Depending on the
complexity of your financial situation, we will meet 6
– 10 times the first year to address the following
topics. At each meeting, you will receive a
thorough assessment of your finances in the topic area, a plan for any
adjustments needed, and written recommendations with target
deadlines.
Goal Setting—
Goal setting serves as
the foundation for the financial planning process,
since the purpose for building wealth is to enable you to realize your
goals. To that end, I will work with you to identify your
dreams and goals, then write down target dates and realistic strategies
for their achievement.
Cash
Flow/Budgeting—
Creating a
sensible budget that reflects your goals can free up money
for investing and will speed up your achievement of financial
independence. I will provide you with specific software which
can simplify and aid in this process.
Net
Worth and Investment Portfolio Analysis—
Do you
really have a portfolio of investments or simply a collection of stocks
and bonds in various places? Do you know what
your risk tolerance is? Do you know the importance
of real estate in the mix? Using specialized software, we
will chart your assets and map out a plan for growth.
Portfolio
Implementation—
A great
portfolio works for you through diversification and balance.
I will propose necessary changes to your investments to maximize both
security and growth, while being mindful of tax implications.
Risk
Management—
I will look
at your present insurance coverage and assess potential risks in the
following areas: life, auto, health, homeowners,
umbrella, and disability insurance. As a fee-only planner, I
will make recommendations for changes or additional coverage based
solely on your needs.
Estate
Planning—
This is
your opportunity to express your desires for dividing your assets and
taking care of your loved ones after your death.
I will review your current documents and discuss potential options for
changes before you meet with your
attorney.
Tax Planning—
We will
discuss proactive, lawful strategies to reduce your tax liability
as much as possible. I will also analyze past tax returns to
find areas of additional tax savings and prepare amended returns, if
necessary.
Tax
Preparation and Audit Protection—
This
optional session includes preparation of your federal, state, and local
returns. Audit protection will be provided as
well.
Retirement
Planning—
Using specialized
software, we will forecast anticipated retirement
scenarios to make sure your savings and investments are
adequately preparing you for retirement. Relatively small changes made
in time will have a significant positive effect on your retirement
lifestyle.
Business or Other Specialty
Planning—
If you own,
or are considering starting your own business, I will
help you think through the tax and other financial issues central to
its success. If you have small children or grandchildren, we
will consider the various education savings options
and identify the one best suited to your needs and desires.
Any other areas of financial concern can be addressed, researched and
planned.