Plumb Bill Pay Shortlisted for 2025 Citywealth Awards

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We’re thrilled to announce that Plumb Bill Pay has been shortlisted for the 2025 Citywealth Magic Circle Awards in two highly competitive categories:

  • UHNW Private Client Services of the Year
  • Technology Innovator of the Year

These nominations are a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in serving ultra-high-net-worth clients. At Plumb Bill Pay, we pride ourselves on delivering precise, secure, and innovative financial management solutions tailored to the unique needs of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices. Our goal is to simplify complex financial lives through a combination of cutting-edge technology and personalized, white-glove service.

Setting the Standard in UHNW Client Services

In the world of UHNW financial management, trust, accuracy, and efficiency are paramount. Our dedicated teams ensures every client receives bespoke solutions that address their specific needs, from bill payment to financial reporting. Being recognized in this category underscores our position as a leader in providing comprehensive and reliable services to ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Driving Innovation in Fintech

The Technology Innovator of the Year nomination highlights our role in advancing technology-driven financial management. Our proprietary systems and processes are designed to enhance security, improve efficiency, and offer unparalleled transparency for our clients. We’re proud to be at the forefront of innovation, setting new standards in the fintech space.

Thank You to Our Community

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our clients, partners, and team. Your support and trust drive us to continuously improve and deliver excellence in everything we do. It’s an honor to be recognized alongside other leading firms in the industry.

Stay tuned as we await the results!

Top 5 Questions Our Clients Ask About Outsourced Bill Payment

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Outsourced bill payment services are increasingly favored among ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and family offices. These services not only streamline financial management but also enhance cash flow management and reduce administrative burdens. Here are the top five frequently asked questions we receive from clients interested in our services:

  1. What security and fraud prevention measures do you have in place?

Security is a top priority for us at Plumb. We leverage advanced security protocols, including encryption, firewalls, data backup, and fraud detection mechanisms. Through our proprietary Plumb Bill Pay App, we conduct vendor verification through OFAC checking, new vendor warnings, and email whitelisting. Our commitment to safeguarding your financial information is further reinforced by bank-level security, multi-factor authentication, and stringent internal controls, all designed to prevent unauthorized transactions.

  1. What services do you offer?

Our offerings include bill payment and record keeping, cash flow reporting, expense tracking, vendor management, and financial reporting. Using our secure personal bill pay services, including our proprietary Plumb Bill Pay App, your bills are monitored for discrepancies, tracked closely and reconciled accurately. We have award-winning expertise – and an app that provides comprehensive personal bill pay services.

  1. What does the Plumb Bill Pay App do and is it secure?

Our proprietary platform, the Plumb Bill Pay App, is designed for affluent clients to streamline bill approvals, provide real-time financial insights, and ensure secure access anytime, anywhere. The app is continuously being enhanced and now guides new clients through the onboarding process as well. Additionally, the app seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Online software to process payments and employs bank-level security to ensure secure transactions.

  1. How do you ensure accuracy and timely payments?

At Plumb, we utilize automated payment scheduling and multi-level approval workflows to ensure precision. We conduct multiple levels of approvals prior to a bill being paid, guaranteeing complete accuracy. Our Commitments tracker within our app includes built-in reminders for upcoming payments and proactive monitoring to prevent late payments and errors. Additionally, all of our bill entry forms feature built-in error detection and validation to ensure accuracy from the very start. You can trust Plumb to handle your financial transactions with the highest level of care and reliability.

  1. What level of customization and reporting do you provide?

Customized reporting is available in addition to our slate of popular weekly and monthly reports.  We offer tailored approval workflows, spending limits, and role-based permissions. Additionally, our robust reporting capabilities include real-time financial insights, categorized expense tracking, and integration with accounting or financial management platforms. We provide the level of visibility and control you require.

Outsourced bill payment services provide significant benefits for UHNWIs, HNWIs, and family offices. By choosing Plumb, you can be confident that your financial transactions are handled with the highest level of security, accuracy, and customization. Our tailored solutions ensure your unique financial needs are met with precision, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on what truly matters. Let us help you streamline your financial management and experience the convenience and reliability of Plumb’s expert services.

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Plumb Bill Pay Shortlisted for Three Prestigious PAM Awards

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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 Featured in the 2024 US WealthTech Landscape Report

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We are thrilled to announce that Plumb Bill Pay has been included in The Wealth Mosaic’s US WealthTech Landscape Report 2024! This recognition demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative, high-touch financial services that simplify life for our clients.

The WealthTech Landscape Report highlights leading solutions that empower wealth managers, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals with technology-driven services to streamline financial operations. At Plumb Bill Pay, we pride ourselves on blending technology with personalized support to ensure seamless, secure, and efficient bill payment management.

Our inclusion in this prestigious report affirms the value we bring to the financial management ecosystem. From managing complex financial workflows to providing clear reporting and reducing administrative burden, Plumb Bill Pay continues to be a trusted partner for those seeking financial clarity and operational excellence.

