Breaking it down
We know that reaching out to an advisor and initiating that conversation is entering into the unknown for some. To break away from that unknown and to shed some light onto what to expect, below is a breakdown of how our process usually goes. It's typically a three step process, broken down into four phases, if you decide to become a client. Each step along the way serving a specific purpose.
Discovery of current and desired situation
We are interested in where you have been, where you are, and where you want to go because all of those are important for knowing exactly who you are and how to help to reach your goals.
Data Gathering
For us to get a complete picture, data gathering is necessary. Any account statements, whether that be outside investing accounts, retirement accounts, annuities, social security statements, you name it, they are all helpful in putting together a complete picture.
Planning and strategy development
After the discovery and data gathering, we get to work on the planning and strategy part of the process. We take some time, put together all of the pieces of the puzzle, and come back to you with a holistic plan that we make sure to tailor to each of your needs.
Implementation
After we present the plan and strategy, and it is something that makes you feel comfortable and confident, we work and start implementing the plan to reach your goals.
First Meeting: The Introduction
In this meeting, it is more about getting to know you than it is diving directly into the numbers. As we know that the numbers are important, we think it is much more impactful to learn who you are by getting an idea of where you've been, where you are, and where you want to go. Of course, later in the meeting we will discuss accounts and statements, but this is after we establish much more prevalent information that will help us work together as more of friends than anything else.
Second Meeting: Plan Building / Review
Depending on how much we were able to collect financially in our first meeting, this step is either collecting more needed information or presenting you the plan we put together for you to reach your goals. With transparency along the way, we will show you exactly what goes into the plan and how we put it together based on what you've said your goals are. This is when any comments or questions are invited to be had, because we are working hand in hand with you and you have the right to help us create this plan specifically to what you want to see.
Third Meeting; Further plan review / Becoming a client
In this meeting, if we've presented the plan, is the perfect time to address any further questions that may have come up in between meetings. After that, if you like what you've seen and would like to work with us, is when we make working together official with some paperwork and work to establish the advisory accounts here. After this, it is off to the races and paving that path together to reach your goals.
Documents and information you can bring
It is not required by any means, but if you're looking to bring in some paperwork you have and are not sure what may be needed, below is a list of potential documents and information you can bring that may help in the planning process.
- Retirement account statements
- Outside brokerage account statements
- Mortgage statements
- Yearly income and expense estimates
- Social security estimates
If there is anything additional you think may be valuable to give us a complete picture we of course encourage you to bring it in.