Financial Planning

This page is designed to give you basic information on Financial Planning such as: Why you should consider Financial Planning, the steps involved in The Financial Planning Process, and a list of sample Financial Goals.  There is also a flash video demo that introduces you to our financial planning software and a link for existing clients to Logon.   

Financial Planning -- Helping You See the Big Picture

This article discusses why financial planning is important and who can help you plan for your financial success.

The Financial Planning Process

A detailed list of the six steps included in The Financial Planning Process.

Your Goals

In order to be successful, you must first set goals.  This section highlights example goals, and how I can help you achieve your goals.

Wealth Management Solutions Website Demo

Click the link above to view the flash video about our finanical planning process and Wealth Managment Solutions software.

Wealth Management Solutions Website Login

Existing clients: Logon here to access your personal financial planning website and Client Vault.

The Financial Planning Process
The Financial Planning Process consists of the following six steps:

1. Establishing and defining the client-planner relationship.
The financial planner should clearly explain or document the services to be provided to you and define both his and your responsibilities. The planner should explain fully how he will be paid and by whom. You and the planner should agree on how long the professional relationship should last and on how decisions will be made.

2. Gathering client data, including goals.
The financial planner should ask for information about your financial situation. You and the planner should mutually define your personal and financial goals, understand your time frame for results and discuss, if relevant, how you feel about risk. The financial planner should gather all the necessary documents before giving you the advice you need.

3. Analyzing and evaluating your financial status.
The financial planner should analyze your information to assess your current situation and determine what you must do to meet your goals. Depending on what services you have asked for, this could include analyzing your assets, liabilities and cash flow, current insurance coverage, investments or tax strategies.

4. Developing and presenting financial planning recommendations and/or alternatives.
The financial planner should offer financial planning recommendations that address your goals, based on the information you provide. The planner should go over the recommendations with you to help you understand them so that you can make informed decisions. The planner should also listen to your concerns and revise the recommendations as appropriate.

5. Implementing the financial planning recommendations.
You and the planner should agree on how the recommendations will be carried out. The planner may carry out the recommendations or serve as your "coach," coordinating the whole process with you and other professionals such as attorneys or stockbrokers.

6. Monitoring the financial planning recommendations.
You and the planner should agree on who will monitor your progress towards your goals. If the planner is in charge of the process, she should report to you periodically to review your situation and adjust the recommendations, if needed, as your life changes.

Your Goals
My job is to help you to identify the goals that will help you get from where you are today to where you want to be. In doing so, you will not only worry less, but will have more time to enjoy what is important to you in your life.

Click on any one of the statements below to find out how I can help you  to reach that goal:

• I want a better return on my investments
• I want to make sure my family is financially protected should something happen to me
• I don’t mind paying taxes, but I want to keep more of my money for me
• I want to be able to afford the best education possible for my children
• I don’t want to worry about running out of money during my retirement
• I want to retire comfortably at age 60, is this possible 
• I want to keep control of my decisions when I retire
• I want to maintain a certain lifestyle when I retire
• When it comes to my investments, I want to be worry-free
• When the time comes, I want to make sure my money and my things go where I want them to go
• My business is important to me, so I want to make sure it is protected
• I want “X” for “X” by “X”

I want a better return on my investments.
I’ll examine where your money is now and will offer alternatives that may help you optimize returns for your level of risk.

I want to make sure that my family is financially protected should something happen to me.
Perhaps one of the more compassionate and important goals you may have. Having appropriate insurance coverage for both your life and the possibility of a disability is critical to any plan.

I don’t mind paying taxes, but I want to keep more of my money for me.
There are several ways you can save money on taxes, from tax-deferred to tax-free investments to deductions and credits you may not be aware of, I can work with you and your tax advisor to point out any advantages you may be able to take.

I want to be able to afford the best education possible for my children.
It’s never too early to start saving for your child’s education. Not only can I help you to choose the appropriate investments, I can also show you savings vehicles that may be tax-advantaged.

I don’t want to worry about running out of money during my retirement.
Making the right investment choices now is just part of the story. I can show you how, when you’re ready to retire, those investments could be put to work for you for an income you cannot outlive.

I want to retire comfortably at age 60, is this possible?
Anything is possible. With the right guidance, such a goal may not seem quite so lofty. Depending on your particular financial situation, with the appropriate investment vehicle and right use of tax advantages, you just may be able to retire financially secure at age 60.

I want to keep control of my decisions when I retire.
Keeping this type of control will require you to prepare now. I will work with you to show you how to have enough money, how to pay for long-term care, should you need it, and, working with your attorney, show you the legal documents you’ll need for your health and financial decisions to come to fruition.

I want to maintain a certain lifestyle when I retire.
I can show you how you can fund that lifestyle with an income you can not outlive.

When it comes to my investments, I want to be worry free.
I can work with you to develop and implement an investment strategy that best fits your needs, including your tolerance for risk and time-frame.

When the time comes, I want to make sure that my money and my things go where I want them to go.
A will is important when it comes to the disposition of your property. But, a will may not be enough. There are tools you can use, such as trusts, to ensure that the decisions you make now are carried out later. I will work with you and your attorney to develop a comprehensive strategy that will make sure your things do get to where you want them to go and that your heirs get a greater share than Uncle Sam.

My business is important to me, so I want to make sure it is protected.
I can show you how you can protect your business from the loss of a key employee and how to retain others. I can also work with you and your attorney to make sure your wishes for your business and your family are carried out should something happen to you.

I want “X” for “X” by “X.”
If you’re like most people, you have a set of goals that are unique to you. You want say, $20,000 for a boat in ten years. I can give you the guidance you need to reach that special goal. I have the experience, the tools, and the know-how to help you realize your financial dreams.