Financial Planning Process


 






1. ENGAGE



Establish and define the client-advisor relationship

We begin by discussing how we can work together to develop and implement your financial plan. We strive to understand your financial situation, but we also will help you define your goals. We start the process by:


Learning about your situation

Establishing the cost of financial planning

Organizing basic documents




2. COLLECT



Gather your information, including goals, feelings and expectations

The more detailed information we learn, the more detailed and accurate your personal financial plan can be. We conduct a holistic audit of your current estate,investment and business situation. We develop a comprehensive financial condition model of your situation,including cash flow, tax-reduction strategies and estate distribution. Highlights of this stage include:


Defining our working relationship

Gathering appropriate financial data, objectives, risk tolerances and feelings

Integrating your attitudes, views and concerns

Learning and prioritizing your goals




3. ANALYZE



Process and analyze to determine financial needs

We identify gaps and opportunities between your current financial situation and your objectives, feelings and risk tolerance. This stage focuses on:


Reviewing your data and assessing your status relative to goals,objectives and attitudes

Analyzing and evaluating your current financial status

Confirming and clarifying your data

Preparing a preliminary financial plan

"Trying-on" ideas, involving key advisors, as needed, and refining recommendations








4. DESIGN



Develop and present financial planning recommendations

Based on your input and our analysis, we offer effective strategies and identify solutions that are an appropriate fit for your personal situation and are consistent with your objectives. This stage - one of the most important in our process because it is where the financial planning takes shape - includes:


Presenting a final plan

Answering questions and gaining your input

Establishing an action plan


 




5. IMPLEMENT



Implement the financial plan recommendations

We present the specific recommendations that are designed to help toward meeting your needs, and discuss the pros,cons,risks and costs for each recommended alternative. This helps ensure that you will make an informed decision. Some aspects covered in this stage are:


Coordinating with your other advisors

Reviewing and recommending specific financial products for your consideration to help implement the financial plan

Assisting you in implementing the financial plan




6. REVIEW



Review the financial plan recommendations

Many factors can impact the viability of your financial plan in the future - a life event,unexpected expenses or income,a change in taxes, etc. We meet with you to check the status of the financial plan by comparing actual results to initial assumptions to determine if adjustments need to be made. This final stage of the process centers around:


Analyzing ongoing issues

Making adjustments as your situation changes

Keeping your financial plan updated and current