Plumb Bill Pay Shortlisted for Three Prestigious PAM Awards

Written by

We are delighted to announce that Plumb has once again been shortlisted for the highly respected 2025 PAM (Private Asset Management) Awards. This year, we are honored to be recognized in three categories:

  • Best General Ledger System
  • Best Partnership Accounting System
  • Best Technology Platform for Family Offices

We extend our warmest congratulations to the other nominees who continue to drive innovation and excellence in our industry. A heartfelt thank you goes to the team at WithIntelligence and the PAM Awards for this incredible recognition.

At Plumb, we remain dedicated to providing financial clarity and seamless accounting services, empowering our clients to make informed decisions with confidence. This honor inspires us to continue exceeding expectations and setting benchmarks for the industry.

Stay tuned for the awards results, and thank you for supporting Plumb on this exciting journey!

Discover how Plumb Bill Pay consistently delivers best-in-class service below:

Plumb Bill Pay App: New Onboarding Module

Written by

Plumb has enhanced its proprietary bill pay and reporting web application by introducing an innovative Onboarding Module. This improvement significantly boosts the accuracy and efficiency of our client onboarding processes, resulting in improved client service.

 

For the Plumb team, this means that the onboarding process can be completed more quickly and accurately, thanks to a streamlined workflow that is aimed at unifying and tracking onboarding tasks, enforcing consistency, and reducing errors. We’re able to focus on delivering exceptional support to our clients, while minimizing delays and inefficiencies.

 

With the new Onboarding Module, clients now can input onboarding-related data directly into the application, further streamlining the process. An easy-to-navigate wizard takes them through each step of the data gathering process, allowing them to save their progress and return at their convenience. Within the system, clients have visibility to all onboarding tasks at their fingertips. By clicking the link in their Weekly Status Report email, clients can access the system to view completed and in-process tasks assigned to them and their Plumb team. A checklist and progress indicator shows clients where they are in the onboarding process and their percentage toward completion. Additionally, with our onboarding data upload feature, clients can securely upload all onboarding-related data in a central location.

 

Our onboarding feature is integrated with the Plumb Bill Pay app, and at the end of the onboarding process the client seamlessly transitions into active client status.

 

Overall, the new Onboarding module represents a significant enhancement to our web application, one that improves our internal processing, and enables our clients to directly engage with the process. Rob Scherer, CEO of Plumb says, “We wanted to create a worry-free workflow, ensuring all aspects of the client onboarding are accurately processed in a timely manner. We also wanted to empower our clients to provide data directly into the process to improve efficiency, while keeping our experienced staff just a click or phone call away if questions arise.”

 

At Plumb we constantly strive for innovation, and we are looking forward to the success that our Onboarding Module will generate!

 

With Plumb you can have access to your bill pay data – anytime, anywhere. Contact us at sales@thinkplumb.com to learn more about our bill pay app and how Plumb can help you and your clients focus on the big picture, while we focus on your bill pay and accounting needs.

Sage Intacct vs. QuickBooks Online: Choosing the Right Accounting Software for Your Family Office

Written by

Selecting the right accounting software for your Family Office is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your financial operations and reporting capabilities. Two popular options are Sage Intacct and QuickBooks Online (QBO). Here at Plumb, we are experts in both platforms. In this blog post, we’ll compare these two accounting software solutions, focusing on key factors such as scalability, real-time reporting, financial complexity, security, automation, integrations, collaboration, ease of use, and budget considerations.

 

Scalability and Flexibility

When it comes to scalability and flexibility, Sage Intacct shines. It offers multiple different dimension capabilities, allowing you to track classes, locations, investments, self-identified categories, members, customers, and household employees – to name a few. This expansive range of dimensions simplifies consolidation processes and reduces manual errors. Sage Intacct also enables a cleaner and more streamlined chart of accounts, making reporting more straightforward.

On the other hand, QuickBooks Online doesn’t have the same consolidation capabilities, which requires more manual work and complex setups outside of the platform itself for tracking various aspects of your finances.

