Introduction To The HMA Client Portal

December 6, 2018

One of the many benefits of Hummer Mower Associates (HMA) partnering with HighTower is an integrated technology platform. We are excited to introduce the Client Portal, a financial hub that combines a robust financial planning engine with a portfolio reporting and performance system. In addition to HMA managed accounts, clients can link outside accounts, thereby assembling a comprehensive financial picture.

Integrations

The Client Portal creates a financial hub securely linking disparate accounts by using existing log-in credentials to generate complete net worth and income statements, offering the ability to track investments and spending in one place. Investment, bank, credit card, insurance, liability and retirement accounts are all easily linked and refreshed daily, ensuing information is always up-to-date.

Financial Planning

Powering the Client Portal is the eMoney financial planning engine, a robust software package that we use to model a range of scenarios for clients. Goal-based cash flow analysis is combined with stress testing to set the proper course. The account integration feature ensures that we are always working with complete and accurate information in providing guidance to our clients; thus, removing a major impediment of constantly corralling and updating recent account statements.

Spending and Budgeting

A big determinant of a successful financial plan is accurate spending projections. By linking spending and bank accounts, clients can categorize, track, and analyze spending patterns using the budgeting tool. This feature of the portal is private – HMA cannot see your spending—and fills a need for many clients in assisting with day-to-day cash flow planning. Of course, this feature is optional and can be turned off on request.

Reporting

Supplementing the standard online offering at Schwab Alliance, the Client Portal provides enhanced portfolio reporting by integrating the Black Diamond software suite. Clients can compare portfolio performance versus benchmarks and other asset categories on an ongoing or periodic basis.

The Vault

The Client Portal offers secure, cloud-based document storage that clients can use to store important documents for either personal or shared view. Anything that is deemed important enough for a bank lock box, or at home fire box, should be digitized and uploaded to the vault. Also, by using the shared feature we can securely send documents back-and-forth, eliminating the use of inherently unsecure email.

Getting Started

Please email team@hummermower.com to request a welcome email with enrollment instructions. The welcome email will come from “information@hightoweradvisors.com” so be sure to look for that address. Once enrollment is complete, navigate to www.hummermower.com and click ”Login” at the top left. A brief on-boarding process will follow requesting important information relating to your family and finances. Be sure to review the Client Portal Guide for assistance in navigating the site, which you can download at the bottom of this post by clicking “Client Portal User Guide”. Please call or email us with any questions or concerns.

⇓⇓

Client Portal User Guide

Hummer Mower Associates is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC (member FINRA and SIPC). Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC.

This is not an offer to buy or sell securities, nor should anything contained herein be construed as a recommendation or advice of any kind. Consult with an appropriately credentialed professional before making any financial, investment, tax or legal decision. No investment process is free of risk, and there is no guarantee that any investment process or investment opportunities will be profitable or suitable for all investors. Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index.

These materials were created for informational purposes only; the opinions and positions stated are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily the official opinion or position of Hightower Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (“Hightower”). Any examples used are for illustrative purposes only and based on generic assumptions. All data or other information referenced is from sources believed to be reliable but not independently verified. Information provided is as of the date referenced and is subject to change without notice. Hightower assumes no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to this information. Hightower makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. References to any person, organization, or the inclusion of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement (or guarantee of accuracy or safety) by Hightower of any such person, organization or linked website or the information, products or services contained therein.

Click here for definitions of and disclosures specific to commonly used terms.