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Financial Planning

The Financial Planning Process

These steps are taken directly from the CFP Board, the governing body for CFP®  professionals.

To develop a solid financial plan, it's important to cover all your bases. Here’s how:

  • Examine your current situation
  • Set financial goals
  • Measure your progress

From start to finish, a CFP® professional will take you through the financial planning process to help you pursue your financial goals.

SIX STEPS TO HELP YOU CREATE A FINANCIAL PLAN

  1. ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP WITH A CFP® PROFESSIONAL.  Your financial planner will explain their financial planning services and define each of your responsibilities.  Along with compensation, you'll discuss how long the professional relationship will last and how to make decisions.
  2. GATHER YOUR DATA AND DEVELOP YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS.  You and your CFP® professional will talk about your current financial situation and gather any necessary documents. Together, you'll define your personal and financial goals, including timeframes.  You may also want to discuss your comfort level when it comes to taking financial risks.
  3. ANALYZE AND EVALUATE YOUR FINANCIAL STATUS.  Your CFP®  professional will consider all aspects of your situation to determine what you need to do to meet your goals.  Depending on what services you've asked for, your planner may analyze your assets, liabilities and cash flow, current insurance coverage, investments or tax strategies.
  4. REVIEW YOUR CFP® PROFESSIONAL’S RECOMMENDATIONS.  Your CFP®  professional will go over their financial recommendations, explaining the rationale so you can make informed decisions. At this stage, your planner will also listen to any concerns you may have and revise their recommendations if necessary.
  5. SET YOUR COURSE.  You and your CFP®  professional will need to agree on how the recommendations will be carried out.  Your planner may carry out the recommendations or serve as your coach, coordinating the process with you and other professionals, like attorneys and CPA's.
  6. BENCHMARK YOUR PROGRESS AGAINST THE FINANCIAL GOALS YOU ESTABLISHED.  As you work toward your goals, you and your CFP® professional will need to decide who will monitor your progress to make sure you're staying on track. If the planner is in charge, they will check in from time to time, reviewing your situation and making any necessary adjustments to their recommendations.
Please email or call us at (503) 364-9358 to schedule a complimentary visit to determine whether we are the right fit for you.
 

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