 

Real-time Reports/Insights

Sage Intacct provides real-time insights by automatically closing P&L accounts to retained earnings on an ongoing basis. Its highly customizable reports and dashboards allow you to target specific areas of focus, making the closing period and reporting process more efficient.

QuickBooks Online offers real-time data as well, but its reporting options are less customizable. You may find limitations in creating specialized reports tailored to your needs, as it provides only a basic set of templates with limited filtering and customization abilities.

 

Financial Complexity/Multiple Entities

Sage Intacct’s robust capabilities make it an excellent choice for high-net-worth individuals and families with complex organizational structures, multiple entities, and intricate financial needs. It can handle the intricacies of multi-member LLCs and automates various financial processes through a top-down approach.

QuickBooks Online is better suited for simpler financial structures and may require additional manual effort and workarounds for handling complex financial scenarios.

 

Security and Compliance

Sage Intacct offers a function that enables GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) compliance, which is essential for maintaining financial accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. QuickBooks Online also provides security features but may not offer the same level of compliance functionalities.

 

Automation

Sage Intacct excels in automation, offering features like memorized journal entries, automatic posting, and customizable automated reporting. This automation streamlines repetitive tasks and ensures data accuracy.

QuickBooks Online also provides automation features but may have limitations compared to Sage Intacct.

 

Integrations

Both Sage Intacct and QuickBooks Online offer hundreds of integrations with various third-party applications.

 

Collaboration/Multiple User Access

Both software solutions support multiple users working on the same file, but a big difference is that with Sage Intacct you can set user-based permissions for more customized access control. This is especially useful when there are people with different roles accessing the software. These permissions can prevent people from accidentally making changes or updates to files they should not make or seeing confidential information outside of their scope.

Additionally, Sage Intacct’s cloud-based nature enables clients to access their data easily and collaboratively. Clients can have their own separate dashboard to quickly review reports and other real-time data. This access and ability to create different customized dashboards is a time-saver for both the accountants and the clients.

 

Ease of Use

QuickBooks Online is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. It’s a great choice for those looking for straightforward accounting software. In contrast, Sage Intacct may have a steeper learning curve due to its advanced capabilities, but the investment in learning pays off in the long run.

 

Budget

Budget considerations can vary depending on the complexity of your financial operations, but generally speaking, QBO requires a smaller investment. However, for businesses and organizations with complex books and multiple entities, Sage Intacct can be a cost-effective solution due to its ability to handle intricate organizational mapping and streamlined automation processes.

 

Choosing between Sage Intacct and QuickBooks Online depends on your specific needs and goals. Sage Intacct excels in scalability, automation, and handling complex financial scenarios, making it an ideal choice for families and organizations with multifaceted requirements. QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, offers ease of use and is well-suited for smaller businesses with simpler financial structures.

Ultimately, the right choice comes down to a careful evaluation of your financial needs, budget, and long-term growth strategy. Consulting with accounting professionals or software experts like those at Plumb can help you make an informed decision and ensure you select the accounting software that best aligns with your business goals.

Plumb Placements for 2024 Citywealth Magic Circle Awards

Written by

Plumb is proud to announce that we’ve placed in two categories for the 2024 Citywealth Magic Circle Awards:

  • Technology Innovators of the Year (Winner)
  • UNHW Private Client Services of the Year (Runner Up)

The Magic Circle Awards recognize the accomplishments of professionals and firms working with high-net-worth individuals and families. The awards are presented in London in front of an esteemed audience comprised of over 400 professionals representing over 140 diverse organizations.

Following a rigorous submission process, the submissions are assessed and judged by a panel of private wealth advisors. Online voting is also open to the public, and counts for 10% of the final award vote.

Our proprietary Plumb Bill Pay App is a big reason we have been included in these awards. To learn more about our services and our Plumb Bill Pay App, please watch this brief overview video and reach out to schedule a personal demo.

Plumb delivers financial peace of mind by assisting high-net-worth individuals and family offices know where their money is going, so their trusted advisors can effectively manage it. We work in partnership with their team — including wealth, CPA, and other advisors — to provide the highest quality of data and financial reporting to establish a holistic view of their assets and financial holdings. We’d love to help answer any questions you may have. Feel free to schedule time to speak with Anneke Stender, our EVP, at your convenience.

