Our Planning Process

If you have never worked with a financial advisor before, the first meeting can be intimidating. Maybe you are afraid of revealing personal information. Maybe you are not sure how we can help you. Be assured—it is our job to make you feel at ease, now and as you head into retirement.

Step 1: Introductory Meeting

Our client relationships typically begin with phone calls and in-person meetings, during which time we learn about your needs. We will discuss your dreams and goals to develop a clear vision of your financial future. You will have the opportunity to learn more about our firm, review samples of our work, and question us about our philosophy and expertise. If we agree that the relationship would be mutually beneficial, we can commit to moving forward.

Step 2: Financial Assessment

Through meetings and discussions with your own personal financial advisor, and the joint completion of our financial fact finder, we will gather information that will allow us to get a clearer understanding of how we can help you. Your financial advisor will review important documents, such as brokerage and bank statements, tax returns, insurance policies, trust documents and retirement plans. Together, we will discuss the present and the future, addressing such issues as your retirement goals, cash-flow needs, tax situation, estate plan and other considerations specific to your situation—all in order to align your investment strategy with your personal financial objectives.

Step 3: Investment Strategy and Agreements

We will work together to understand the big picture of your financial situation and how the different elements may impact each other. Together, you and your advisor will determine an appropriate investment strategy for your portfolio, including an asset allocation based on our understanding of your risk tolerance and long-term goals. We will re-evaluate the appropriateness of this strategy as your situation evolves. You and your advisor will jointly execute an investment management agreement (and a financial planning agreement, if applicable), review your fee schedule, and discuss our statement of understanding.

Step 4: Portfolio Transition

We will determine the best way to transition your current holdings into your new strategy. You will be assigned your own personal client service representative, who will help consolidate your investment accounts, coordinate asset transfers and set up new accounts, and continuously monitor the portfolio transition process. You will get to know your client service representative on a more personal level, and can count on him or her for any account maintenance or administrative requests you may have now and in the future.

Step 5: Portfolio Reporting and Reviews

Each quarter we will provide you with a detailed statement of your accounts. Monthly, we will send you our most recent newsletter which discusses our market outlook and current thinking. You will also have a personal log-in to the client section of our company web site. At the beginning of each calendar year, per your request, we will send you and/or your accountant realized gains/losses report(s). You will also have access to face-to-face meetings with your financial advisor, which will provide you with the opportunity to directly review your portfolio, discuss your progress and ask any questions you may have. Through our ongoing relationship, we will revisit your plan and make adjustments to your strategies and tactics, helping you to stay on track.