How We Work

Based on experience with our clients, we use a finely tuned process through LPL Financial  that will lead you through the six stages of financial planning. This detailed and comprehensive process has received national recognition from the Financial Planning Association (FPA®).

Establish and define the client-advisor relationship

We begin by discussing how we can work together to develop and implement your financial plan. We need to understand your financial situation, but we also want to help you define your goals. We start the process by:

  • Discussing your situation
  • Establishing a fee
  • Securing basic documents

Gather client data, including goals and expectations

The more detailed information we can obtain, the more customized and accurate your personal financial plan can be. We conduct a holistic audit of your current estate, investment and business owner situation (if applicable). Based on this information, we develop a comprehensive financial condition model of your current situation, including cash flow, tax reduction strategies and estate distribution projects. Highlights of this stage include:

  • Formalizing our working relationship
  • Gathering appropriate financial data, objectives and risk tolerances
  • Discussing and establishing goals
  • Discussing attitudes, views and concerns

Process and analyze information to determine retirement savings need

We analyze information gathered from the financial condition model to identify gaps and opportunities between your current financial planning and your objectives and risk tolerance. This helps us determine to what extent you are meeting your financial goals ,with your current strategy. This stage focuses on:

  • Reviewing your data and assessing your status relative to goals, objectives and attitudes
  • Analyzing and evaluating your current financial status
  • Confirming and clarifying your data
  • Preparing a preliminary financial plan
  • "Trying-on" ideas, including key advisors, as needed, and refining recommendations

Develop and present financial planning recommendations and/or alternatives

Based on your input and our analysis, we offer alternative strategies and identify solutions that are an appropriate fit for your personal situation, and most importantly, are consistent with your objectives. This stage – one of the most important in our process because it is where the financial planning takes shape – includes:

  • Presenting a final financial plan document
  • Answering questions
  • Establishing an action plan

Implement the financial plan recommendations

We present the specific recommendations that will help you towards meeting your needs, and discuss the pros, cons, risks and costs for each recommended alternative. This helps ensure that you will make an informed decision. Some aspects covered in this stage are:

  • Coordinating with your other advisors
  • Reviewing and recommending specific financial products necessary to implement the financial plan
  • Assisting you in implementing the financial plan

Review the financial plan recommendations

Many factors can impact the viability of your financial plan in the future - a life event, unexpected expenses or income, a change in taxes, etc. We meet with you to check the status of the financial plan by comparing actual results to initial assumptions to determine if adjustments need to be made. This final stage of the process centers around:

  • Analyzing ongoing issues
  • Making adjustments as your situation changes
  • Keeping your financial plan updated and current 


*There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes.  The purchase of certain securities may be required to effect some of the strategies.  Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.

<strong>How do you make the most of your retirement?</strong>

How do you make the most of your retirement?

If you are nearing retirement, I urge you to focus on “retirement readiness.” While this is a new concept in the retirement community, it comprises more than financial planning. Additionally, it focuses heavily on social, family, emotional, and physical planning for retirement. You cannot simply “retire” anymore; you must begin non-financial retirement planning.

 

Receive your FREE bookThe Art of Retiring Whole: A Non-Financial Guide to Retiring with Purpose, Productivity and Endless Possibilities by Ryan S. Kidd, CRC® by emailing us at Coreen@vfateam.com!

LPL Financial was not involved in the creation or promotion of this book. LPL does not endorse the book, is not responsible for the content and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information or material contained therein. 

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