We extend our gratitude to our clients and partners for their ongoing trust and support.

To learn more about Plumb Bill Pay and how we can help simplify your financial life, contact us today at sales@thinkplumb.com.

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

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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

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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.

Expense Tracking for Wealthy Individuals: Tools and Strategies for Comprehensive Financial Oversight

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For high-net-worth individuals, managing finances extends beyond simply tracking income and expenses. It’s about gaining comprehensive oversight of a complex financial landscape that may include investments, trusts, real estate, and more. In this context, meticulous expense tracking becomes an essential tool for informed decision-making, optimizing wealth preservation, and achieving financial goals.

 

Let’s start with the basics. Why track expenses?

 

Expense tracking for wealthy individuals offers several unique advantages:

 

  • Identify spending patterns. Track where your money goes, from regular bills to occasional indulgences. This reveals areas for potential cost-cutting or strategic reallocation of funds.
  • Monitor asset performance. Track the specific expenses related to various assets like vacation homes, yachts, or art collections.
  • Inform investment decisions. Understanding spending habits can help to guide investment strategies. If you know how – and how much – is being spent, you can better determine the types of investments you should be making.
  • Catch mistakes before they happen. With exact and itemized expenses, it’s easy to spot something that doesn’t look right.
  • Ensure tax compliance. Accurate expense records are crucial for tax preparation and audits, especially for charitable giving. When expense tracking is set up properly it can help save both time and money with tax preparation.
  • Achieve financial goals. Tracking expenses against set goals, like saving for a second home or philanthropy, keeps you on track.

 

There are also a few effective expense tracking strategies that we suggest to all our high-net-worth clients.

 

  • Set clear goals. Define your financial objectives and tailor your expense tracking to monitor progress towards them.
  • Choose the right tools. Select a tool that aligns with your needs, preferences, and level of financial complexity. For example, the Plumb Bill Pay app is a great tool for providing clarity into finances.
  • Categorize meticulously. Create custom categories to accurately reflect your spending patterns and identify areas for improvement. At Plumb, we create the categories that best suit our clients’ needs so they can see their expenses exactly how they want to see them.
  • Review regularly. Schedule regular time to analyze your spending data and identify trends or areas for adjustments. Plumb provides customized reporting to our clients, as frequently as they need, with as much detail as they want.
  • Seek professional guidance. Consult a financial advisor or wealth manager for personalized recommendations and strategies, and seek outsourced bill payment and accounting support – like the experts at Plumb – to ensure effective management of your expenses.

 

Remember, expense tracking is about gaining valuable insights into your financial behavior, making informed decisions, and ultimately, achieving your long-term financial goals. By embracing effective tracking strategies and utilizing the right tools, wealthy individuals can transform expense management from a chore into a powerful tool for financial empowerment.

 

Take the Next Step Towards Financial Ease and Clarity: Experience the benefits of secure and streamlined expense 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, and fortify the security of your financial transactions. Your peace of mind is our priority.

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

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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

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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.

 

Bill Pay Freedom for HNWI Clients: 5 Steps to Choosing the Right Bill Payment Service

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As a financial advisor, you understand the time and stress your HNWI clients face managing their complex financial affairs. Bill payments often become a burden, eroding their valuable time and focus.

But what if there was a way to free them from this tedious task? Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the right bill payment service for your HNWI clients, empowering them to focus on what truly matters.

  1. Partner with a Trusted Expert

Look for a provider with a proven track record serving HNWI clients, like Plumb. Established in 1996, we possess the expertise and experience necessary to navigate the intricacies of high-net-worth finances.

  1. Prioritize Security and Personalization

Your clients’ data security is paramount. Choose a service with robust security protocols and encryption, ensuring their privacy and financial information remain safeguarded. Additionally, seek a provider offering customized solutions that cater to each client’s unique needs and preferences.

  1. Embrace Technological Innovation

Technology plays a crucial role in efficient bill management. Explore platforms that are user-friendly and intuitive, like Plumb’s proprietary bill pay app, designed specifically for HNWI needs.

  1. Transparency is Key

Clear communication regarding fees and value propositions is essential. Choose a service that transparently communicates its pricing structure and demonstrates the tangible benefits it offers your clients.

  1. Seamless Integration and Ongoing Support

A smooth transition is critical. Opt for a service that seamlessly integrates with your clients’ existing financial team, including accountants, attorneys, and estate planners. Plumb fosters collaboration and ensures a smooth onboarding process.

Unburden Your Clients and Empower Their Financial Future

By choosing the right bill payment service, you can free your HNWI clients from the burden of mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on their financial goals and personal priorities.

Let Plumb take care of the bills while you concentrate on building your clients’ financial wealth and well-being. Contact us at sales@thinkplumb.com to learn more about how Plumb can help you and your clients focus on what you both want to focus on – and leave the bill payment to us.