where your colleagues are portrayed as your best friends, Oscar has a life he loves outside of work. He desperately wants a break, but he doesn’t feel like he can take it.
Values
Accountability, Pride, and Forgiveness
Questions Oscar is Asking
Can I really take time off during my prime earning years to recenter myself?
How do I build a savings draw down plan?
How do we plan around uncertainty of “what I go back to?”
The Wonderland Way
Explore What is Possible
Meaningful time off to unplug is rare. What does Oscar want to prioritize in his time off? Travel? Working on a passion project? Trying a new hobby?
Creating A Roadmap for a Sabbatical
Understand what assets Oscar has, and build a plan for drawing down on the funds.
Review current company benefits and determine how to leverage then while still working. Understand how health care costs shift during time off.
Utilize changes in income to take advantage of any tax opportunities.
The Wonderland Trail Map
Constructing the Roadmap
This is all about building the dream scenario and to discuss what a fulfilled and full life could look like.
Gear Check
Before embarking on the path, we need to think about what could and might get in the way? We’ll confirm some of the details and discuss what the plan and plan alternatives could and might look like.
Summit Day
Present a detailed assessment of all areas of your financial life. Discuss tactical recommendations and changes to improve financial wellbeing, and start to implement plan for living life today and in the future.
Debrief
Review status of implementation and offer additional guidance. Determine if we should move into ongoing work together.