We start by understanding what you want your money to do. Then we look at where you are today: whether you're on track and in balance, and if not, what it would take to get there. From there, we look at strategies to move you closer to balance and make the most of what you're already doing. Where we spend the most time depends on what matters most in your situation.
Every relationship starts with a free, no-pressure conversation. You tell us what's on your mind. We tell you whether we can help and what working together looks like. If we're not the right fit, we'll say so and point you toward someone who is.
15 to 30 minutes, by phone
A short conversation about what prompted you to reach out and what you're hoping to figure out. We'll explain how we work, what it costs, and whether your situation fits what we do. If it does, we'll schedule Discovery. If it doesn't, we'll say so and point you toward someone better suited. Neither of us gains from proving a bad fit slowly.
Video call, about an hour
Most importantly, what you want from your life: what you'd like the next five to ten years to look like, what you're worried about, and who you're trying to take care of. We'll also walk through your numbers together, confirm the details, and get a clear understanding of your financial picture. If we need anything more to go deeper, we'll ask for it afterward.
Video call, 60 to 75 minutes
Between meetings, we review everything you've shared. Then we walk you through where you stand today, how we plan, and how we think about money: cash flow, protection, income, investments, and taxes, and how they fit together.
We'll point out the direction we'd suggest and the areas we would want to work on together. The detailed strategy work comes once we're working together. Then you decide.
One of the first things we look at is simple. As things stand today, is your current direction on track to support the lifestyle you have now, through retirement and for as long as you may need it?
We look at what your life costs, the income you can count on, and what your savings and investments would need to provide. If you're on track, we'll show you what that may give you room to do. If you're not, we'll show you the kinds of changes that could help close the gap.
Still building toward retirement? The question becomes whether your current saving and investing are moving you toward the future you want.
If a plan only works by assuming higher returns, we'll show you that plainly, then look for real changes instead.
Our default runs to age 100, adjusted when your health or family history gives us a reason.
We start with the lifestyle you want, adjusted for inflation, rather than building in an automatic cut at retirement.
A bad market early in retirement, higher inflation, a longer life, a major health or care expense. We look at what each would do, and what you could do about it, before you face it.
Getting to the plan is the beginning of the relationship. From there, we help put it into motion and continue working with you as life changes.
If you decide to work with us, this is where we begin moving you in the right direction. Some strategies are put in place right away. Others are implemented over time, when the timing makes sense.
That may include opening or transferring accounts, implementing the investment approach, setting up withdrawals, beneficiary updates, insurance where appropriate, and coordination with your CPA, attorney, or other professionals.
Some steps are handled directly by us. Others require another professional or financial institution. We keep the pieces moving, confirm each step was completed the way we agreed, and make sure you understand how everything works.
Planning doesn't stop once the first strategies are in place. We keep looking for ways to improve your situation and put new strategies to work as your life, the markets, and tax laws change.
We review the plan, your investments, and the decisions in front of you at least once a year, and compare where you are with where we expected you to be, so you can see what changed and why.
You can also reach out when something comes up between reviews. A retirement decision, inheritance, job change, major purchase, family change, or another financial question may be a reason to revisit part of the plan.
The goal is to be in your corner for the long haul, with a plan that continues to reflect your life.
Your investment strategy and financial plan are reviewed regularly, with a full review at least annually. Many clients will have additional conversations during the year depending on what is happening and what needs attention.
A typical year might look something like this.
We revisit the plan, review the investment strategy, and look at what has changed in your financial life since the last full review.
We may revisit cash flow, investments, or another part of the plan that needs attention. Sometimes there is a lot to discuss. Other years there may be very little.
We look ahead at tax-related planning opportunities, charitable giving, required distributions, and other decisions that may need to happen before year-end.
We can review contribution amounts, beneficiaries, cash needs, and any priorities that have changed for the year ahead.
The timing and focus can move depending on your situation. The purpose is to keep the plan current and spend time where it matters most.
Start with a free 15 to 30 minute Clarity Call. We'll talk about your situation, answer your initial questions, and explain what working with us would look like.