6 minute read
Fall has arrived, but just because you are hard at work doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the season! From grabbing coffee with a client to hosting a holiday-themed webinar, there are plenty of ways to use the fall season to inspire networking events. Here are five ways to network with clients this fall.
Invite Your Clients to Coffee
Nothing says “fall” like a warm cup of joe – especially if it’s pumpkin spice flavored. Make the most of the fall season by inviting your clients to a meeting over coffee. Find a quiet place where you feel comfortable talking, and hold your portfolio review while holding your coffee! They’ll appreciate the kind gesture, and it’s a great opportunity for you to get out of the office and into the crisp fall air.
Bring Up Back to School Planning
The fall season marks “back to school” for many families. If you have clients with children – young or grown, it may be a good time to check in on saving for their education. For example, review the 529 plan they have set up for their child’s college education. Discuss with them what student loans may be best for their financial situation, if necessary, and outline what expenses the IRS considers qualified education expenses when they file their taxes. [1]
Host a Webinar Preparing for the Holiday Season
When fall arrives, the holiday season is not far behind. This is where many clients do the most spending due to holiday traveling, buying gifts for family and friends, and more. According to one study, “in total consumers plan to spend $997.79 on gifts, holiday items such as decorations and food, and additional ‘non-gift’ purchases for themselves and their families.” [2]
Host a webinar discussing how to budget for the holiday season and what steps they can take throughout the year to save. Encourage them to invite their friends or family, and you may also gain some new leads!
Send an Autumn-Themed Card or Email
A simple and cost effective (aka: free) way to network with clients this fall season is to send an autumn themed e-message. Sending out a season’s greeting is a sweet and simple way of reminding your clients that you are thinking about them. It’s a personal touch that goes a long way.
Recognize the Season of Giving
Like we said earlier, the holidays are right around the corner. It may be a time of big spending for many clients, but it is more importantly the season of giving. Many individuals may be looking to give thanks this fall by donating to a charity they are passionate about. In this case, they may be interested in giving through the Dunham Donor-Advised Fund.
Discuss with your clients how making contributions to charity through the Dunham Donor-Advised Fund provides certain tax advantages, teaches their children the power of giving, and leaves a positive impact for their family to follow. If you would like to access a suite of personalized case studies to help explain the Dunham Donor-Advised Fund to your clients, click the button below.
More InformationUse the Fall Season to Your Advantage
There’s a fresh crisp in the air, the kids are back in school, the pumpkin spiced lattes are flowing, and the holidays are right around the corner! Fall is a great time to reach out to clients and thankfully, the season provides ample networking opportunities. Try out these five ways to network this fall and remind your clients that you are there for them no matter the season!
Sources:
1 “Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center”
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-benefits-for-education-information-center
2 “Consumers Prioritize Spending on Family, Friends Ahead of Holiday Season”
DAF Disclosures:
This communication is general in nature and provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered or relied upon as legal, tax or investment advice or an investment recommendation, or as a substitute for legal or tax counsel. Any investment products or services named herein are for illustrative purposes only, and should not be considered an offer to buy or sell, or an investment recommendation for, any specific security, strategy or investment product or service. Always consult a qualified professional or your own independent financial professional for personalized advice or investment recommendations tailored to your specific goals, individual situation, and risk tolerance.
Federal and state laws and regulations are complex and subject to change, which can materially impact your results. Charitable deductions at the federal level are available only if you itemize deductions. Rules and regulations regarding tax deductions for charitable giving vary at the state level, and laws of a specific state or laws relevant to a particular situation may affect the applicability, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Dunham Associates & Investment Counsel, Inc. (“Dunham”) cannot guarantee that such information is accurate, complete or timely; and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or any tax position taken in reliance on, such information. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.
All financial decisions and investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. The market value of the Dunham Donor Advised Fund (“Dunham DAF”) is not guaranteed by UI and may fluctuate depending upon investment results.
Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment goals, risks, sales charges and expenses before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
A donor advised fund (“DAF”) is a separately identified account that is maintained and operated by a section 501(c)(3) organization, and is not a registered investment company.
The Dunham DAF is powered by University Impact (“UI”), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States who manages the charitable aspects of the Dunham DAF.
UI charges fees to the Dunham DAF for administrative services in accordance with the Fee Schedule as outlined in Appendix A of the UI Donor Advised Fund Agreement (“Agreement”). Accounts are required to maintain a $1,000 minimum balance and are subject to support investment fees as explained in the Agreement. A list of current fees and initial gift minimums is available upon request. UI reserves the right to change its fee or minimum policies at any time. There may be additional fees charged by the Financial Advisor that is separate from UI’s administrative and impact investment fees.
Contributions to the Dunham DAF are irrevocable contributions made to UI, a public charity.
Assets contributed to the Dunham DAF (once liquidated, if applicable) will be invested in the Dunham Asset Allocation Program sponsored by Dunham. Investment allocations may be changed according to Dunham’s standard policies and procedures. UI may hold up to 5% of the Dunham DAF assets in non-interest bearing cash at any time.
As the Program Sponsor, Dunham charges each donor a single service program fee (“Program Fee”) not exceeding 0.25%.
In addition, a Financial Advisor may charge a client/donor an asset-based advisory fee (“Advisory Fee”) as specified in the Advisory Agreement. Detailed advisory and expense fee information about the Dunham Asset Allocation Program is available in the Wrap Fee Program Brochure available upon request.
As investment adviser to the Dunham Funds, Dunham receives the investment advisory compensation described in the Dunham Funds’ prospectuses and such fees are borne by all shareholders in the Dunham Funds, including the donor.
Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser and Broker/Dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services and securities offered through Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc.