We Are a Financial Planning Focused Firm
No matter how much time and energy you spend managing your money, does it still feel like something is missing?
Is every financial part in your life contributing to your ongoing whole?
How are your investments actually doing? Are they the right ones for you?
Are you getting your money’s worth out of your money?
In short, are you struggling to convert your random financial acts into an orderly plan of action? At Aspire Planning Associates, we believe in starting with a solid blueprint – a Foundational Financial Plan – for building toward your most satisfying life.
As an independent Registered Investment Advisor firm (with offices in Cupertino, San Mateo and Walnut Creek), we’re also “fee-only,” so you can see for yourself the value found in melding foundational planning with our deeper wealth of experience. We can advise you on almost any financial situation, especially major life transitions.
Our Clients
Our clients come to us because they face new directions in life and need guidance for the road ahead. Like them, you might be dreaming of an early retirement after a satisfying career, or perhaps you are a young family seeking help on beginning a savings program. You might be rebuilding after a divorce, or you might be wondering how to seize the opportunities a sudden windfall has given you. Wherever you are, wherever you want to go, we work with you so you can move forward with confidence.
Tell us about yourself:
Memberships and alliances
Aspire planning Blog
During his campaign, Donald Trump promised to end taxes on Social Security benefits. This would seem like a welcome relief those who have enough other income which would result in federal income tax on 85% of SS retirement benefits. But when you consider the impact on the Social Security trust fund, the proposal may not be so great. Read More >
When planning your estate, it’s crucial to determine the best way to pass on your retirement assets, such as IRAs or 401(k)s, to your beneficiaries. Understanding your options and the benefits, risks, and tax implications of each is essential for making an informed decision. Read More >
Significant changes to Social Security, Medicare and taxes are set to take effect in 2025 and as the presidential election approaches, it’s crucial for retirees to grasp these developments and how each candidate's proposals may impact these vital programs and their overall retirement strategies. Read More >
For many retirees, home equity represents one of their most valuable financial assets. Tapping into this wealth efficiently can provide liquidity, supplement income, and help fund lifestyle changes, including relocation. Read More >
As we move into fall, it’s the perfect time for a financial check-up. In this article, we cover essential year-end steps to evaluate your investments, manage taxes, and ensure your financial plan is on track for a secure and prosperous retirement. Read More >
Phishing scams have become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, making them one of the most dangerous threats to your financial security. In this article we outline proactive steps you can take to protect yourself online. Read More >
As everyday items become more expensive, discretionary income dwindles, leaving you with less money to allocate towards your savings and retirement accounts. In this article we outline several proactive steps you can take to mitigate the impact of inflation on your financial future. Read More >
In this article, we explore how eligible rental property owners can benefit from the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, which allows them to deduct up to 20% of their rental income. Discover the specific criteria to determine if you can take advantage of this valuable tax-saving opportunity. Read More >
Planning to relocate in retirement, or close to making a decision? We’ve put together this workbook to help you with your planning to ensure this transition is as seamless as can be. Get the Workbook >
By taking a proactive approach to tax planning, you can uncover opportunities to reduce your tax liability, optimize your retirement contributions, and improve your overall financial health. This 8-step guide delves into essential strategies and considerations to help you make the most of your mid-year tax planning efforts effectively. Read More >
In this article we outline six key areas to consider during your mid-year financial review. Conducting these regular reviews is crucial—not only to celebrate your progress, but also to adjust your course in response to life’s changes and economic shifts. Read More >
Career transitions, whether through voluntary job changes or unexpected layoffs, are pivotal moments that can significantly impact your financial future. In this article we provide financial planning tips to navigate these changes effectively to position yourself for financial security. Read More >
This article is dedicated to parents who are planning for their children’s higher education and aiming to minimize the burden of student loan debt, which has grown significantly in recent years. Read More >
For all the recent graduates out there - Congratulations! As you embark on this new phase of your life, we present you with essential trail markers to guide your financial journey ahead. Read More >
Year to date, not only have many broad markets delivered gains from acceptable to amazing, there have been the usual assortment of sizzling stocks to distract us with their dazzle. Strong market performance is welcome news. But at least in the wider investment world, we’re likely to see a different kind of response that isn’t as welcoming. Read More >
It can be tough to plan your financial future in a world filled with obstacles and opportunities. But the terrain only worsens in the absence of well-crafted goals. If you don’t know how much money you’ll need, when, and why, you end up chasing after the latest fads (buying high) or fleeing market risks (selling low). Read More >
In this article, we wrap up our three-part series with additional ways to ease your transition from chaotic to more orderly investing. Some steps are purely practical. Others help you remain calm and confident along the way. We can mix and match them as needed to contribute to your investment success. Read More >
When you sell an investment for more than you paid for it, there can be burdensome capital gain taxes realized in the year of the sale. How do you manage for this challenge? It helps to identify which trades can be placed promptly, and which may be better managed over time. Read More >