Understanding High Net Worth Reporting Around Alternative Investments

Written by

High Net Worth (HNW) individuals often seek to diversify their investment portfolios beyond traditional assets like stocks and bonds. Alternative investments have gained popularity among this demographic due to their potential for higher returns and portfolio diversification. However, understanding the reporting requirements for alternative investments is crucial for both investors and financial professionals to ensure compliance and transparency. This article explores the nuances of HNW reporting, types of alternative investments, and the associated reporting requirements.

Alternative investments encompass a diverse range of assets beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents. Common types of alternative investments include private equity, hedge funds, real estate, collectibles, commodities, and venture capital. While these investments offer the potential for higher returns, they also introduce complexities in reporting and valuation.

  • Private Equity: Private equity investments involve acquiring ownership stakes in privately-held companies. Reporting requirements for private equity investments may include periodic financial statements, valuations, and disclosures of investment strategies. Additionally, investors must adhere to regulatory guidelines governing private placements and investor accreditation.
  • Hedge Funds: Hedge funds employ various investment strategies, including long-short equity, arbitrage, and derivatives trading. Reporting requirements for hedge fund investments often involve disclosing performance metrics, risk profiles, and fund expenses. Investors may also need to report their hedge fund holdings for regulatory compliance and tax purposes.
  • Real Estate: Real estate investments encompass residential, commercial, and industrial properties, as well as real estate investment trusts (REITs). Reporting requirements for real estate investments may include property appraisals, rental income statements, and depreciation schedules. Investors must also comply with tax regulations governing capital gains, rental income, and property deductions.

Reporting on HNW statements requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to regulatory standards. It is crucial to accurately compile financial information, including the proper booking of alternative investments, to reflect the comprehensive position of the individual and their overall portfolio. Each type of alternative investment may require a different accounting treatment based on its characteristics and regulatory requirements. It is essential to stay updated on accounting standards and consult with professionals to ensure compliance and transparency in booking alternative investments.

Additionally, HNW statements should provide a breakdown of asset allocation across various investment categories, including alternative investments, to offer a holistic view of the portfolio’s composition. Compliance with reporting standards ensures consistency and comparability. Regular reviews and audits by qualified professionals help maintain the integrity of HNW statements and instill confidence among stakeholders including investors, regulatory authorities, and financial institutions. Overall, thorough reporting practices facilitate effective wealth management and decision-making for HNWI and their advisors.

Consolidating tracking of alternative investments involves implementing a robust system to monitor and manage diverse asset classes effectively. One approach is to utilize investment management software that integrates data from various sources, including private equity funds, hedge funds, real estate holdings, and commodities. This centralized platform enables investors to access real-time information on portfolio performance, risk exposure, and liquidity.

  • Benefits of Consolidating Tracking
    • Enhanced visibility into asset allocation
    • Streamlined reporting processes
    • Improved decision-making.
  • Challenges That May Arise
    • Limited transparency
    • Illiquidity, and
    • Valuation discrepancies

With proper tools and expertise, consolidating tracking of alternative investments can optimize portfolio management and maximize returns while mitigating risks associated with these non-traditional asset classes.

In conclusion, comprehending HNW reporting concerning alternative investments is indispensable for both investors and financial professionals navigating the complex landscape of wealth management. By accurately documenting these investments and integrating them into comprehensive financial statements, HNWI can gain clarity on their portfolio composition, risk exposure, and performance. With a steadfast commitment to transparency, diligence, and expertise, HNW investors can effectively harness the potential of alternative investments to achieve their financial objectives in today’s dynamic investment landscape.

Take the Next Step Towards Financial Ease and Clarity: Experience the benefits of secure and streamlined financial management. Contact us at sales@thinkplumb.com to discuss how our outsourced bill payment services can enhance accuracy, save time, simplify record-keeping, and reduce stress. Your peace of mind is our priority.

Time is Money: The Power of Bill Payment Apps

Written by

Traditionally, bill payment involved manual processes, requiring individuals and advisors to gather bills, write checks, and track payments meticulously. For HNWIs with complex investment holdings, this means dedicating considerable time and resources to monotonous administrative tasks.

