Kim S. Luthy, CFP®, CDFA®, CFS, CLTC
Director of Wealth Planning
I love what I have the opportunity to do every day.
For over 30 years I have been blessed to walk with my clients, guiding them through life's events and preparing them for the lifestyle they envision and deserve. For many of us, being understood is one of life's greatest desires. As a walking testimonial to all the situations that can potentially derail your life, I know all too well how important planning is. I have been in your shoes and witnessed firsthand the many challenges of life, giving me a unique perspective on the importance of financial planning.
As a young teen I became acutely aware of the importance of planning when my parents' divorce changed everything for our family. As one of five children, I took on a role of caring for my siblings. Because my mom had given up her career to raise a family, we had limited resources and all chipped in to support our household. I learned then had my mom been able to advocate for herself and for us, my father would have provided more support. The thought of being financially independent became my driving motivation. Moving out at the age of 17, I took on three jobs to put myself through college.
I became a mother when I adopted my cousin's daughter and later, I married and gave birth to my own two sons, Zachary, and Aidan. During Zachary's birth there were complications and I was on disability for 2 ½ years through the policy I put in place for myself. Monthly funds from that policy allowed me to continue to pay the bills and prepare for my own future and the future of my children. Were it not for the policy I funded for more than 12 years prior, I would not have been able to fulfill my promises to my family.
I continued to see the impact of planning when discussing estate planning and long-term care with my father. He thought he could self-fund all his long-term care and declined to implement a policy. Unfortunately, when my Dad was 65, he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's and passed just seven years later. His care was very expensive, and he spent $17,000 of his hard-earned assets each month to cover the cost of essential care. He was fortunate enough to have the ability to cover the costs of the care he needed, but he was close to using all the money he saved. Thankfully, we were able to give my father the dignity he deserved during one of the most challenging times.
My experience has gifted me with a perspective many often miss. Planning for retirement, college, health care expenses and more can help alleviate worry and give you peace of mind. Helping clients to plan for these and other events is the blessing for me. I am grateful to be part of their journey.