The Power of Partnership: How the Opal Way Can Lead to Financial Freedom

Working with a professional to achieve your financial goals isn’t just a good idea; it’s proven by research to be more effective than a solo journey. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress Study1, Americans who work with a financial advisor expect to retire two years earlier than those who don’t, and have saved twice as much for retirement ($132,000 vs. just $62,000).  

Beyond the quantifiable benefits, 75% of those working with an advisor believe they’ll be financially prepared for retirement, compared to just 45% of those without professional guidance. 

At Opal Wealth Advisors, we believe in the power of the advisor-client partnership. That’s why we developed our unique approach to financial planning, “The Opal Way,” which goes beyond traditional wealth management to help you achieve true financial freedom and purpose in your life. 

Step 1: Clarifying What Matters Most 

The foundation of The Opal Way begins with understanding what truly matters to you. Before discussing numbers or investment strategies, we take the time to understand your personal values, aspirations, and life goals. 

This approach aligns with what research shows people need most: clarity and confidence. According to the Northwestern Mutual study mentioned above, 79% of Americans with an advisor have a long-term financial plan that factors for economic cycles, compared to just 38% without an advisor. Additionally, 64% of those with an advisor report feeling financially secure, versus only 29% of those without professional guidance. 

Through meaningful conversations, we help you articulate your vision for the future—whether that’s early retirement, educational goals for your children, philanthropic ambitions, or creating a lasting legacy. This clarity becomes the north star that guides all subsequent financial decisions. 

Step 2: Creating a Tailored Financial Strategy 

Once we understand your goals, we develop a comprehensive, tailored strategy to help you achieve them. This includes detailed planning across multiple dimensions: 

• Meaningful Goals: We establish clear objectives that align with your personal values and aspirations 

• Your Numbers: We gain control by clarifying your cash flow, tracking your net worth, and optimizing your portfolio allocation 

• Financial Planning: We create an actionable roadmap based on your goals with a solid wealth management foundation 

• Opal Protection: We identify risks and implement strategies to protect your wealth and keep your plan on track 

• Tax Planning: We optimize tax efficiency across your income and investments to maximize your wealth 

• Financial Life Organization: Our Financial Life Organizer keeps all your resources and documents in one place 

• Opal Legacy: We help prepare the next generation and ensure a smooth transition for your legacy 

This comprehensive approach produces measurable results. The Northwestern Mutual study found that among all Americans, 83% with an advisor have taken steps to address the possibility of outliving their savings, compared to 53% without an advisor. Similarly, 69% with an advisor have plans to address healthcare costs in retirement, versus only 38% without professional guidance. 

Step 3: Providing Ongoing Support and Dynamic Adjustments 

Financial planning isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing journey. Life circumstances change, markets fluctuate, and goals evolve. That’s why The Opal Way includes continuous monitoring, regular communication, and proactive adjustments to keep you on track. 

Our service experience includes: 

• Regular meetings to review progress and address changing needs 

• Unlimited accessibility to your advisory team 

• Proactive outreach when opportunities or challenges arise 

You’ll work with a dedicated team including a Financial Advisor, Relationship Manager, and Service Team Member who are committed to your success. Additionally, you’ll have access to ongoing financial resources including monthly market outlooks, in-person events, and regular webinars. 

This level of support helps explain why financial advisors remain Americans’ most trusted source for financial advice according to the Northwestern Mutual study—twice as much as family members and eight times more than financial social media influencers. 

Partnering to Empower Your Financial Journey 

The Opal Way is designed to empower you with both the financial tools and the confidence to live your best life. As fiduciaries, we always put your interests first, providing objective advice aimed at helping you achieve your unique goals. 

The impact of this approach extends beyond numbers on a balance sheet. As John Roberts, chief field officer at Northwestern Mutual, noted: “Americans who work with a financial advisor have better financial habits, superior outcomes, less anxiety, greater confidence, and more time to live the life of their dreams.” 

At Opal Wealth Advisors, we believe everyone deserves this level of confidence and clarity. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to optimize an existing strategy, The Opal Way provides a framework for success that adapts to your changing needs and aspirations. 

Are you ready to experience the difference a trusted financial partner can make? Discover how The Opal Way can simplify your financial journey and accelerate your path to true financial freedom. Schedule a complimentary consultation today to learn more about how Opal Wealth Advisors can help you achieve your financial goals. 

Americans with a financial advisor expect to retire two years earlier, according to Northwestern Mutual’s Planning & Progress Study. (2024, July 9). Newsroom | Northwestern Mutual. https://news.northwesternmutual.com/2024-07-09-Americans-with-a-financial-advisor-expect-to-retire-two-years-earlier-according-to-Northwestern-Mutuals-Planning-Progress-Study