Wealth management usually refers to a suite of services that provides the opportunity to work with a financial professional. It usually includes working together on a broad plan to help grow and protect assets and it often includes the ability to take advantage of professional money management.

Clients may engage in a wealth management relationship for a number of different reasons. Some choose to do so because they need help planning for certain goals, or need guidance around estate planning, protecting wealth, retirement planning, or ways to manage their tax obligations. Others choose wealth management because they don’t have the time or the desire to manage their own portfolios or simply value the input of a financial professional, who can act as a sounding board.

Wealth management is a broad term that usually includes financial planning. Financial planning usually refers to guidance in which a financial professional helps you identify your goals and works with you to design a clear path forward. Wealth management is broader and may include this and other services.