OUR PROCESS

Torn-edge

Our Financial Planning process has the following goals:

  • Discover where you’re at now and where you want to be. We’ll take the time to understand your needs so we can create a custom blueprint to help you achieve your financial goals.
  • Eliminate surprises. Our first conversation is just to see if we’re a good fit for your needs. If we’re a fit, we can work together on a flat-fee basis. Please visit the Our Fees page to see how our very unique pricing works.
  • Refine your plan as needed. We know times and situations change. We’ll work with you hand-in-hand to ensure your financial goals stay on track.
  • Deliver quantifiable value. We help you maximize your financial plan while minimizing taxes and investment expenses.

Discover/Re-discover

FIrst we schedule a half hour discovery call to see if we are a fit for your needs. We will provide a brief description of services, philosophies, methodology, and fee structure. We will direct you to our web site to help you learn more.


If our services appear to fit your needs, you contact us to schedule a Complimentary “Get Acquainted Meeting” in person or on the telephone. We will send you a confidential questionnaire for you to begin organizing your important financial information.


We will meet with you for a complimentary initial session. It is an opportunity to exchange information about your needs and objectives, to discuss which services are right for you, and to provide you with an estimate of the cost of our services.


At the conclusion of the meeting, decide if you will use our services. If you choose to use our services, we will define the engagement’s scope together in writing. We will also provide a list of additional information that we will need to begin formulating your personal financial plan. A portion of the total fee is due upon committing to the engagement.

Design

We refine the information you have provided and study various plan scenarios. We conclude the research and analysis, and produce the final reports that include observations, assumptions, specific recommendations, and an action plan for your unique situation.


We review with you your personal financial plan and specific recommendations. We discuss all reports and provide you with a written summary of our observations and specific recommendations.

You now hold your personal blueprint custom designed to help you meet your financial goals. Full payment of the balance for the actual fees incurred is due at the conclusion of the plan presentation meeting.

Manage

We now “work the plan.” To ensure your success, we act as your financial coach and guide you toward those goals. As your financial planner over the long term, our shoulder to shoulder involvement keeps you on track and ensures that your goals become reality.


We keep close track of how the seven areas of financial planning affect your plan throughout the year. They are: Debt Management through Saving and Budgeting, Investments, Insurance, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, College Planning and Tax Planning. 


We employ the use of a structured annual service calendar that keeps us on track. We use a system of checklists and flowcharts to make sure that we capture any changes throughout the year in the areas of financial planning that impact your plan.

Analyze

After receiving your information, we will begin to review and develop your custom financial plan. We will prepare initial reports to discuss with you at your next meeting.


You will need to gather the requested data and then possibly complete a secure online questionnaire and a risk tolerance questionnaire. This information will need to be returned to us well before our next meeting. You may either mail or upload (via a secure online portal).


We will work with you to further discuss and clarify the information you have provided thus far, and to refine your financial goals and objectives. This is an opportunity for you to clarify your current situation, financial goals and objectives, and to discuss with us any additional questions and concerns.

Implement

You are empowered with specific recommendations to implement your financial plan. If you wish, you may employ us further to assist you in carrying out that plan.


Financial planning is an evolving process, not a one-time event.  It is important to closely monitor your financial health. Proper implementation of a financial plan, ongoing maintenance and periodic professional reviews are crucial to reaching your financial goals.


You can engage us to maintain your financial plan on a monthly subscription basis. to make any necessary adjustments. Ongoing assistance with the areas of financial planning most critical to your financial health, require making necessary adjustments and meeting more frequently. Hands on flexibility is the key to achieving your financial goals.

Refine

Even the best-laid plans are subject to change. Your goals change leading to a revised structure. Markets fluctuate leading to a portfolio rebalance. Unforeseen events can change your goals leading to a change in future goals.


Financial planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. The goal isn’t to “get it right” the first time, but to make adjustments deliberately and cost-effectively with strategic refinement when needed.

MEET WITH A FEE-ONLY, TAX-SAVVY
FINANCIAL PLANNER

We offer a no-cost, no-obligation confidential consultation so you can see if we are the right fit for you.

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