LGBTQ+ Financial Resources

Navigating the financial world as an LGBTQ+ individual can be complex. From ensuring legal protections in estate planning to overcoming historical barriers in retirement savings and investment opportunities, it's essential to have a strategy tailored to your needs.

We understand the distinct concerns LGBTQ+ individuals and families may face. Whether you're planning for retirement, securing your legacy, or seeking investment opportunities that align with your values, we provide guidance with a commitment to inclusivity and transparency.

Own Your Financial Journey

Financial independence is a key part of living authentically and securely. We believe in empowering LGBTQ+ individuals to confidently take control of their financial future.

Our mission is to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to make informed financial decisions and achieve your goals. Through personalized financial planning, investment management, and ongoing education, we empower LGBTQ+ individuals to build a secure financial foundation, and a future filled with possibilities.

Staying Informed

One survey found that low and middle-income LGBTQ+ individuals tend to feel less confident in managing their day-to-day finances than non-LGBTQ+ individuals.

The same survey found that LGBTQ+ individuals from all income levels are less likely to know who to go to for help with finances and retirement preparation.¹

Whether through self-education or working with a financial professional, taking control of your finances ensures greater stability and independence.

1. EBRI.org, 2022

Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Couples

No one wants to think about what happens when you're no longer here. But estate strategies can be even more complicated if you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community, especially if you're in a partnership but unmarried.

While the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision allowed LGBTQ+ couples to marry, complete with all the legal protections afforded other married couples, there may still be some loopholes in your estate strategy. You may need to go beyond a will to confirm that your assets will be transferred according to your wishes and that you have the right documents in place to ensure that your spouse or partner can make decisions on your behalf, should the need arise. These additional strategies may include a medical power of attorney and a trust.

5 Estate Considerations for the LGBTQ+ Community
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If you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community, your financial and estate needs may present different challenges from traditional married and partnered couples.

Check out this guide to learn more:

Download the guide

Women & Retirement: Planning for a Longer Life

Women tend to live longer than men, which means they need more savings to sustain a longer retirement. With extra years to cover expenses, healthcare, and potential long-term care, proactive financial planning is essential.

Key strategies include saving more early on, optimizing Social Security benefits, planning for healthcare costs, and ensuring investments provide sustainable income. Without proper planning, the risk of outliving savings, especially for LGBTQ+ couples, increases.

Updating Your Financial Documents

As a married or partnered couple of the LGBTQ+ community, when was the last time that you reviewed your financial documents?

For some, it's easy to forget about things like vehicle titles and updating your beneficiaries in the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. While these are important issues to address once you're legally married, addressing these loose ends may be even more vital in the context of an unmarried committed partnership.

Planning for Your Future

Everyone's vision for the future is different, and for LGBTQ+ individuals, future planning comes with unique financial considerations.

Whether you're planning to build a family or envision a future without children, financial planning is essential for LGBTQ+ couples looking to create stability, protect assets, and achieve long-term goals.

Building a Financial Foundation

For all couples, financial stability starts with a strong foundation. This includes establishing joint or separate financial accounts, setting shared goals, and understanding how marriage or domestic partnership laws impact your finances. LGBTQ+ couples should also be aware of specific legal protections to ensure both partners have access to assets, healthcare decisions, and financial benefits.

Healthcare & Long-Term Care

Having a plan for healthcare and potential long-term care needs is crucial. LGBTQ+ couples may need to navigate unique legal and healthcare challenges, making advance directives, power of attorney documents, and long-term care insurance valuable tools for safeguarding the future.

Retirement and Estate Planning

Whether or not children are part of your future, long-term financial planning is key. LGBTQ+ couples should take advantage of retirement accounts, maximize employer benefits, and consider Social Security strategies to optimize income. Estate planning is also essential, ensuring that assets are passed on according to your wishes, especially in cases where biological family relationships may not align with your personal intentions.

Planning for Parenthood

For couples planning to have children, planning ahead is more important than ever. Adoption, surrogacy, or assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, can be costly. Budgeting for these expenses early can make the process much smoother. Life insurance and estate planning also become even more critical when children are involved, ensuring that your family is protected no matter what the future holds.

A Future Without Children

If children aren't part of your plan, your financial goals may look different - but they're just as important. Whether you're focusing on homeownership, travel, starting a business, or retiring early, a strong financial strategy ensures you can pursue your dreams with confidence. Planning ahead helps you create a future that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term aspirations.

Financial Considerations for Transgender Individuals

Employment & Income Disparities

Workplace discrimination can lead to job instability or limited career advancement. Wage gaps may exist, impacting long-term earning potential and retirement savings.

Healthcare Costs

Gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and surgeries, can be expensive and may not always be covered by insurance. Navigating health insurance policies can be complex, with some plans having exclusions or requiring additional documentation for coverage.

Legal & I.D. Barriers

Updating legal documents, such as IDs, passports, and financial accounts, to reflect gender identity can be costly and time-consuming. Mismatched identification can lead to issues with banking, employment, and accessing financial services.

Tax & Estate Strategies for Married LGBTQ+ Couples

If you are filing a joint tax return for this year, or are considering updating your estate strategy, here are some important things to remember.

Read the below article to learn more:

Learn More

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

How do you know which companies are true LGBTQ+ allies? For some investors, the answer is in Socially Responsible Investing.