At Wealth Advisory Lab, we work with clients who’ve done a lot of things right. They’ve built successful businesses, maximized their 401(k)s, and accumulated meaningful investment portfolios. But the next step—turning that wealth into a long-term, tax-efficient, income-producing strategy—requires more than off-the-shelf solutions.
That’s where flexible, high-impact tools come in.
If you’ve assumed annuities and custom portfolios come with high fees, hidden commissions, or limited flexibility, you’re not alone. But fee-aligned strategies are changing the game—helping high earners take control without unnecessary complexity.
Here’s a closer look at two tools I often use with professionals and business owners looking to make the most of what they’ve built: Personalized Managed Accounts and Fee-Based Annuities.
Personalized Managed Accounts (PMAs): Customized Investing with Tax Smarts
PMAs—sometimes called direct indexing—let you move beyond mutual funds or ETFs and build a portfolio that reflects your unique goals, values, and tax situation.
With a PMA, you own the individual securities inside the account. That means:
- Ongoing tax-loss harvesting to reduce capital gains
- Factor tilting or customization by sector, geography, or risk profile
- Values-based investing to align with personal or family principles
- Better coordination with your broader financial picture
This approach is ideal for investors with taxable accounts who want more control over how their portfolios are built—and how taxes are managed.
Fee-Based Annuities: Income and Protection—Without Commissions
Annuities have long been associated with high costs, long lockups, and opaque terms. But that model has evolved.
Fee-based annuities are designed for fiduciary advisors and come with:
- No commissions or surrender charges
- Transparent pricing
- Flexible income options, including lifetime payouts
- Tax-deferred growth and optional downside protection
For clients looking to reduce taxable income, generate retirement cash flow, or protect part of their portfolio, these annuities offer meaningful flexibility and clarity.
Why It Works
We’re in an environment where high earners face rising taxes, market volatility, and tighter planning windows. Traditional investment tools don’t always offer the customization or protection needed to navigate these challenges.
By combining Personalized Managed Accounts with Fee-Based Annuities, it’s possible to build a retirement income strategy that’s:
- Flexible
- Tax-efficient
- Aligned with your values
- Designed for long-term peace of mind
Let’s Talk Strategy
These aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions—but they can be powerful tools in the right hands. If you’re navigating a high-income year, planning a business exit, or thinking more seriously about future cash flow, let’s talk.