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What To Expect When Meeting With A Financial Professional

What to expect at your first meeting:

This is a good time for us to get to know each other, and a good time to ask questions. I’ll spend a lot of time listening, because I want to learn about your goals and what is important to you. You can let me know what your financial situation is now and where you would like to be in the future.

After this meeting, I will meet with my staff to determine if we think we are a good fit for you, giving you time to determine the same.

In order to get the most benefit from our meeting you should bring the following documents with you …

Recent statements for all financial accounts, including:

  • 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan statements
  • IRA statements
  • Bank account and CD statements
  • Brokerage account statements
  • Trust account statements
  • Insurance policies

Recent income and identity documents:

  • Current salary information
  • Copy of your most recent tax return
  • A copy of your most recent Social Security statement, if available
  • Birth dates, addresses, Social Security numbers and photo IDs (for you, your spouse, and your beneficiaries if applicable)

A list of your average monthly expenses, including:

  • Mortgage or rent
  • Credit card payments
  • Other loan payments (such as student or home equity loans)

A list of any other financial assets not mentioned above.

Also, be prepared to talk about any wills and trusts (that is, the extent of any estate planning and the date the will or trust was created).

Please bring a list of questions for me, and tell me about…

  • Any financial and lifestyle goals you have, both short-term and long-term (taking a vacation, buying a house, saving for college, planning for retirement, etc.).
  • How soon you hope to achieve any of these goals.
  • What income do you think you’ll need in retirement?
  • What do you want to do in retirement?
  • What questions or concerns you have about investing or using our services?

What happens as a result of this meeting?

This meeting will give me a clear picture of your financial situation, your tolerance for risk, and what you hope to achieve.

I will then prepare a written Personal Financial Plan, specific to your financial situation. Personal Financial Plan costs vary depending on complexity. Your financial plan will include an investment recommendation plus a comprehensive Investment Policy Statement.

You’ll then have time to consider these recommendations and if we should move forward with our relationship.