One thing our clients appreciate about working with us is that we don’t believe in cookie-cutter services or a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we follow a meticulous process designed to help get to know each client’s situation, goals, and level of risk tolerance so that we can make appropriate recommendations to meet their needs. Everyone is different and we may amend our approach to suit a specific client, but in general, we utilize the following process to help those we’re privileged to serve.
Step 1: Review
Every family's financial situation is unique. That's why it's so important to find out as much as we can about you and your financial goals. The more we know about you, the more precise recommendations we can make and the more we can help you. As a result, we may take some time to discuss your hopes, dreams, and objectives, and the things that really matter to you. This is the basis for the first meeting with anyone we sit down with.
Step 2: Analyze
As needed, we will work with you to identify and prioritize your objectives, and then help establish benchmark goals. This is important because we live in a world of unlimited choices. People often fail to achieve objectives because they try to accomplish too much at once, or they don't attach specific deadlines to their goals. By breaking down your goals to specific objectives, you can look at available resources and decide which goals are realistic, and which should be adjusted and scaled down.
Step 3: Develop
Based on our conversation and analysis, we can recommend the steps that it will take to help you achieve your financial goals.
Step 4: Coordinate
We regularly coordinate insurance and financial activities for clients with the other members of their team of financial, tax, and legal advisors. We can do the same for you.
Step 5: Implement
We'll implement your strategy, and work closely with you and your other third party professionals to ensure its success. We'll monitor progress and provide ongoing service as your needs and situation change over time.
Step 6: Monitor
This is not a one-shot deal. Strategies need to be adjusted periodically as your life and the economy changes. We will work with you over the years to help keep your strategy on track with your changing needs.
Topics We Cover
We offer financial planning services that empower our clients to achieve their goals and feel confident in the decisions they make. Here are some of the topics we cover as we put your plan together.
Goal Creation
- What do you value, or want more of in your life?
- What’s worth saving for?
- What are your 1, 5, 10+ year goals?
- Are you on track to achieve them?
- Who holds you accountable for these goals?
Spending and Saving
- Does your income support your lifestyle?
- Are you spending intelligently?
- What percentage of your income should you save?
- What should you do with your savings?
- How much do you need for emergencies?
Debt Management
- How do you prioritize which debt to pay down first?
- Should you be paying more or saving and investing?
- How do you become intentional and proactive with your debt and savings?
Housing
- Should you buy or continue to rent?
- How do you determine your down payment?
- When should you refinance your mortgage?
Retirement
- What does retirement mean to you?
- How much money do you need to retire?
- What will your lifestyle be like and how much will it cost?
- When can you quit working?
- When should you plan to take Social Security?
Insurance
- Do you need life and/or disability insurance?
- If you do, what kind of policy is right for you and what amount?
- How do you know which company to buy a policy from?
- How does long-term care insurance factor into the plan?
Education Planning
- How much should you be saving for college?
- Are there other ways to fund a college education?
- What are the benefits and limitations of 529 plans?
Tax Planning Strategies
- Are you taking advantage of all tax savings opportunities?
- Does a Traditional or Roth IRA make more sense for your situation?
- What are your tax implications in retirement?
Estate Planning
- Are you aware of the cons of Probate and how to avoid it?
- Do you currently have a valid Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Livings Will, and a Revocable Living Trust? If not, do you know if it makes sense to have?
- If you have minor children, have you considered guardianship provisions?
- When was the last time your estate planning documents were reviewed or updated?
- Do you currently have or are you projected to have a state and/or federal estate tax issue?
- Have you considered an ILIT to reduce your family's estate tax liability?
- Is charitable giving a goal to consider in your estate planning?
- Have you determined the projected asset distribution between family, government, and charity?
