Our Client Journey
Our planning process is designed to be collaborative and supportive, ensuring you gain the greatest value from our work together. Below is an outline of our typical in-depth planning process, which we may adjust for returning clients or unique circumstances.
1. Explore
After reviewing your initial inquiry, we’ll either provide referrals to other professionals who may be a better fit or schedule a time for a preliminary Financial Review. Prior to that meeting, you’ll be asked to complete a Pre-Meeting Questionnaire.
This initial conversation is an opportunity to discuss your financial situation and priorities, while giving you the opportunity to ask questions. You’ll get a clear sense of how we work and whether we’re a good fit for working together.
There’s no fee for this meeting.
2. Confirm
If you decide to move forward with us, we will provide written details of the work we will undertake, along with our terms and fee. This will form an agreement between you and FAC, with a $500 deposit due upon signing.
At this stage, we’ll also request key financial documents so we can take up tools and begin our analysis (see sample data request).
As part of our in-depth planning services, you’ll have access to us for support and clarification you may need while putting our recommendations into practice.
3. Delve
After we’ve performed our analysis and prepared your initial reports, we’ll meet to confirm the accuracy of your summarized financial information and revisit your goals and objectives.
In this strategy meeting, we’ll walk through our preliminary findings, explore “what-if” scenarios, and together, refine the key assumptions that shape your plan.
From there, we’ll start outlining strategies to help strengthen your financial path forward.
4. Plan Development
Building on the discussion and feedback from our strategy meeting, we conduct additional analysis and research to develop planning recommendations in alignment with your personal objectives.
The results are then organized into a personalized financial plan that include our observations, tailored recommendations, and an action plan with a clear timeline for moving forward.
5. Plan Presentation
In our third meeting, we’ll walk through your personalized financial plan in detail. You’ll come away with a clear picture of where you stand today, key opportunities available to you and practical steps to move closer to your goals.
You will receive detailed written analysis and recommendations.
And as you begin putting your plan into action, we’ll remain available for up to 90 days to answer any questions along the way – at no additional cost.
6. Monitor & Update
Financial planning should rarely stand still. What is right for you this year may need adjusting in a few.
We recommend reviewing and updating your plan at least once a year, whether on your own or with a professional adviser. This becomes especially important if you’re within 10 years of retirement.
For clients who have completed an initial service, our annual update service offers an efficient way to keep your plan current and aligned with your goals.