Financial Planning Process

The Process

Our Financial Planning Process is conducted over a series of six steps:

1. Establishing and defining the client-planner relationship.
Our financial planner(s) will clearly explain and document the services to be provided to you and define both his and your responsibilities. Our planner(s) will explain fully how he will be paid and by whom. You and the planner will agree on how long the professional relationship will last and on how decisions will be made.

2. Gathering client data, including goals.
Our financial planner(s) will ask for information about your financial situation. You and the planner will mutually define your personal and financial goals, understand your time frame for results and discuss, how you feel about risk. Our financial planner(s) will gather all the necessary documents before giving you the advice you need.

3. Analyzing and evaluating your financial status.
Our financial planner(s) will analyze your information to assess your current situation and determine what you must do to meet your goals. Depending on what services you have asked for, this could include analyzing your assets, liabilities and cash flow, current insurance coverage, investments or tax strategies.

4. Developing and presenting financial planning recommendations and/or alternatives.
Our financial planner(s) will offer financial planning recommendations that address your goals, based on the information you provide. The planner will go over the recommendations with you to help you understand them so that you can make informed decisions. The planner will also listen to your concerns and revise the recommendations as appropriate.

5. Implementing the financial planning recommendations.
You and the planner will agree on how the recommendations will be carried out. The planner may carry out the recommendations or serve as your "coach," coordinating the whole process with you and other professionals such as attorneys or stockbrokers.

6. Monitoring the financial planning recommendations.
You and the planner will monitor your progress towards your goals. The planner will report to you periodically to review your situation and adjust the recommendations, if needed, as your life changes.