A comprehensive evaluation of an investor's current financial state using currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values, and withdrawal plans.
- Working in conjunction with investment or tax professional to use current net worth, tax liabilities, asset allocation, and future retirement and estate plans in developing a plan. Estimates of asset growth are then included to determine if financial goals can be met for the future.
- A solid financial plan can alert an investor to changes that must be made to ensure a smooth transition through life's phases, such as decreasing spending or changing asset allocation. Plans should be fluid, clear, goal oriented, and flexible to change.
EXAMINE
Understand where you are today.
1. Cash Flow Analysis: Inflows of cash in your daily life.
- Investigate your personal budget. Organizing bills, saving, and avoiding reliance on credit is only possible if you spend less than you earn.
- We use a customized Cash Flow Worksheet to evaluate monthly Income and Expenses.
- We will then determine a monthly amount for periodic Income and Expenses, such as vacation.
- If you have a negative cash flow (i.e., your expenses exceed your income) or you would like to save more than you are currently able to, we'll take a close look at the Cash Flow Worksheet and determine what you can change.
- Together, we will honestly assess what is a necessity and what isn’t.
2. Net Worth Calculation: The value of your assets (things you own, like a house or car) minus your liabilities (monetary obligations to others, such as a mortgage or car loan)
- We will fill out our Net Worth Worksheet to see where you currently stand.
- Your Net Worth should be positive and increase over time.
- A simple way to increase Net Worth is to pay down debt and allocate cash into assets that increase over time
- Appreciating Asset: If you put $5,000 in a savings account, at the end of the year, you will have more than that because you are paid interest
- Depreciating Asset: If you buy a $20,000 car, it will probably be worth less at the end of the year because most cars depreciate in value as soon as you leave the lot. If you borrowed money to purchase the car, the amount owed on the loan could be greater than the car’s value
SET GOALS
Identifying clear, achievable goals is a crucial part of anyone’s financial plan. Setting precise goals allows you to determine how much you need to set aside each month and track your progress. Here is how we categorize goals...
Short Term: Under one year
Emergency savings, electronics, vacations
Mid Term: One to five years
House payment, Wedding
Long Term: Over five years
Retirement savings, Higher Education
Ambitious goals require aggressive work ethic and rigorous planning. We record your specific goals to help you determine your timeline and personal budget. You may find numerical data daunting or unrealistic based on your current financial situation but do not worry. We will achieve them as a team. You will be able to adjust your income and expenses to free up cash for savings. If not, we can determine priorities and save for your most important goals first.
