We believe it’s the people on our team who make the difference—our commitment to communication, service, and genuine relationships are at the core of everything we do. Our approach to investing and our collaborative, team-based process also can set us apart from other firms. Rather than relying on a single perspective, our team works together to develop and refine strategies and plans, bringing multiple viewpoints to every client relationship. We also have access to Helios Quantitative research, which provides us with quantitative data and investment research.

Yes, PalomarWealth acts as a fiduciary, meaning the firm is legally and ethically required to act in the best interests of its clients at all times.

Fiduciary responsibility requires advisors to:

• Put clients’ interests ahead of their own
• Disclose conflicts of interest
• Provide transparent pricing
• Recommend suitable, evidence-based strategies

This standard provides a higher level of accountability than suitability-only advice.

Our approach combines a personal understanding of each client’s goals with a process-driven framework supported by data analytics. We believe sound decisions come from both experience and evidence, so we use data to inform our strategies while maintaining a consistent, repeatable process designed to reduce emotion and improve outcomes over time.

Yes. You can work with PalomarWealth remotely through secure video meetings, phone calls, and digital document sharing. In-person visits are welcome but never required.

Our clients come from a variety of backgrounds, but many share a few common traits. They are typically:

• Seeking a trusted partner to help guide important financial decisions through ongoing conversations
• Long-term, patient investors who value a disciplined plan over taking excessive risk
• Consistent savers who prioritize preparing for future goals
• Dedicated to their families and communities and generous with their time and resources
• Life-long learners who value thoughtful advice and informed decision-making

If these qualities resonate with you, there’s a good chance we would work well together.

Our practice name, PalomarWealth, is based on a simple fishing knot that symbolizes the secure bond between our clients and our team. One of the strongest and most effective knots, the Palomar knot illustrates simplicity and strength simultaneously. Helping others succeed, increasing financial security, enabling clients to reach their goals, and creating ways for them to contribute to the causes and communities important to them is our primary purpose.

PalomarWealth charges a fee based on assets under management (AUM), which is the total value of investments the firm actively manages on behalf of a client.

Fees and minimums depend on:

• The complexity of services provided
• The amount of assets managed
• Whether ongoing investment management is included

For those seeking assistance with financial planning, there is a flat fee structure depending on the client’s needs.

All fees are clearly disclosed before engagement.

PalomarWealth operates under a fee-based structure, typically charging a percentage of assets under management (AUM). Assets under management (AUM) refers to the total value of investments the firm manages on behalf of clients.

Compensation may involve:

• Ongoing management fees
• Planning fees
• Limited commissions on certain insurance-based products

Clients receive full transparency regarding compensation.

The amount needed to retire comfortably depends on lifestyle, location, healthcare costs, inflation, and longevity.

Many retirees aim to replace:

• 70–80% of pre-retirement income

A personalized retirement income plan provides the most accurate estimate.

The best time to take Social Security depends on your health, income needs, marital status, and overall retirement strategy.

Key facts:

• Benefits can begin at age 62
• Full retirement age ranges from 66 to 67
• Delaying until age 70 increases monthly benefits

A coordinated claiming strategy can significantly impact lifetime income.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory withdrawals the IRS requires from most tax-deferred retirement accounts starting at age 73 for most individuals.

RMDs apply to:

• Traditional IRAs
• 401(k) and 403(b) plans
• Other qualified retirement accounts

Failing to take an RMD can result in significant penalties.

Healthcare costs in retirement can be significant and typically increase with age and longevity.

Expenses may include:

• Medicare premiums
• Supplemental insurance
• Prescription drugs
• Long-term care

Planning for healthcare inflation is essential for retirement security.

Common financial mistakes in your 50s can include under-saving and failing to plan for healthcare costs.

Other mistakes may include:

• Not maximizing catch-up contributions
• Carrying high-interest debt
• Ignoring tax planning
• Lacking a retirement income strategy

This decade is often critical for retirement readiness.

Yes, PalomarWealth assists clients with 401(k) rollovers to IRAs and other qualified retirement accounts.

A rollover may help:

• Consolidate retirement accounts
• Expand investment options
• Improve coordination with a retirement income plan
• Ensure tax-efficient transfers

Proper execution helps avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties.

The best retirement plan for someone over 50 often depends on income level, employment status, and tax strategy.

Common options include:

• 401(k) with catch-up contributions
• Traditional IRA
• Roth IRA
• SEP IRA for self-employed individuals

The right plan helps maximize tax advantages and contribution limits.

Catch-up contributions allow individuals age 50 and older to contribute additional funds beyond standard annual limits to retirement accounts.

They apply to:

• 401(k) plans
• 403(b) plans
• Traditional IRAs
• Roth IRAs

Catch-up contributions help accelerate savings before retirement.

The Rule of 55 allows employees who leave their job at age 55 or older to withdraw funds from their current employer’s 401(k) without the 10% early withdrawal penalty (for withdrawals before age 59 ½).

It applies only to:

• The current employer’s plan
• Funds that are not rolled into an IRA
• Qualified workplace retirement accounts

Income taxes still apply to withdrawals.

Generally you can reduce taxes before retirement by maximizing tax-advantaged contributions and implementing strategic tax planning.

Common strategies include:

• Increasing 401(k) or IRA contributions
• Performing Roth conversions
• Tax-loss harvesting
• Coordinated withdrawal planning

Tax-aware investing can reduce lifetime tax liability.

A Roth IRA may be preferable if you expect higher taxes in retirement as well as how all that growth earned comes out tax free. A Traditional IRA may benefit those seeking a current tax deduction.

The choice may depend on:

• Current tax bracket
• Expected future tax rates
• Income eligibility
• Retirement income strategy

Both offer tax advantages under different circumstances.

You can protect retirement savings from inflation by maintaining growth-oriented investments and diversifying your portfolio*.

Strategies include:

• Maintaining appropriate equity exposure
• Using inflation-protected securities
• Adjusting withdrawal rates over time
• Planning for increasing income needs

Inflation protection is essential for long-term retirement sustainability.

*While diversification can help reduce market risk, it does not eliminate it. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

A will is a legal document that directs how assets are distributed after death, while a trust is a legal arrangement that can manage assets during life and after death.

Some key differences:

• Wills typically go through probate
• Trusts can avoid probate
• Trusts offer greater privacy
• Trusts can manage incapacity during life

Both are important components of estate planning.

Although we are not attorneys, PalomarWealth can facilitate the creation of your estate plan by providing you access to our partner, EncoreEstate Plans, and their software. Our team coordinates information to help provide you with an estate plan in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner.

Review process

Your estate plan is then prepared and reviewed in 7-10 business days by leading industry professionals (estate planners/attorneys) to give you a professional estate plan.

What's included?

Your plan includes a revocable trust, will, financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and other documents. We will provide you with the support you need to make informed decisions to complete the process.

The amount of life insurance you need depends on income replacement needs, debts, dependents, and long-term financial goals.

A common guideline is:

• 10–15 times annual income

A personalized calculation provides greater accuracy. We can help with that.

Whether to pay off your mortgage or invest depends on your interest rate, risk tolerance, cash flow needs, and retirement goals.

Consider:

• Your mortgage interest rate
• Expected investment returns
• Tax implications
• Psychological comfort with debt

A coordinated financial plan helps determine the optimal choice.

In most cases, retirement savings should be prioritized before college savings.

This is because:

• There are loans available for college
• There are no loans available for retirement
• Retirement accounts offer tax advantages

Once retirement is on track, college savings can be funded strategically.