Our approach

Three steps,
repeated as life changes.

Take stock, set the plan, keep it current. Here is what happens in each step, what to bring and whom we work alongside.

At a glance

The three
steps.

Each step is described in full below.

01
Listening and gathering

Take stock

We learn what you want, what worries you and what is coming up, and gather the accounts, policies and documents that describe where you stand.

02
Priorities and trade-offs

Set the plan

We put the pieces together, weigh the options against each other and give you a short, ranked list of what to do and why.

03
Reviews as life moves

Keep it current

We meet again on a schedule you choose and whenever something changes, and adjust the plan rather than starting over.

01
Listening and gathering

Take stock

We learn what you want, what worries you and what is coming up, and gather the accounts, policies and documents that describe where you stand.

  • A first conversation about goals, family and timing
  • Statements, policies and plan documents gathered in one place
  • The decisions coming up in the next few years listed out
  • Who else advises you, and how to reach them
02
Priorities and trade-offs

Set the plan

We put the pieces together, weigh the options against each other and give you a short, ranked list of what to do and why.

  • Where you stand, summarized on a few pages
  • Options compared, with the trade-offs named
  • Recommendations in the order they matter
  • Notes for your CPA, attorney or insurance professional
03
Reviews as life moves

Keep it current

We meet again on a schedule you choose and whenever something changes, and adjust the plan rather than starting over.

  • Regular reviews of progress and assumptions
  • A call when a big decision comes up between reviews
  • Updates when tax rules or your family change
  • A plan that is current instead of filed away

Coordination

The people who
advise you too.

Good planning connects advisers as well as decisions. These are the people we most often work alongside.

  • Your CPA or tax preparer

    We share notes on the tax-sensitive decisions in your year; they prepare and file the return.

  • Your estate attorney

    We bring the questions and the account details; they draft and update the legal documents.

  • Your insurance professional

    We show what the plan needs covered; they advise on policies.

  • Your family

    With your permission, we can join a family meeting or explain the plan to a partner.

Planning papers, a laptop and a calculator on a deskBefore the first meeting

What to bring

A few documents,
when you are ready.

None of this is required for a first conversation. When you are ready to plan, these documents let us see the whole picture quickly.

  • Recent statements for each account: workplace plans, IRAs, brokerage and bank
  • Your most recent tax return
  • Insurance policies and workplace benefit summaries
  • Wills, trusts and beneficiary forms, if you have them
  • A short list of what you hope to do in the next five years

Your next step

Build on a steadier
financial footing.

Start with one focused conversation about what matters to you, what is changing and where a clearer picture would help.

Talk with a plannerCall (800) 741-9835