Planning Process

This chart says it all — just how I will work with you and in what order we will do things. It could not be simpler and you can see how one step proceeds to the next in this process flow chart.

You can only start at the beginning, but you can stop at any time! There is no obligation to work with me over the long haul. But I believe  you will want to. 

View the full-size PDF version of this chart.

At different Life Stages, you may have different needs for my services:

Are you in your 20s?

This is called Nest-Building Time.

Smart you — thinking about the future when there's plenty of time for your money to grow. You could probably benefit from some experienced financial advice right about now. And some steady action on implementing a solid investment plan. After all, you have other things to take care of…such as establishing yourself in a career, getting married, raising a family here in Fort Collins. Life insurance rates might be entering your mind for the first time too. If you work with me, you can focus on that nest building.

Are you in your 30s or 40s?

This is called the Accumulation Phase.

Recently, you may have come to realize that you want to know and do more about investing. You will want to establish a couple of retirement accounts that you can really see grow over time. You're pretty risk tolerant right now. (Might be a good time to find out about Fort Collins life insurance rates though!)

Maybe you would like some solid advice about how to maximize your 401(k) or IRA contributions — or how to supplement them with a Roth IRA. Maybe you own too much of your company's stock and you think it's a good time to see what else is out there to invest in.

You are a good saver — now you want to be a GREAT one!

An important element of saving is not spending. One way to sock away more money for long-term goals is to find ways to save on taxes. It's a good time to look into tax-advantaged or tax-deferred (annuity) investments.

Are you in your 50s or 60s?

You are entering the Approaching Retirement Phase.

(I like to call this: Wealth Management strategies for Baby Boomers!)

Lucky you — you are soon to retire or are in fact a recent retiree. The time you have left to amass wealth for your 'freedom years' is lessening. You will want to have a written investment plan clearly defining the exact ways you are going to tap into the reserves you have accumulated — and have me suggest several ways to help keep what remains of your retirement estate growing at a predictable clip.

You may also be interested in ways to pass money along to future generations. Together, working with your attorney, we can look at tax-efficient wealth transfer techniques — as well as charitable giving.

At this stage, you will want to talk to me specifically about long-term care insurance - there is still time to buy an affordable policy, and it can help protect the assets you have accumulated over your lifetime from the near certainty of escalating healthcare expenses.

 

Are you in your 70s or 80s?

The 'Making It Last' Phase

Today, being in your 70s (and above) is not what it used to be. People are more vibrant and active and are expected to live a lot longer. You want to make sure your money lasts as long as you do. This is the time for:

We also take the time to create an "inter-generational" plan so that your heirs are clear about what is likely to occur with your finances.