Allison is a young dynamo who has been putting her computer-science degree to work as a programmer. At age 27, she has the opportunity to join a newly public technology company. She’d have the chance to work in a new and creative environment and participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Program (Stock Plan). Independent and yet risk averse, before she changes jobs Allison’s parents suggest that she meet with their financial advisor to discuss a personal financial plan.

Peter and Jodi, a two-career couple, adopted a girl from Guatemala nine years ago. Anna has embraced school work and is an outstanding student. Her college counselor has pointed her toward top private colleges. Peter and Jodi, both IT professionals with public companies, have substantial assets they can tap for college. The question is, which funds should they tap and in what order?

Whoever coined the phrase “cash is king” wasn’t talking about executive pay, which as you know has become increasingly weighted toward equity compensation. Has the complexity of executive compensation trumped clarity in executive financial planning? That’s the challenge for today’s C-suite executives.

Forty-eight-year-old Christopher was senior vice president of security at a real estate search company when he died unexpectedly in a tragic car accident. Now his wife, Denise, 48, needs help to understand how her late husband’s performance share units (PSUs) will be handled.

Beverly is overjoyed at the birth of her first grandchild, Madison. As chief information officer for a large chemical company, the new grandmother has the will and desire to find ways to set up the next generation for success.