Financial Planning
Live for Today and Tomorrow
We provide financial planning that balances the needs and wants you have today with those in the future. Yes, saving for retirement is necessary, but saving for that trip of a lifetime or that vacation home you’ve always wanted can be important, too. There’s a balance to living in the now while saving for the future that we help our clients work toward.
What is Financial Planning?
Financial Planning involves looking into all aspects of a client’s financial picture and advising them on how to pursue their goals. Typically, there are several main topics and questions clients are looking for guidance on.
Retirement Planning
- how much money do I need to live comfortably in retirement?
- when should I claim social security?
- how do I plan for retirement healthcare costs?
Investment Management
- am I taking the right amount of risk in my portfolio?
- do I own the right investments based on the current markets?
- is my rate of return enough to address my goals?
General Financial Planning
- how much should I keep in an emergency fund?
- how do I create and maintain a budget?
- am I paying down my debt efficiently?
Taxes
- is there anything I can do to reduce my income taxes?
- is my portfolio optimized for current and future tax rates?
- do tax-sensitive investments make sense for me?
Risk Management
- what are the “blind spots” that could derail my financial goals?
- how can I protect my assets from unexpected events?
- what strategies can I use to minimize potential risks in my financial plan?
Insurance Planning
- how do I protect my family if I die or become disabled?
- does long-term care insurance make sense for me?
- What type and amount of insurance coverage do I need to adequately protect my financial future?
Estate Planning Strategies
- have I named the proper beneficiaries on my accounts?
- what is the difference between a will, trust, and power of attorneys?
- how can I ensure my estate passes effective to the people or organizations I care about?
Education Planning
- how much do I need to have saved up to pay for my child’s education?
- what accounts and investment vehicles can I use to grow a college nest egg?
- how does financial aid work?
Why Work With a
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional
Partner with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certificant to gain experienced guidance and a clear path toward your financial goals. With the CFP® practitioner you'll receive valued, personalized strategies tailored to your unique needs. Discover how we can help pursue your financial future today."
What is the Financial Planning Process?
We will start our relationship with a quick phone appointment. We will ask you some basic questions, mostly centered around what’s important to you, and what you are looking for in a relationship with an advisor. We will walk you through our process, explain our fees, and answer any questions you may have. If you agree that we are a good fit, we can move on to step two.
Schedule a CallThe next step in the process is to collect all of the necessary information to create a financial plan centered around your goals. To help streamline the process, we developed a handy-dandy questionnaire to help us collect all of this data. Once the questionnaire is returned to our office, the “nerd work” begins, and we start developing your custom financial plan. Your final financial planning fee will also be determined and communicated to you at this time.
Symmetry Financial Planning QuestionnaireOnce your plan is completed, we will meet to discuss the specific financial planning strategies, possible blind spots, and recommendations we identified to set you on the right track to your goals. We will answer all of your questions so you have complete confidence in what steps you need to take to put the plan into action. Depending on your situation, it may take 2-3 formal meetings to cover all of the necessary topics. Our meetings are held in office, or virtually via Zoom, whichever you prefer.
Sample Financial PlanAfter our meetings, we will provide ongoing monitoring and communication to help you implement any of the strategies that we recommended. If there are services you need outside of our scope of engagement, then we will introduce to you other professionals that can help. Along the way, we are always available to answer questions and discuss any changes to your financial situation.
What does Financial Planning Cost?
The fees for stand-alone Financial Planning can range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more depending on your unique situation. Your exact planning fee will be determined and communicated to you during step two of the planning process once we have a better overview of your needs.
Some clients may have planning needs that will require for us to meet on an ongoing basis through the years. Others might want to meet annually for a quick “financial checkup” to make sure they are on the right track, or because something has significantly changed. Fees for ongoing planning or “financial checkups” will be based on each clients’ unique situation and communicated in advance.
Many of our clients also choose to utilize our Investment Management services, and in doing so, Financial Planning is included in their investment management fee. Please visit the Investment Management page to learn more.
Ready to start the planning process?
If you have more questions, or you are ready for step one of the planning process, please schedule a call with us to talk more.
FAQs
What is the importance of financial planning?
Financial planning is crucial because it helps you make informed decisions about how to allocate your resources to achieve both short-term and long-term goals. A well-thought-out plan allows you to navigate life’s changes, such as career shifts, family growth, or unexpected financial challenges. By working with a CFP® professional, you can address your strategy is tailored to your unique situation, helping you maintain financial confidence. Proper planning also provides direction and maximizes the effectiveness of your investments and savings.
How does working with a CFP® professional enhance my financial planning?
A CFP® professional offers specialized expertise to guide you through all aspects of financial planning. They take a holistic approach to address your goals, including retirement planning, risk management, taxes, investments, and more. By working with a CFP®, you gain access to personalized advice, helping you manage your money efficiently and prioritize your financial needs—whether it's saving for retirement, protecting your assets, or funding your children’s education. The importance of financial planning lies in addressing that all these pieces fit together for a secure financial future.
How often should I revisit my financial plan?
It’s essential to revisit your financial plan regularly, especially if there are significant life changes such as a new job, marriage, or a shift in your retirement goals. Working with a CFP® allows for continuous monitoring of your plan to ensure you are staying on track. Regular check-ins can help you make adjustments, optimize your investment strategy, and address that your financial planning evolves with your circumstances. Many clients opt for an annual review, but some may require more frequent updates depending on their financial needs.
Can financial planning help me balance today’s desires with future goals?
Absolutely! One of the key elements of financial planning is finding the right balance between living for today and planning for the future. With guidance from a CFP®, you can set aside funds for future goals like retirement, buying a vacation home, or funding your children’s education, while still enjoying life in the present. A CFP® helps you make smart decisions on how to allocate your resources so you can live well today without sacrificing your future financial confidence. The importance of financial planning is in helping you find that balance, addressing that both your short-term wants and long-term goals are met.
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