How We Work

We provide holistic financial advice. Our advice is different for every client we see.

A core part of our philosophy is recognising that every client is different and our value lies in our ability to provide advice tailored for each client's individual circumstances.

We work with clients to build and implement a financial plan for them. We consider and discuss alternatives, we help clients understand their choices and trade offs. Once a decision has been made, we assist clients to put their plan into effect.

For our clients, financial confidence comes from knowing that we will always be honest with them and do our best to help them.

We don't just point people in the right direction and wish them luck. We know that life has a habit of changing. Markets can change, legislation can change, health can change and client goals can change. Part of our job is to work with clients and adjust their strategy as required to ensure they can navigate these changes and still end up where they want to be.

Planning

The first step in a financial planning engagement is to do a thorough review to assess where you stand and then work with you to develop your goals. From there, we can help you make a plan designed to reach your goals, guide you through it and then review your progress over time. Not every relationship is the same, and your plan may evolve as your life changes, but this is the process that we utilize. The following details these steps:

YOUR FIRST MEETING AND UNDERSTANDING YOUR SITUATION

At your first meeting, we like to discuss the financial planning process, what you would like to accomplish and how we can help you. Our first job is to gather information about your current finances and overall personal circumstances. During this time we might discuss issues such as your risk tolerance and your exposure to longevity, economic, liability and health-care risks. This is the time for us to get to know all about you. At this time we will also discuss the services that will be provided to you, give you information on our background, detail how you will pay for products and services, detail how we will be compensated, and disclose any conflicts of interest.

SETTING YOUR GOALS

Now that we have a better understanding of your situation, it’s time to set your goals. We know that it’s important for both of us to be on the same page and to talk through any assumptions or estimates. You’ll be able to share what’s most important to you.

ANALYZING YOUR FINANCIAL STRENGTHS AND VULNERABILITIES

We will want to analyze the strengths and vulnerabilities of your current financial situation and course of action and potential alternative courses of action. Depending upon your personal circumstances, this includes your cash flow, asset protection, retirement planning, emergency fund and other financial data. You want to know if you are on track or if you need to make some adjustments.

DEVELOPING AND PRESENTING RECOMMENDATIONS

The next step is for us to develop recommendations to help you meet your goals. We will work with you to consider the available options to determine what is right for you. We have a responsibility to develop recommendations that are designed to maximize the potential for you to reach your goals. When we present the financial planning recommendations to you, you will have the opportunity to provide feedback, ask questions and discuss adjustments to the plan, as we work together to finalize the steps you will take toward reaching your goals. This isn’t just finances: it’s your life, your health, and even planning for future generations.

PUTTING YOUR PLAN INTO ACTION

Now it is time to put the plan into action. If a planning agreement includes implementation, then you will need to know what we will be doing and what you will be doing. For the areas that we are handling, we will identify potential actions, products and services, and then make recommendations. You’ll have the opportunity to talk to us about the recommendations before you make your selections.

MONITOR PERFORMANCE through a COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP

Financial planning is a collaborative process. You will need to work with us to review the performance and progress of the plan through time. Part of this is knowing what we are responsible for doing and what you need to do. It’s your job to let us know about changes in your personal circumstances (such as a change in employment or family status) that may call for adjustments to your plan. Our job is to keep track of the progress you are making to achieve your goals and determine whether any changes or updates are needed. Throughout the process, we will be there to provide ongoing support, guidance and education.

Planning Process

Our Process

Planning