Our Approach to
Fee-Only Financial Planning
Comprehensive financial life planning goes far beyond investment management and retirement planning. We implement a holistic approach that begins by listening to what you want to achieve in your lifetime, both your financial and non-financial (personal) goals. We then follow a proven six-step process that guides you to becoming financially independent, living the life you choose.
A Comprehensive Fee-Only Approach You Can Trust
Our fee-only approach provides peace of mind that every recommendation is based solely on what is appropriate for you. Our advice is never motivated by commissions. In addition, the comprehensive nature of your plan ensures you will receive a clear picture of where you stand financially today and offer you direction and discipline to help you achieve your dreams.
Six Steps to Help You Achieve (and Maintain) Financial Independence
Establish Goals
At our first planning meeting, we ask questions to determine what is most important to you. Understanding your short-term and long-term goals is essential to building an appropriate plan. We also explore your values and risk tolerance to ensure you are comfortable with the plan recommendations.
Gather Data
We review the Fact Finder and supporting documents you provide – such as investment statements, wills, and insurance policies – to ensure we have everything we need to develop your comprehensive plan.
Analyze Data and Develop Plan
Our comprehensive analysis includes reviewing your current and future cash flow needs, making a retirement projection, and evaluating tax-saving opportunities. We also look at your insurances, discuss your estate planning needs, and address education planning if needed. Finally, we assess your investment portfolio to ensure it – along with the other items mentioned above – is aligned with your stated goals. Any gaps throughout these areas are addressed inside your comprehensive financial life plan.
The comprehensive analysis includes reviewing your current and future cash flow, retirement projection, taxes, insurance, estate plan, education planning, and investment portfolio.
Present Your Comprehensive Plan
You receive your comprehensive financial life plan in this second planning meeting. Your advisor will explain each recommendation and related action item. “What if” scenarios may be discussed so that you have options to consider if your goals are uncertain.
Included in the financial plan are the following:
- Net worth statement
- Cash flow analysis
- Retirement projection showing how long money will last
- Analysis of current investment portfolio
- Additional reports as appropriate
Implement Plan
Once you are comfortable with the financial plan and priorities have been set, implementation begins.
Monitor Plan
We monitor the plan’s performance against your goals. As your financial advisors, we are available to meet with you, make new plan recommendations, and rebalance your portfolio as needed to ensure your goals continue to be met.
Six Steps to Help You Achieve (and Maintain) Financial Independence
Learn More About Our Services
The financial plans we develop are comprehensive and designed to help you achieve and maintain financial independence. The plan is driven by your needs and goals.
Request a discovery call today. Share your priorities and concerns with us. We welcome the opportunity to explain our approach. You will clearly see how our fee-only financial planning process can help you achieve your short- and long-term goals.
Recent Insights From Our Advisors
Stay up-to-date on everything that’s happening. Subscribe to our Newsletter today.
Seniors Carry More Debt Into Retirement
Many seniors are carrying debt in retirement, representing a serious problem for some. Let’s discuss good debt ...
7 Things You Need to Know About Inflation, Social Security, Motor Oil, and More
Periodically, we publish an article that touches on a variety of topics we think you need to know about. Here’s...
How to Pay 0% Tax on Capital Gains Pulled from a Brokerage Account
It is possible to pay 0% capital gains tax on long-term investments. Learn how this thirty-something entrepreneur mad...
Millennials Financial Struggles…And Successes
Millennials often get a bad rap. Yet despite their financial hurdles, new research shows they may be on track to surp...
Federal Reserve Update: Rates Remain Unchanged
The Federal Reserve has spoken: interest rates remain unchanged (for now). Here’s what it means for investors.<...
Real Estate Roundup: Feeling the Impact of Higher Rates
Here are some factors affecting the U.S. commercial real estate market and the residential side of the market, as wel...
Tax Treatment of Home Energy Rebates
The IRS has provided guidance on the federal income tax treatment of certain home energy rebates offered by states, w...
Is Downsizing Your Home the Right Move?
As you near retirement, you need to consider how your cash flow will change. Where you want to live is one of the mos...
Mea Culpa!
Think retirement is boring? Think again. Here’s what I learned after spending one week in Florida (and how it m...