FAQs

Straight answers to the questions people actually ask.

 

ABOUT C&R WEALTH MANAGEMENT

  • How long has C&R Wealth Management been serving clients?

    Chad Chatham has been working with clients for over 29 years. Ryan Szwast has been part of the team for the past decade, mentored directly by Chad. Together the team brings 50+ combined years of experience navigating markets, life events, and the full range of financial planning situations our clients face.

  • How do you work with clients, in person or virtually?

    Both. We have a physical office in Irvine, California where clients are always welcome to meet in person. We also work with clients throughout the country through virtual meetings. We adapt to what works best for each individual.

  • What does the rebrand to C&R Wealth Management mean for current clients?

    Nothing changed for our clients except the name. The same advisors, the same approach, and the same commitment to the relationships we have built are fully intact. The rebrand reflects a natural evolution recognizing Chad and Ryan's partnership and the long-term continuity it represents.

  • How often will I hear from you?

    As often as you need. We do not have a one-size-fits-all meeting schedule. A working individual may connect with us differently than a retired couple, and we build our communication cadence around what makes sense for your situation.

  • Will Chad be stepping back or retiring?

    No. Chad has no intention of stepping away. He loves this work and is energized by the relationships he has built over three decades. He looks forward to working alongside Ryan and the team for many years to come.

  • Do you work with clients going through a major life transition?

    Yes, and this is an area where we have significant experience. Whether you are navigating a divorce, managing an inheritance, dealing with the loss of a spouse or parent, or facing a major career change, we provide steady, clear financial guidance during periods that can feel challenging.

  • How do I reach someone when I have a question?

    You call or email us directly. There are no phone trees, no automated systems, and no chatbots at C&R Wealth Management. Chad and Ryan both provide direct phone contact. We aim to respond the same day or the next business day in virtually every case.

  • What types of clients do you typically work with?

    Our clients include working individuals, retirees, and pre-retirees, and individuals going through significant life transitions. What they share is that they value a real relationship with an advisor who knows their situation.

INVESTMENTS

  • How do you build an investment portfolio for a client?

    We start by understanding your goals, your time horizon, your income needs, and your honest comfort with market fluctuation. From there, we build a portfolio tailored to your specific situation from conservative income-focused strategies to more growth-oriented approaches. We do not use model portfolios applied across our client base. Every portfolio reflects the individual it is built for.

  • How do taxes factor into investment decisions?

    Tax efficiency is an important consideration in how we manage portfolios. This includes decisions around asset location, tax-loss harvesting opportunities, the timing of gains, and coordination with your broader financial plan. We work alongside your tax advisor to make sure investment decisions are made with the full picture in mind.

  • How do you manage investments during periods of market volatility?

    Our team has navigated significant market events including the early 2000s downturn, the 2008 financial crisis, and periods of high inflation. Experience matters in volatile markets. Our approach is to build portfolios positioned appropriately for each client's risk tolerance before volatility arrives, so decisions are made from a place of planning rather than reaction.

  • Should I have a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA?

    Both have distinct advantages depending on your current tax situation, your expected tax rate in retirement, and your timeline. For many higher-net-worth clients, a combination of both along with strategic Roth conversions in lower-income years can provide meaningful flexibility in retirement. The right answer requires a look at your full financial picture.

  • What is your investment philosophy?

    We believe in individualized, actively managed portfolios guided by disciplined review. Our investment committee meets quarterly to evaluate portfolio positioning and make adjustments based on market conditions and each client's evolving situation. We aim to build portfolios that are appropriate for each client's goals and resilient across different market environments.

  • How should my investment strategy change as I approach retirement?

    As you move closer to retirement, the focus typically shifts from accumulating assets to preserving them and generating dependable income. Staying too conservative can create its own risks over a long retirement. We work with each client to find the right balance given their timeline, income needs, and comfort with market fluctuation.

RETIREMENT AND FINANCIAL PLANNING

  • How much do I need to retire comfortably?

    The honest answer is that it depends entirely on your situation including your expected lifestyle, anticipated healthcare costs, how long you may live, and your income sources. A thorough financial plan that models multiple scenarios and time horizons is the most reliable way to get a clear answer for your specific circumstances.

  • When should I start drawing from my retirement accounts?

    The timing of withdrawals has significant tax implications and affects how long your assets last. For many clients, the years before required minimum distributions begin represent a window to consider Roth conversions, strategic withdrawals, and tax bracket management. The right approach depends on your income sources, your tax situation, and your long-term goals.

  • What are required minimum distributions and how do they affect my plan?

    RMDs are amounts the IRS requires you to withdraw annually from traditional IRAs and most employer accounts beginning at age 73. These withdrawals are taxable as ordinary income, which can affect your tax bracket and Medicare premiums. Planning around RMDs - including Roth conversions or charitable giving strategies - is an important part of a comprehensive retirement plan.

  • How do I make sure I do not outlive my money?

    Longevity risk is addressed through a combination of thoughtful withdrawal strategies, appropriate investment allocation, Social Security optimization, and ongoing plan reviews. A well-constructed financial plan that is revisited regularly gives you the clearest picture of where you stand.

  • When is the best time to claim Social Security?

    The right answer varies by individual. Claiming early at 62 means a permanently reduced benefit or waiting until 70 results in the maximum monthly amount. For married couples, coordinating claim strategies can significantly affect total lifetime benefits. We evaluate your health, other income sources, your spouse's situation, and your long-term plan before making a recommendation.