A Plan Built Around You
Financial planning starts with what matters most to you. Your plan should be built around your goals, values, and how you want to use your wealth - both now and in the future. Explore our six-phase process below.
1
Initial Consultation
Getting to know each other and determining fit
Explain the planning process and service levels
Discuss your reason for reaching out and top-of-mind financial concerns
Describe planning software (RightCapital) and digital tools
Determine fit based on complexity, compensation, and engagement level
Confirm decision-makers and household participants
2
Discovery Phase
Deep dive into your complete financial picture
A
Goals and Values
Identify short-term goals (0-3 years)
Identify mid-term goals (3-10 years)
Identify long-term goals (10+ years)
Rank goals by priority and estimated cost
Discuss values and what financial success means to you
Explore lifestyle preferences: travel, work-life balance, relocation
Review anticipated life events or changes (marriage, kids, liquidity events)
B
Income & Compensation
Collect most recent pay stub or income summary
Identify base salary, bonus structure, and timing
For 1099 income: gather contractor statements or expected monthly income
For business owners: collect prior year P&L, balance sheet, and income report
Document RSU grants: number of shares, vesting schedule, value
Stock options: type (ISO/NSO), grant date, exercise price, expiration date
ESPP participation: discount rate, lookback, contribution amount
Identify any other passive income sources (rental, dividends, royalties)
C
Cash Flow & Budget
Calculate monthly net income (after-tax, after-withholding)
Track fixed expenses: housing, loans, insurance, utilities
Track discretionary expenses: lifestyle, entertainment, travel
Determine current savings rate and expected surplus or deficit
Identify automated savings and payroll deductions
Confirm current emergency fund balance and adequacy
D
Assets & Liabilities
Collect investment account statements (IRA, Roth, brokerage, 401k)
Review current investment allocations and risk exposure
Document bank accounts: checking, savings, HSA
List real estate holdings with value, mortgage, and rental income
For business ownership: capture structure, valuation, ownership %, exit plans
Document crypto assets: type, platform, cost basis
Record valuable personal property (vehicles, collectibles)
List all debts: credit cards, student loans, mortgages, car loans
Include debt terms: balances, rates, payment amounts
Mortgage details: lender, balance, rate, payment, escrow status
E
Tax Documents & Planning Inputs
Upload last 2 years of tax returns (federal & state)
Confirm filing status and dependent information
Identify capital gains, dividend income, or carryforward losses
Check estimated tax payments or current withholdings
Identify AMT exposure (especially with ISOs)
Note QBI deductions or pass-through entity benefits
Consider state-specific planning issues
F
Insurance Coverage
Life insurance: carrier, face value, term/permanent, owner, beneficiary
Disability: monthly benefit, own-occ vs any-occ, elimination period
Health: plan type (HDHP vs PPO), premiums, out-of-pocket max
Long-term care: benefit amount, waiting period, duration
Property & casualty: homeowners, renters, auto
Umbrella liability policy in place and coverage amount
Business liability or key person insurance (if applicable)
G
Estate Planning
Confirm existence of will, revocable trust, POAs
Review and collect estate documents
Confirm minor guardianship and trustee roles
Review trust funding and asset titling
Confirm beneficiary designations across all accounts
Discuss charitable intent and philanthropic vehicles
H
Other Specialized Topics
Children's education goals (college savings timeline and funding targets)
Anticipated gifts or inheritances (approximate size, restrictions, timeline)
Vacation property or relocation planning
Career transition or sabbatical funding planning
Business succession, liquidity events, or sale preparation
Family support obligations (parents, siblings, or adult children)
3
Plan Development & Analysis
Building your personalized financial roadmap
Input verified data into RightCapital
Build net worth and cash flow baselines
Analyze current plan vs desired goals
Run retirement and independence scenarios
Evaluate tax reduction strategies and entity structure opportunities
Build recommendations around insurance, investments, tax, and estate
Prioritize implementation steps and scenarios
4
Plan Presentation
Reviewing your comprehensive plan together
Present plan via RightCapital (charts, projections, Monte Carlo, tables)
Compare current trajectory with goal-based recommendations
Review insurance, investment, and tax findings in detail
Provide an action checklist with sequencing and priorities
Adjust recommendations based on feedback or preferences
5
Implementation
Putting your plan into action
Open and transfer investment or retirement accounts as needed
Begin insurance applications or beneficiary updates
Schedule attorney consultation for estate document prep or updates
Connect you with tax preparer if necessary
Update financial plan with implementation changes
6
Ongoing Monitoring & Plan Updates
Keeping your plan current and on track
Q1
Annual refresh and updated net worth, cash flow, projections
Q2
Post-tax season review and mid-year tax planning
Q3
Insurance review and open enrollment support
Q4
Equity compensation planning, charitable giving, business updates
Client to notify advisor of any major life changes
Financial plan updated on an ongoing basis to reflect all changes
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your financial goals and see if our comprehensive planning approach is right for you.
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