Process & Services

A Financial Plan is the cornerstone of my practice.  Having a written plan helps serve as a guide to identify the truth of your current financial situation, so we can determine the most efficient course of action to ensure that you are on the right track to achieve your goals.  Something truly changes when goals are actually IN WRITING versus just discussed. The written plan holds me and my clients accountable to take appropriate action.

There are 2 basic service options: An Annual Retainer service or a standalone Financial Plan. Note the Annual Retainer service includes an annual Financial Plan.

In general, the process would look like this:

1. Free Introductory Meeting with the client to determine if services from the Financial Plan Guy are a good fit for their needs.
2. The client receives a questionnaire to be filled out prior to the Fact Finding Meeting.
3. The advisor meets with the client in the Fact Finding Meeting to gather relevant information for the Financial Plan, as well as answer any questions.
4. The Financial Plan will be created.
5. The advisor schedules the Financial Plan Presentation Meeting to go over all relevant details and answer client questions.
6. If the client chooses the Annual Retainer service, there will be scheduled meetings twice per year (or more based on client needs/wishes) with the advisor, checking all client accounts every quarter via a client portal accounts aggregator.
   

My typical process includes a free initial consultation.  I live in the Indianapolis area and am always willing to meet in person for those who live in the area.  However, if you do not live near Indianapolis or would prefer a remote meeting, we can schedule some time for a phone or video call, or a live face-to-face meeting through your computer webcam.  I prefer these online face-to-face meetings because they help me get to know my clients better. Additionally, I believe it’s important for clients to be able to look their advisor in the eyes during a meeting, as it raises accountability for both of us.  These digital meetings allow me to work with clients regardless of where they live in the country and provide the client the convenience of being able to meet with me on their schedule in the comfort of their own home.

After an initial consultation, if the client would like to move forward with my services, the Fact Finding Meeting will be scheduled to discuss relevant information I need in order to get a plan in place, as well as answer any questions from the client. Additionally, the client will receive a questionnaire from me that I will need back prior to the Fact Finding Meeting taking place.   Once the Financial Plan is complete, a Financial Plan Presentation Meeting will be scheduled to discuss the Financial Plan and answer any client questions.

The development of a Comprehensive Financial Plan will be provided to clients via hard copy and/or email. This may include items such as:

I primarily work with clients on an annual retainer basis. This service includes ongoing services and meetings to ensure the Financial Plan is being implemented correctly, and it gives the client full access to the advisor during the 12-month period for any questions or concerns. This service is a great way for the advisor and client to keep a high level of accountability to each other and the Financial Plan, and allows for adjustments to take place as needed.

A comprehensive financial plan should take place on a yearly basis because your financial situation is never static.  The old saying, “The only thing constant in life is change,” definitely rings true here. Changes in income or employment, changes in financial goals, maybe you just had a child, etc.  An annual financial plan gives me the opportunity to review your financial status and make any changes/recommendations necessary to ensure you and your family are on the right track for successfully reaching your stated goals outlined in the financial plan.