Our Process

Step 1: Initial Interview

The purpose of the initial interview is twofold; to provide valuable perspective on your current financial condition and to define the scope of the engagement.  Through a discussion of your values, short and long term goals and current financial situation, a Financial Road Map is created, providing you with an overview of your current circumstance.  Our service is discussed and, if appropriate, an individualized fee is determined for the development of your financial plan.

Step 2: Information Gathering and Assessment

At the second meeting, your financial documents (tax returns, investment and retirement plan statements, insurance policies, loan documents, wills, trust, etc.) are verified and scanned.  An assessment is made of your current financial status and financial goals are reviewed.

Step 3: Analysis and Plan Preparation

Your original financial documents are organized and placed in a Personal Financial Organizer binder for convenient future reference.  Using our Wealth Management Assessment, your current financial status is scored and a personalized benchmark is created for the measurement of future progress.  A detailed, comprehensive analysis of your financial situation is performed, financial strategies are considered, recommendations developed and a financial plan is written.

Step 4: Plan Presentation

Your Financial Plan and Wealth Management Assessment are delivered.  Recommendations are discussed and implementation steps are reviewed.  Investment philosophy is discussed and your input is solicited for the creation of your Investment Policy Statement.  The first implementation appointment is scheduled.

Step 5: Plan Implementation

Implementation of the Financial Plan is accomplished through the Wealth Management Process.  The Wealth Management Process is administered through regular progress meetings.  The order in which recommendations are addressed will vary according to individual client circumstances and priorities.  A typical progression in the first year might take place as follows:

• First Progress Meeting - Review and implementation of Investment Policy Statement.
• Second Progress Meeting - Review of portfolio reporting.  Review and implementation of insurance and emergency reserve recommendation.  Review of debt management.
• Third Progress Meeting - Review of portfolio performance.  Review and implementation of estate planning strategies.
• Fourth Progress Meeting - Review of portfolio performance and update of financial projections as required.  Review of your Financial Road Map and re-scoring of your Wealth Management Assessment.  Determine services and establish agenda for the next meeting.

Step 6: Ongoing Wealth Management

Financial Planning should always be viewed as an ongoing, lifelong process.  Upon completion of the implementation phase, the client's Financial Plan is maintained through the Wealth Management Process which includes management of the clients investment portfolio.  Frequency of progress meetings is determined by mutual consent.  In no event will progress meetings be scheduled less frequently than semi-annually.  Areas that may be addressed each year include investment performance review, income tax review, Wealth Management Assessment update, and Financial Plan revision.