If, after the initial meeting, we both believe that there is a basis for moving forward, we then move to the next phase in the financial planning process: A Comprehensive Financial Plan and/or Investment Analysis.
A plan is the first step to gaining more control of your finances and your life; It is your road map for achieving your financial goals. The plan involves the detailed review and analysis of all facets of your financial situation including cash flow analysis, retirement planning, risk management, investment management, tax management, insurance and estate planning.
Some individuals try to balance and manage their finances without the help or expertise of a CFP® professional, but this is a very complex process with little room for error. A financial plan covers many areas where expert advice can be a tremendous help. Investment options, insurance concerns, Social Security optimization, income tax, estate tax and gift tax laws can be very complex.
By incorporating all components of your financial life and considering different scenarios, we can help you be better prepared for the road ahead. Any financial advisor providing recommendations without addressing all of these aspects of your financial situation will most likely make poor or inadequate recommendations.
Our Comprehensive Financial Plans range from $2,500 to $5,000 – depending on the complexity of your financial situation. Fees for a Financial Plan or Investment Analysis are quoted prior to an engagement. This entire process takes an average of six to eight weeks, concluding with the final plan presentation in our Asheville, NC or Greenville, SC office.
We gather all of your unique personal and financial information in order to thoroughly review and study your financial situation. We work with our clients to collect any necessary documents that may be needed.
We then work collaboratively with you to define your financial goals and objectives. Detailed financial projections are then prepared in MoneyTree’s Total Planning software, which provides detailed yearly distribution and tax analysis for the retirement years. This software is a diagnostic tool that helps us analyze your income, expenses, cash flow, asset growth, disbursements, insurance coverage, and taxes.
As a part of the financial plan, we provide a detailed Investment Analysis of your current portfolio. This process begins with you taking a scientifically validated risk tolerance questionnaire that helps us understand your ability to tolerate market risks. Then, we carefully evaluate your current investment allocation to determine its suitability given your goals, risk tolerance, and future plans. We also determine how much you are currently paying in investment fees and other expenses.
During the Comprehensive Financial Plan presentation, we present your customized Financial Plan and Investment Analysis recommendations. Questions such as ‘When can I retire?’, ‘How do I need to invest to get there?’, ‘How should I take my Social Security?’, and ‘Am I being tax efficient?’ are answered.
During the plan presentation, we will also discuss how we can monitor and benchmark your progress going forward so we can make sure you achieve your financial goals. If you become a Wealth Management client, we will frequently monitor and review your progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.
As a component of the financial planning process, we provide retirement planning counsel and advice to many clients. Considering retirement is exciting, but it can also cause anxiety and fear. When it comes to saving for retirement, there is no better time than today to assess your plan for the future. Experts predict that retirees need from 80 to 100 percent of their pre-retirement income to maintain their lifestyle after retirement. Yet, surveys show that most Americans remain unprepared for retirement.
Helping our clients become financially prepared for retirement is one of the most important aspects of our work. That’s why we encourage our clients to begin planning for retirement with a Comprehensive Financial Plan – because just hoping you are saving enough for retirement is not a viable option.
We begin by discussing your retirement goals. How do you envision the perfect retirement? What are your financial priorities? When you get ready to retire, you have so many difficult decisions to make, and we can help you strategically navigate through those obstacles. Seeing your personalized financial plan takes away much of the anxiety and provides you with peace of mind before your retirement date arrives.
How much more money do I need to retire?
What adjustments do I need to make before retirement?
Which Social Security claiming option should I use?
How do I coordinate my pensions, Social Security, and retirement investments?
How long will my retirement money last?
How should I invest during retirement? Should I be less aggressive?
Will my investments provide income throughout retirement?
What are my 401(k) rollover options? How should I use my employer retirement plan?
Do I need any specific type of insurance?
How can I pay for medical care after retirement?
How will these financial moves affect my taxes and estate?
How do I navigate health insurance, before Medicare and after age 65?
If you are preparing for retirement or have already retired, we can help you reach your goals and put you on a course toward financial freedom.