In this video, we will walk you through how to use Voyant as a holistic retirement planning tool.
Transcript
Today, we are going to do a deeper dive into using Voyant as a holistic goal-based planning tool. Voyant is designed specifically for wealth advisors and financial planners. It is best suited for advisers focused on the long-term health of their clients’ financial plans and for those interested in innovative problem-solving solutions to help clients achieve all their life goals.
Where Voyant really sets itself apart is in its ability to help advisors answer questions such as:
Can we achieve all of our financial and life goals?
What tax-saving strategies would most benefit us?
If we live longer than expected, will there be enough money?
We’re going to explore how the underlying logic of Voyant works.
Cash Flow and Market Assumptions
If you hover over the first bar in the cash flow chart, you’ll see the year displayed (e.g., 2024). Voyant works in planning years and models growth in investments on an annual basis.
Growth rates are based on fixed or asset allocation assumptions, net of fees.
Under Plan Settings → Market Assumptions, you can view Voyant's default assumptions provided by AssetMark. These are long-term assumptions, but you can also customize them for your firm.
The software uses these assumptions to estimate the average rate of return for any asset allocation. For example, an asset allocation might have an expected average growth rate of 9%.
These assumptions focus on long-range projections rather than day-to-day market fluctuations, helping assess the viability of strategies over the client’s lifetime.
Example Client Plan: High Net Worth Client
The client has concerns regarding legacy assets and tax burden.
We’ve created multiple scenarios to demonstrate solutions.
Comparing Plans:
Use the Compare Plans feature in the Let's See chart.
Base plan (current position) vs. DAF Plan (Donor-Advised Fund for charitable giving).
Tax chart comparison:
Base plan cumulative estimated taxes: ~$28M
DAF plan cumulative estimated taxes: ~$26M
Result: ~$2M reduction in estimated tax burden
Line of Credit Strategy:
Using a line of credit to fulfill expenses instead of drawing from liquid assets.
Assets chart comparison:
Base plan assets at end: $162M
Line of credit plan: $221M
Demonstrates a significant increase in assets available to leave to heirs
Legacy Planning:
Overview chart → Legacy
Base plan estimated estate tax: $56M
Family income strategy with trust distributions: $16M
Shows the value of trust-based strategies in reducing estate tax
Average Net Worth Plan Example
A couple in their late 40s is planning for retirement and college expenses.
The insights tab allows you to explore problem-solving tools:
Investment Returns Insight → Average rate of return needed to prevent shortfall
Annual Savings Insight → Annual contribution needed to avoid shortfall
Roth Conversion Insight
Long-Term Care Insight
Annual Savings Insight Example:
Amount needed to save before retirement: $11,172 annually
Recommendation incorporated into a “Save More” plan
Comparing plans:
The current position shows a shortfall in later years
Save More plan extends money until age 90
Asset charts can highlight liquid assets remaining at plan end
Key Takeaways
Goal of Voyant: Achieve and visualize a long-term plan accounting for goals, market fluctuations, and changing life needs.
Demonstrates holistically how clients meet goals across life stages.
Shows clearly how advisor strategies benefit clients.
For questions about Voyant or your client plans:
Click the client’s name in the top right → Request Support
Enter your question and share client access