Holistic Financial Planning
Many firms talk about providing holistic financial planning. It has become somewhat of a buzzword in our industry. But what does it mean? How can it benefit you? Often people will think that they are engaging in holistic planning, but the reality is that they are just scratching the surface of what it means, and how it impacts every aspect of your financial life.
Holistic financial planning means looking at a client’s entire financial life as one connected picture — investments, taxes, insurance, estate plans, and goals all working together. It’s been the foundation of my career for years as it allows me to truly understand what matters most to each person and build plans that reflect that.
At Christopher Street Financial, that same holistic philosophy guides everything we do. It aligns closely with my own values and experience — meeting people where they are, understanding their unique stories, and creating plans that reflect both their goals and their identities. For many in the LGBTQ+ community and our allies, financial planning carries an even deeper meaning: honoring chosen family, embracing individuality, and finding strength in the community that supports you along the way.
Holistic Financial planning is not just about retirement accounts or investments—it’s about making sure every part of your financial life supports your values and your vision for the future.
We look at the full picture, your goals, your relationships, your legacy, and even the emotions tied to money. From budgeting and saving to estate planning and charitable giving, we help connect the dots, so your finances aren’t just managed—they’re aligned with the life you want to live, both today and in the years ahead.
Over the years, I’ve seen how holistic planning truly comes to life through the people I’ve worked with. Every client’s story is different, but each one shows how thoughtful planning can create clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. The two stories that follow highlight how this approach makes a real difference — not just in someone’s finances, but in their lives.
Alex & Jordan
Alex and Jordan, a newly married couple in their thirties, came to us excited, but also quietly anxious. They dreamed of buying a home, starting a family, and building a life where they felt secure. As optimistic as they were for the future, they did have a concern that was occasionally keeping them up at night: What if something happens to one of us?
Together, we took small, manageable steps—automating savings, updating beneficiaries, and drafting wills, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney. While these estate planning steps are simple, they are often overlooked in their importance. Additionally, we also put in place life insurance protection for them both to protect against the most tragic threats to their plan.
About 6 months later, tragedy struck—Jordan was killed in a motorcycle accident. The grief was immeasurable. But because Alex and Jordan had taken those steps, Alex didn’t have to fight legal battles or financial uncertainty on top of heartbreak. The emergency funds, life insurance proceeds, and clear legal instructions allowed Alex to grieve without the added weight of scrambling for security or fearing their shared dreams would disappear. For me personally, it was the first, but not the last time, that I hand delivered a Life Insurance check to a grieving spouse. The lessons learned from that experience shaped how I approach holistic planning with anyone I have worked with since.
That preparation didn’t erase the pain, but it did provide one priceless gift: space and time for Alex to heal, surrounded by community, without financial chaos compounding the loss.
Taylor and Robin
When our client, Robin, after years of battling health issues had to move into a nursing home, her spouse Taylor felt overwhelmed. The medical bills quickly mounted, and Taylor was having a hard time being able to manage all the pieces by themselves.
Because we had planned ahead, we were able to step in and guide Taylor—not alone, but alongside their attorney and CPA. Together, we navigated Medicaid, optimized tax strategies, and managed the expenses in a way that protected their finances. With the planning in place, Taylor could focus on what mattered most: caring for Robin, preserving their home, and safeguarding the life and legacy they had built together.
These aren’t extraordinary stories—they’re the kinds of deeply human stories we hear every day. Holistic planning isn’t about chasing perfection or amassing wealth for its own sake. It’s about love, values, and protecting the people and causes that matter most.
At Christopher Street Financial, we’ve stood beside LGBTQ+ clients and allies for decades, through joy and heartbreak, helping them craft plans that honor who they are as humans, and giving advice in both the good times, and especially the difficult times.
Holistic financial planning is ultimately about more than spreadsheets and projections. It is about weaving together your hopes, your responsibilities, and the people you cherish into a future that reflects who you truly are. We take pride in being a trusted partner through every season of life, ensuring that your plan stands strong when it matters most. Whether life brings moments of celebration or unexpected challenges, thoughtful preparation can make all the difference. Your story is unique, and your financial plan should honor that, not just today, but for whatever future awaits you.
