Year-End Reflections

As we reflect on this past year, we recognize that it has seen its share of turbulence, just as 2020 did. But as portfolio managers and financial advisors, we can’t help but be optimistic for the future knowing the long history of progress – both in our global economy, and within our own firm. Even in the face of unusual times and periods of uncertainty, we lead our clients towards decisions that allow them to achieve the peace of mind we all strive for but can find difficult to obtain alone. During that process, Litman Gregory is also encouraged to change and grow as an organization. In the face of new challenges and opportunities, thoughtful change has been critical to our success and our continuous effort to better serve our clients. Our evolution is always guided by an obsession to make a positive difference in our clients’ lives.

This year, our firm’s evolution reached a new level, with the integration of Litman Gregory into iM Global Partner. Since the combination, we have experienced a company that has proven to be greater than the sum of its parts. iM Global Partner’s research team brought additional research analysts, a Global Chief Investment Officer, and new analytical tools. The Litman Gregory team brought its more than three decades of experience as trusted investment counselors and wealth advisors, along with a fantastic client service and operations team. The integration has also led to enhanced operations across the firm, with additional efficient technologies deployed in the second half of the year that free up more time for us to spend with our clients. Along with these enhancements, our expanded leadership team has supported the addition of more client resource personnel, both recently and expected into 2022. Next year, we will turn our focus to deepening engagements with our clients and expanding even further the services that we can offer them.

But those that know us well are aware that corporate integrations are nothing new to Litman Gregory. We have successfully acquired and integrated advisory services in the past, and in fact, in conjunction with iM Global Partner we just recently welcomed Senior Advisor Cynthia Morris from Sensiba San Filippo CPAs to the Litman Gregory Wealth Management family. Please read more about her here.

Through all our transitions, one thing has remained clear: We are truly grateful for the relationships we have with our clients, as they and their families have become the reason that we all take time from our families to be part of this organization and its purpose. The trust placed in us to do our best every day is our motivator, and we take that responsibility with great pride.

As we guided year end planning, we were ultimately inspired by our clients’ own generosity, which we see in the many philanthropic plans we help them design. And, thanks to our clients, we were also able to give back and be of support within our local communities. During 2021, we offered financial contributions to several deserving organizations doing amazing work: Compass Family Services (San Francisco), Shelter, Inc. (Contra Costa), American Cancer Society (Stockton), the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Women’s Center Youth & Family Services, Ready to Work (San Joaquin), The Marin Headlands Nature Conservancy, and the Food Bank (Bay Area).

As this year comes to a close, please know we appreciate the opportunity to serve you and will continue to work hard to earn and maintain your trust. From everyone at Litman Gregory Wealth Management and iM Global Partner, we wish you a wonderful New Year.

— Litman Gregory Wealth Management

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