Financial planning is a process. It’s not a one-time event that is completed and then never reviewed again. The process allows you to clarify your goals over time, builds your knowledge of your financial situation and the options available to you, and puts you in charge of your money. We believe the process is as important as the financial planning document created.
Our process is flexible based on each individual or family’s needs and desires. Click on the Planning Service below to see an outline of the planning process.
Comprehensive Financial Plan or Targeted Financial Plan
1. Initial Inquiry
- Client: Review our website and/or give us a call.
- Clarus: We will provide a brief description of our services, philosophies, methodology, and fee structure. We will direct you to our website or email information to help you learn more.
- Client: If our services appear to fit your needs, you will schedule a free Introductory Meeting.
2. Introductory Meeting
- Client: Return the Confidential Questionnaire prior to the introductory meeting. This allows us to familiarize ourselves with your situation prior to your arrival. If you choose to use our services, we will provide a list of additional information that we will need to begin formulating your personal financial plan.
- Clarus: We meet with you free of charge. It’s an opportunity to exchange information about your needs and objectives, to further discuss which of our services are right for you, and to provide you an estimate of the cost of our services. Remember, we do not accept commissions, and instead charge for our services based on the amount of time required to provide the service.
3. Data Gathering and Initial Preparation
- Client: Gather the requested data and possibly complete a Cash Flow Questionnaire. This information will need to be provided before our next meeting.
- Clarus: After receiving your information, we will begin to review and develop your custom financial plan. We will prepare initial reports that we will discuss with you at our interim meeting.
4. Interim Discussions
- Client: This is another opportunity for you to clarify your current situation, financial goals and objectives, and to discuss with us any additional questions and concerns.
- Clarus: We work with you to further clarify the information you provided, and to refine your financial goals and objectives. We will review your risk tolerance, asset allocation, preliminary retirement projections, and our risk management concerns, if any. This meeting can be conducted in person or via teleconference – your preference.
5. Analysis and Plan Formulations
- Client: Take a break. All you have to do at this point is await our next meeting.
- Clarus: We refine the information you provided and study various plan scenarios. We conclude our research and analysis, and produce the final reports that include observations, assumptions, specific recommendations, and an action plan for your unique situation.
6. Financial Plan Review
- Client: Congratulations! You now hold your personal blueprint for financial success designed with your financial goals in mind. We will review your plan and our specific recommendations during this appointment.
- Clarus: We’re available to answer questions about your plan at no additional charge for up to 90 days.
7. Periodic Reviews
- Financial planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Proper implementation of a financial plan and periodic professional reviews are crucial to reaching your financial goals. We encourage prompt attention because it’s all about achieving your goals, dreams, and financial peace of mind.
- Periodic updates are essential to maintain good fiscal health. We can schedule these periodic meetings with you at whatever frequency you think appropriate.
Planning Sessions
1. Initial Inquiry
- Client: Review our website and/or give us a call.
- Clarus: We will provide a brief description of our services, philosophies, methodology, and fee structure. We will direct you to our website or email information to help you learn more.
- Client: If our services appear to fit your needs, you will schedule a free Introductory Meeting.
2. Introductory Meeting
- Client: Return the Confidential Questionnaire prior to the introductory meeting. This allows us to familiarize ourselves with your situation prior to your arrival. If you choose to schedule a planning session, we will provide a list of additional information that we will need either before or during the planning session.
- Clarus: We meet with you free of charge. It’s an opportunity to exchange information about your needs and objectives, to further discuss which of our services are right for you, and to provide you an estimate of the cost of our services. Remember, we do not accept commissions, and instead charge for our services based on the amount of time required to provide the service.
3. Data Gathering and Initial Preparation
- Client: Gather the requested data and possibly complete a Cash Flow Questionnaire. Return this information along with a list of your most pressing financial questions prior to our planning session.
- Clarus: Depending on the scope of the planning session, we may create preliminary reports prior to our planning session.
4. Planning Session
- Client: Ask questions.
- Clarus: We will review your financial information and answer your questions. Recommendations will be provided verbally, and summarized in the planning session notes. This meeting can be conducted in person or via teleconference – your preference.
5. Future Planning Sessions
- As your financial circumstances change, or as additional financial questions develop, contact us to schedule another Planning Session.
- Financial planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Periodic professional reviews are crucial to reaching your financial goals. We encourage prompt attention because it’s all about achieving your goals, dreams, and financial peace of mind.
Annual or Periodic Financial Reviews
1. Before the Financial Review
- Client: Call or email to schedule your review. We will email you a link to your secure online questionnaire.
- Client: Update your questionnaire. Send in your recent investment statements, pay stubs, and tax return at least 10 days before our appointment.
- Clarus: We will review and update your financial plan. We will ask questions and clarify your information via teleconference, if necessary, before the scheduled review.
2. At the Review
- Client: Bring your financial plan binder.
- Clarus: We will update your financial plan with a financial review summary report, as well as updated investment/retirement/risk management reports, as applicable. We will include an electronic copy of all past and current reports for your convenience.
3. After the Review
- We’re available to answer questions at no additional charge.
- Periodic updates are essential to maintain good fiscal health. We can schedule future meetings with you at whatever frequency you think appropriate.