investment planning in valparaiso, indiana
As you approach retirement, the way you think about investing needs to change. The strategies designed to build wealth over 30 years aren't necessarily the right strategies for generating reliable income over the next 30. At Patten Financial Group, we specialize in investment planning that is purpose-built for the pre-retirement and retirement years — where creating a plan to shield what you've built matters as much as growing it.
From Accumulation to Distribution
Most investors spend their working years focused on accumulation: saving regularly and growing assets over time. Retirement flips this script. Suddenly, you're drawing from the portfolio — and sequence-of-returns risk becomes a real concern. A significant market downturn early in retirement, combined with ongoing withdrawals, can permanently damage a portfolio's ability to recover. We build investment plans that account for this reality.
Our Investment Philosophy
As a fiduciary, we have no obligation to recommend any particular product or investment vehicle. Our investment recommendations are driven entirely by what we believe is appropriate for your situation, time horizon, risk tolerance, and income needs. We take a holistic view — meaning your investment portfolio doesn't exist in isolation. It works alongside your Social Security income, any annuity or pension income, and your tax strategy as part of a coordinated retirement income plan.
Key Considerations We Address
Risk alignment — Assessing your true risk tolerance versus your stated tolerance, and building a portfolio that you can realistically stick with through market volatility
Income-generating allocations — Incorporating dividend-producing equities, bonds, and other income-oriented assets where appropriate
Market risk mitigation — Using fixed solutions (like fixed-indexed annuities) alongside market-based assets to manage downside exposure near and in retirement
Account diversification — Balancing assets across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts for long-term flexibility
Inflation mitigation — Building in exposure to assets that may help preserve purchasing power over a long retirement
Investment Advisory Services
Investment advisory services at Patten Financial Group are offered through Redhawk Wealth Advisors, Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. This structure gives our clients access to professional investment management with the accountability of fiduciary oversight. Recommendations are made with your best interest as the only standard.
Serving Northwest Indiana
We work with investors in Valparaiso, Chesterton, Portage, Merrillville, Crown Point, Schererville, the Greater NW Indiana area, and throughout the Chicago metro area. Whether you're consolidating accounts before retirement or restructuring an existing portfolio, we welcome the opportunity to review your current position.