 

Enter bill payment apps, which have transformed the landscape by offering intuitive platforms that centralize and automate the entire payment process. These innovative platforms are revolutionizing the way HNWIs and their advisors handle financial obligations, introducing efficiency and automation into a previously cumbersome process. These apps allow users to aggregate bills from various sources, including utilities, credit cards, mortgages, and subscriptions, into a single dashboard. Through secure integrations with bank accounts and financial institutions, bills are automatically retrieved and presented for review, eliminating the need for manual data entry.

 

The Plumb Bill Pay app is the perfect example of a game-changing app, and was developed and built exclusively by Plumb to address the issues and challenges faced by our high-net-worth clients and their advisors.

 

Here’s how bill payment apps, and the Plumb Bill Pay app in particular, save HNWIs and advisors precious hours:

  • Streamlined Workflow: Bill pay apps automatically categorize, prioritize, and schedule bills for payment. This ensures timely settlements without the need for constant oversight, eliminating countless hours spent on paperwork and data reconciliation. Additionally, these apps offer customizable alert systems, notifying users of upcoming due dates, payment confirmations, and unusual activity, thereby enhancing transparency and security.
  • Enhanced Visibility: Gone are the days of scrambling for missing invoices or chasing down overdue payments. Bill payment apps provide real-time visibility into spending patterns and cash flow dynamics, offering personalized insights and recommendations, empowering users to make informed financial decisions. {Read about the Plumb Bill Pay app Commitments module and how it provides clarity and insights.}
  • Reduced Errors: Manual processing is prone to human error. Bill payment apps minimize the risk of mistakes with automated payments, ensuring accuracy and timely payments.
  • Improved Security: Traditional paper-based systems are vulnerable to fraud and theft. Bill payment apps offer robust security measures such as multi-factor authentication and encryption, to safeguard sensitive financial information. {Learn more about just some of the ways Plumb provides the most stringent digital security here.}
  • Advisor Efficiency: For financial advisors, managing bill payments for multiple clients can be a time-consuming burden. Bill payment apps allow advisors to delegate and automate tasks, freeing up their time to focus on strategic financial planning and client relationships.

 

Bill payment apps have emerged as indispensable tools for HNWIs and their advisors, offering unparalleled convenience, efficiency, and security in managing financial transactions. By streamlining the bill payment process, these platforms liberate valuable hours that can be redirected towards more productive endeavors, ultimately empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals with confidence and peace of mind.

 

Plumb Bill Pay + Sage Intacct Use Cases for Multiple Real Estate Holdings

Written by

Many of Plumb’s high-net-worth clients manage diverse portfolios with multiple real estate investments, and we are experts at assisting them with their bill pay and accounting needs. Our team ensures accurate, timely financial management and reporting, allowing clients to focus on growing their investments with confidence.

How do we do this?

  • Property Management:  We understand how pivotal it is to record and track complex financial transactions related to property management.
  • Financial Consolidation and Reporting: We provide crucial consolidated, accurate, and timely reporting needed for clear visibility into each property and overall portfolio.
  • Budgeting and Forecasting: We create budgets and forecasts that allow our clients to make more strategic decisions.

Plumb works with HNWI clients with multiple real estate holdings.

We have decades of experience helping high-net-worth-individuals manage the accounting of their real estate holdings. We’d love to help answer any questions you may have. Feel free to schedule time to speak with Anneke Stender, our EVP, at your convenience.

Cash is King (But Not Really): The Shifting Landscape of HNWI Payments

Written by

If it seems like there are an overwhelming number of payment options on the market today, it’s because there are. Gone are the days where the only choices were scrambling for your checkbook, searching for a pen, and writing out a check or physically handing over cash.

We applaud these technological advances in payment – as bill pay experts we hold a special place in our hearts for all FinTech payment developments – but we also understand that with options come confusion and uncertainty.

  • How do you know which payment method is best to use?
  • What are the benefits of each?
  • And what are the pitfalls?

