There is a adage in the financial planning industry: an advisor’s clients are usually in the same stage of life as the advisor. This rings true to me as I am best able to understand the needs, anticipate questions and plan for the future when the issues are things I’m already thinking about!
For that reason, I have found I work best with professionals who are in their mid-twenties to mid-forties, with a young family or planning on building a family. With daughters in preschool and elementary school, we’re in the same boat!
At this stage in your life, you need to save toward multiple goals, including reaching financial security and ultimately independence as well as your children’s education. You must also make sure your foundation is solid with estate planning and insurance. You have plenty of opportunities to optimize your life with taxes, spending and paying off debt.
I have first hand experience with all the above and really enjoy thinking through building up from a solid foundation, optimizing as much as possible and looking ahead to financial independence. As life changes, I’ll be there to help think through the options, pick the best course and make sure we’re still aligned with your long term goals.
Some clients like to delegate responsibilities, others prefer to implement planning strategies themselves. All of my clients commit to following through on the action items we identify together. I will provide accountability.
We will have To Do Lists that come out of every meeting and can work together to check things off our list. There is value in the planning process, but the real benefits come from getting things done!
Because life is changing all the time, our goals change pretty often. Values around money are usually pretty consistent. We will identify your values around money, time based goals and reprioritize as the world changes. “Planning” is more important than “The Plan.”
I want to build long term relationships with clients and families, we will all grow, solve problems and reach goals together. Without a relationship and knowing each other’s values, it is impossible to do holistic planning – otherwise it is a static plan that will be outdated in months (or days!).
Life is too short to work with people you don’t enjoy. I enjoy working with positive, kind and honest people. If you’re excited about finances, me too!
My ideal clients are nice people who prefer to work with nice people.
If all of this sounds like a good description of you and what you are looking for in a planner, I would love to speak with you! Once you fill in this New Client Questionnaire, I will follow up quickly with a link to schedule an introductory call!