It is important for you to know that the financial services professional that you work with follows a certain process. While your own particular mix of financial goals, challenges, assets and resources are unique and require personalized solutions, you can rest assured that we will guide you through a six step financial planning process. By using these six steps, we can work out where you are now, what you may need in the future and action steps to help reach your goals.
FINANCIAL PLANNING STEPS
Step 1: Establish and Define the Relationship.
First of all, we clearly explain and document the financial services offered to you and define our and your responsibilities. This includes how we are paid and by whom. We will also agree on how long the professional relationship should last and on how decisions will be made.
Step 2: Gathering Data, including Goals.
Together, we define your personal and financial goals, understand your time frame for results and discuss how you feel about risk. Then, we gather all necessary documents before giving you advice.
Step 3: Analyzing and Evaluating your Financial Status:
We assess your current situation and determine steps to help meet your goals. This could including analyzing your assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, investments or tax strategies.
Step 4: Developing and Presenting Financial Planning Recommendations/Alternatives.
Then, you receive financial planning recommendations that address your goals, based upon the information you provide. And we will help you understand them so that you can make informed decisions. We will listen to your concerns and revise the recommendations as needed.
Step 5: Implementing the Financial Planning Recommendations.
We work with you and agree on how the recommendations will be implemented. And, either by carrying out the recommendations or coordinating the process with you and other professionals such as attorneys or accountants.
Step 6: Monitoring the Financial Planning Recommendations.
Finally, we agree on who and how progress towards your goals are monitored so that the recommendations can be adjusted as your life changes.