We’ve been working with high-net-worth individuals for decades, and we understand their unique financial needs. We also know that choosing the right payment method – especially for our clients – isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. From art purchases to philanthropy, understanding the nuances of popular payment options like credit cards, wire transfers, ACH payments, Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay can make a world of difference.

We’ve put together this helpful guide to outline the advantages, challenges, and special considerations for high-net-worth individuals of the most popular payment options currently available.

(Also – don’t miss out on the additional tips we provide at the end of this guide.)

Credit Cards

  • Advantages: Convenience, rewards programs, purchase protection, building credit history.
  • Challenges: Interest charges, credit score dependency, spending limits.
  • HNWI Considerations: Premium cards offer higher limits, travel benefits, and concierge services.

Wire Transfers

  • Advantages: Fast, secure, large transaction capability, international transfers.
  • Challenges: High fees, limited real-time tracking, irreversible in case of errors.
  • HNWIs Considerations: Negotiate reduced fees with banks for high-volume transfers.

ACH Payments

  • Advantages: Lower fees than wire transfers, recurring payments, direct bank account transfers.
  • Challenges: Slower than wire transfers, limited international use, potential return fees for insufficient funds.
  • HNWIs Considerations: Ideal for payroll, bill payments, and large domestic transactions.

Venmo & PayPal

  • Advantages: Peer-to-peer convenience, fast for small transactions, social features (Venmo).
  • Challenges: Limited transaction amounts, security concerns, potential fees.
  • HNWIs Considerations: Primarily for casual transactions with trusted individuals.

Apple Pay

  • Advantages: Contactless convenience, security with Face ID/Touch ID, integration with Apple ecosystem.
  • Challenges: Limited merchant acceptance, potential fraud risk, requires compatible Apple devices.
  • HNWIs Considerations: Useful for everyday purchases, but not suitable for large transactions.

Additional Tips for High-Net-Worth Individuals and Payment Methods:

  • Diversify payment methods based on transaction type and size.
  • Prioritize security by using trusted platforms and strong passwords.
  • Understand potential fees from financial institutions.
  • Seek professional advice from wealth managers for complex financial transactions.

Ultimately, the best payment method for HNWIs depends on the specific transaction. Credit cards offer rewards and convenience for everyday purchases, while wire transfers are essential for large, time-sensitive transactions. Venmo and PayPal facilitate casual payments between individuals, while Apple Pay provides effortless everyday spending. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each option empowers HNWIs to make informed financial decisions and navigate the payment landscape with ease.

And when in doubt, reach out to your trusted advisors and outsourced service providers (like Plumb) for help navigating this newly complex world of payment options.

Take the Next Step Towards Financial Ease and Clarity: Experience the benefits of safe and streamlined bill pay management. Contact us at sales@thinkplumb.com to discuss how our outsourced bill payment services can enhance accuracy, save time, simplify record-keeping, reduce stress, and fortify the security of your financial transactions. Your peace of mind is our priority.

5 Reasons Why Pricing Transparency Matters to High-Net-Worth Clients

Written by

A common misconception about affluent people is that they don’t worry about their expenses. On the contrary, not only do they worry about the entirety of their financial picture – costs and spending included – but many of them like to be intimately involved with the management and strategy surrounding their wealth. Perhaps most importantly, these clients need to feel that they can trust the people they work with to provide not only accurate and timely information, but also the security and confidentiality they require.

Nobody likes surprises when it comes to expenses, and high-net-worth individuals are no exception. These clients want to understand the pricing of services upfront. Providers will lose a lot of trust and credibility if they hide fees or sneak in any “gotcha” charges.

When reviewing pricing – and the value of the services you provide – with high-net-worth clients, it is crucial to be straightforward and open about any costs they might incur.

Here we list the top 5 reasons why pricing transparency matters to HNWI clients – and why it should matter to you.

Reason #1: Confidence

Pricing transparency helps build trust and confidence in the client and outsourced provider relationship by demonstrating openness and honesty. When clients understand what they are paying for and why, they are more likely to have faith in their advisors. This in turn can pave the way for a long and successful working relationship.

