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Overview


Financial Planning is a Process

Step 1 Make Contact
You Initiate contact by calling, sending an email or making an appointment online.
Applied Advisor Depending on how you contacted me I will ask for a brief overview of the financial issues or problems for which you are seeking help. I will briefly answer any questions you may have about my fees or background. Once an appointment has been made I will send you a copy of my privacy policy, disclosures, a list of statements to bring and a questionnaire for you to fill out prior to our first meeting.

Step 2 Initial Meeting
You Fill out the forms and gather all requested statements prior to our meeting. The time this takes depends on the complexity of your situation and how well organized your records are. Expect at least 30 minutes. Additional time is required to read the provided sample engagement letter and introductory materials. Tip: the easiest way to hold the cost of financial planning down is to fully and legibly complete the provided forms and gather all requested documents.
Applied Advisor The initial meeting is our chance to discuss your needs, concerns and objectives. I will use the forms you filled out to guide our discussion and we will determine if my services are a good fit for you. I will provide a cost estimate for the requested services.

Step 3 Signing the Engagement Letter
You

Once you decide to engage for services we will sign an Engagement Letter and Service Agreement. It is important to read and understand both documents as they set-up the terms of our professional relationship.

Applied Advisor At this time, depending on the project at hand, I may provide additional forms for you to fill-out or request additional paperwork from you. One-half of the lowest estimated fee is due when a service agreement is signed. This deposit will not exceed $500. I will provide copies of your engagement letter and service agreement for your files.

Step 4 Planning Begins
You Return any additional or outstanding information as determined at the initial meeting and answer any questions as they arise.
Applied Advisor What happens next depends on the requested services. For all engagements I begin analyzing the provided information, compile a list of questions, make initial observations and begin formulating a plan. For most projects I will complete my reports, recommendations and action plan prior to our next meeting. I will email any questions that may arise. Occasionally a project requires additional meetings.

Step 5 Follow-Up Meeting
You This is the time where we will work together to find the best solution to your particular needs. During our meeting you will have ample opportunity to ask questions.
Applied Advisor I will present my findings and recommendations to you. We will go over your written reports and each of my recommendations to be sure you understand and agree with each one. You will receive copies of your written reports as outlined in our Service Agreement.

Step 6 After the Meeting
You Carefully read your written reports and implement the recommend action plan. This step could involve buying and selling recommended investments, scheduling an appointment with recommended insurance agents, estate planning attorneys, opening new accounts, paying off debt or moving things around in your 401k. You will monitor your financial plan and schedule periodic follow-up meetings to keep your plan on track.
Applied Advisor I will be available, at your request, for follow-up meetings or questions. I will not be involved in the implementation or monitoring of your financial or investment plan.