Step 1.Getting Organized
I could be wrong- but I’m sure that you have a lot of misplaced financial information that has been overlooked. This financial information includes paper work for bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, open enrollment… the list can go on and on. In addition, you may also have credit cards, mortgages, student loans, insurance policies, employer benefits -- and that doesn’t even get into whether or not you have the estate plan you need, college savings for your kids, and more.
Once we have mutually agreed on working together we will review your current financial situation and help with identifying potential areas where your cash resources could be better used.
Step 2. Setting Solid Goals
Goal setting is the key driver behind many of our client’s success. This step is where you get to imagine what you want to have in your life. I have found that many people just don’t know how to describe a detailed goal. During this process we help you to get to a deeper level of your goals so that path to achieve them will be crystal clear.
We’ll discuss your thoughts and ideas and explore your opportunities for doing more with your money. Next, we’ll identify specific goals, determine when you want to achieve them, and figure out how much money you need. Then, we’ll decide which of your goals gets top priority and which ones you’ll focus on in the future.
You’ll not only know what you want to accomplish, but you’ll also understand the entire process and what it will take to get there. Once we set goals, we can build a specific plan for your finances and you can get in action. Your goals are everything!
Step 3. Create A Strategic Plan
Now you’re ready to start and take specific steps with your money to reaching your goals. We’ll look at the various scenarios you could take to achieve your goals, then choose the one that works best. We’ll make recommendations like:
• What your cash flow plan includes
• Where to save your money for maximum value
• How to invest to meet your goals
• What accounts you need to open or close
• Are your fees to high in your current asset accounts
• Which policies you need to update or change
• How to best repay existing debts
• Do I have the resource to start a business
Step 4. Making Strategic Recommendations
When we discuss opportunities that are relevant to you, an investment policy statement may be created as well. An investment policy statement is a mutual guideline that specifies the investment strategy that meets your needs while balancing factors like your time horizon and appetite for risk
Throughout the planning process we take into account your available cash flow, current investment assets, income taxes, inflation and projected investment capital returns. We use assumptions such as retirement age, life expectancy, income needs, risk factors, and special needs. We’ll explore various tools and solutions that you can use to help accelerate your progress to financial freedom, including financially savvy ways to use your employee benefits, Roth IRAs, investment accounts, different insurance policies, real estate, and more.
Step 5. Implement & Monitor Progress
During this stage you would have received your fully-tailored financial plan. This is where we get to turn on the ignition switch and start implementing your financial plan. Together, we’ll take mutual actions that include:
• Opening the recommended accounts
• Setting up automatic contributions and transfers
• Providing guidance when you have questions or run into an obstacle
• Plugging into a network of CPAs, attorneys, mortgage brokers, and other experts to help you accomplish every step of your financial plan if needed.
Accountability during this stage is important. Implementing your recommendations as soon as possible forms the habits of success.
Step 6. Continue Evolving
Have you ever heard of a guy named Murphy? Well he supposedly has this law that states:
“Anything that can possibly go wrong will”.
Now as a financial planner this law is sometimes hard to swallow but it is true. Life is always evolving which means your financial lifestyle will evolve to. No worries, we’ll periodically review and adjust your strategy so that it remains in line with your current views about the present and the future. Whether something unexpected happens or you simply change your mind, we want to ensure the actions you take always move you toward your goals and financial freedom.