Reason #2: Clarity

Clarity is a vital aspect of any type of communication and with any relationship – especially one in which you are trying to build trust. When well-defined and transparent pricing information is provided, your clients (or prospective clients) will have a clear understanding of your costs so that they can better evaluate your services. There should be no hidden fees or surprises. When the cost of the services you charge for is clear, you help to eliminate any misunderstandings while strengthening your relationship with your clients.

Reason #3: Comparison

Part of evaluating any new service involves speaking with different providers and gaining an understanding of who they are, what they provide, and what value they offer. Without knowing precisely the cost of these services, it is impossible to compare the different options accurately. Additionally, providing context around industry standards and benchmarks related to your costs can be tremendously helpful. (Even if your costs are higher than the industry standard – this is your opportunity to explain why you charge a premium.)

Reason #4: Conflict {Avoidance}

Transparency in pricing can help mitigate conflicts of interest in the wealth management industry. When clients know how their advisors and service providers are compensated, they can better assess whether any recommendations are driven by their best interests and not by financial incentives. When advisors and service providers are transparent in their costs it can reduce the likelihood of any recommendations that benefit them more than their clients. It also brings peace of mind to the client knowing that their best interests are the only elements factored into proposals and suggestions.

Reason #5: Loyal Clients

Proving clear, transparent, and easily understood pricing to high-net-worth clients also contributes to the stability and longevity of these relationships. When clients feel that they are treated fairly and that their advisors and service providers are upfront about costs, they are more likely to remain loyal clients and refer their peers. (And who doesn’t love a solid referral?)

At the end of the day, high-net-worth clients would like to understand exactly what services will be provided and exactly what the cost will be. Being upfront and providing clarity in costs will help to establish a strong foundation of trust for a long-term, successful relationship.

Get the Financial Clarity and High-Touch Support You Need: Contact us at sales@thinkplumb.com to explore how Plumb’s expertise can elevate your bill pay and accounting experience. Let us tailor solutions to meet your unique financial goals, providing the clarity and specialized attention your wealth deserves.

 

Plumb Bill Pay App: Digital Dashboards

Written by

Navigating the complex financial landscape of high-net-worth individuals can be like piloting a yacht through dark and uncharted waters.

Their financial complexity arises from a mix of substantial, diverse assets, complex investment strategies, and significant monthly expenses. For these individuals, having a clear and organized view of their income sources and expenditures each month is essential. Without this transparency, making informed and strategic financial decisions becomes exceedingly challenging.

This is where the importance and benefits of digital dashboards come into play.

What are digital dashboards?

Digital dashboards are a user-friendly way to present data and financial information. They provide high-net-worth clients and their advisors with an uncomplicated way to check their financial performance while offering the option to drill down into the details of specific entities, assets, or expenses – anything that the client or their advisor is interested in seeing in greater detail.

Why use a digital dashboard?

There are many benefits to utilizing digital dashboards – especially for HNWI. We have listed the top five benefits here:

  • Clarity: Provides a clear overview of wealth that allows clients and advisors to visualize total assets, liabilities, cash flow, and net worth. (The dashboard on the proprietary Plumb Bill Pay App also provides a balance snapshot and a list of upcoming payment commitments.)
  • Convenience: Gives the client and advisor the convenience of real-time updates, removing the concern of looking at data that is already outdated.
  • Access: A mobile app, like the Plumb Bill Pay App, delivers access to financials on the go – anytime, anywhere.
  • Customization: Offers personalized and customized data and reporting so the client can see precisely what they want and need to see – the information that is most important to them. This customization eliminates the need for clients and advisors to pick through data they do not want or need, and it eliminates the need for them to request additional data that has not been provided.
  • Comprehension: Presents financial data in an easy-to-understand layout making the essential information clear and accessible for all levels of financial expertise.

Digital dashboards cut through the complexity of HNWI finances, offering instant clarity and streamlined management. Their visual data formats empower clients and advisors to see the flow of money, make informed decisions, and maximize wealth.

 

With Plumb you can have access to your bill pay data – anytime, anywhere. Contact us at sales@thinkplumb.com to learn more about our bill pay app and how Plumb can help you and your clients focus on the big picture, while we focus on your bill pay and accounting needs.