How We Can Work Together

The Advisory Relationship

Whether you are looking for a situation-specific product or solution, or a full-blown comprehensive plan, my work with you as your CFP® professional will include providing financial education, advice, and “coaching.” I can:

  • Help you clarify and define your goals
  • Recommend solutions that fit your needs
  • Delivery timely information
  • Explain how changing financial conditions affect you
  • Monitor your financial progress
  • Make investment planning easier 

 

The Planning Process

The process I follow in completing a total financial strategy consists of:

• Gathering and analyzing your financial situation to develop a clear picture of your specific needs, assets, liabilities, and risk tolerance;

• Designing a financial strategy that takes into account the full range of needs you have now, and those needs you may have in the future; and
 
• Periodically reviewing your strategy, consulting with you to make appropriate adjustments, and assisting you in keeping your plan on track.

 

The Key Areas of a Comprehensive Financial Plan

Cash Management:

You’ve heard it said that “It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep.” This is certainly true in financial planning, where budgeting and proper cash management today is essential to achieving future goals.  Key questions explored include:

  • How much cash reserve is appropriate?
  • How much money will I need to save in order to retire comfortably?

Insurance Planning

This includes reviewing your existing insurance policies, and providing recommendations for policy changes or additions (when appropriate), that are best for your situation.   Key questions can include:

  • Have I optimized my property and casualty insurance coverage?
  • How much life insurance is appropriate?
  • Do I need disability income insurance?  Long-term care insurance?

Investment Planning:

This includes recommending investments and accumulation strategies to help you save for near-term and long-term goals.  Key questions include;

  • What is my risk tolerance for market fluctuations?
  • What are the timeframe(s) for my goals?
  • What specific investment strategies make sense for my unique personal situation?

Retirement Planning:

Planning in this area includes determining how much you need to save to retire comfortably, making the most of any available employer-sponsored retirement plans, funding your own plans if necessary, and managing assets before and during retirement.   Key questions in this area can include:

  • Will I be able to retire early?
  • What are my 401(k) Plan distribution options?  
  • Should I have a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA?

Taxes: 

I am not a tax expert by any means.  However I do understand that taxes can affect your financial well being, and I can assist you in looking at how tax decisions today may affect your future tax liabilities.   When it comes to preparing your taxes, it is important that you seek advice from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), an accountant and/or tax attorney.

Estate Planning

Though I do not provide estate planning services, I do realize that it is important for those who wish to leave a legacy to their loved ones after they have passed on.  It is best to consult with an attorney who specializes in this field in order to determine what  type of a plan  is appropriate, to preserve your estate for your intended heirs, and reduce exposure to estate taxes, probate costs, creditors, and “predators.”

Education funding

This includes recommending investment and accumulation strategies to help you pay for your children's education. 
 
Employee and executive benefits

If applicable, planning in this area an help your business attract and retain qualified employees through benefit packages, while helping you, as the owner, work effectively on your own retirement funding.