How We Do It?
The Lifestyle Financial Planning process consists of the above 5 steps which are followed for each and every client:
1. Initial Meeting
This is a great opportunity for you to ask me questions on what it is I do and quiz me on how I solve the financial problems my clients have. I can then explain in more detail how I do it, the value I can add and what the service costs. Remember that you have no obligation at this point and the initial meeting is entirely at my expense.
2. Discovery Meeting
If you decide that my service is what you want, then we can begin the process of getting to know you and finding out information regarding your financial situation. How you got to where you are now - and where you want to get to in the future. What you want to achieve, financially, in the next 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. What’s important to you? What drives you? What are your lifestyle expectations? What do you want out of life? In other words, what do you want your money to do in the first place!
We will also work with you to identify the cost of your current and future desired lifestyle allowing for all of the things that you want to do in your lifetime. Most clients find this an enjoyable part of the process as it helps them to identify what they want to do with their lives – now and in the future.
3. The Truth Experience
I will analyze all of your existing arrangements to identify exactly what you have already, what they are worth now and what we can safely assume they will be worth in the future - taking into account performance to date. I will also determine what you must do to meet your goals. This could include analysing your assets, liabilities and cash flow, current insurance coverage, investments or tax strategies.
I will offer financial planning recommendations that address your goals, based on the information you provide. I will then go over the recommendations with you to help you understand them so that you can make informed decisions. You may already be well on track to meet your goals, but did not realizes this because you have never had a clear vision of what your goals are, or indeed have ever asked the question “How much is enough?”.
Together we will also look at various ‘what if’ scenario’s in order to identify what needs to happen to ensure that your goals are achieved. This is when you suddenly understand what you need to do and why. It’s when money starts making sense. This is when you begin to see the possibilities available to you now and in the future.
4. Set Up Meeting
If you agree with my recommendations, then I will move on to implement them on your behalf. If necessary, I will manage the process of altering your existing arrangements or setting up new ideas.
This stage only occurs when we know exactly what you are trying to achieve in the first place.
5. Sat Nav Meeting
You don’t go to the Gym once and you are fit and in the same way, you cannot do a Financial Plan once and expect it never to change. We will therefore agree on how progress towards achieving your goals should be monitored. This will normally take place face to face every 12 months however you may request more. My recommendations can be adjusted, if needed, as your life changes. You have unlimited access via the telephone and email.