We have a five-step process which takes us from the initial step of information gathering to implementation and then ongoing monitoring of your investments.
1. Discovery Meeting
During our discovery meeting we will learn about your personal financial situation. We will seek to understand your values, goals, and investment objectives. It is during this phase of the process that we will review your risk tolerance, cash flow needs, and other pertinent information unique to your financial situation.
2. Portfolio Review
Once we have a clear understanding of your investment objectives, we will conduct a comprehensive portfolio review.
An investment portfolio review is an assessment of your current portfolio to evaluate whether it’s aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and tax efficiency objectives.
It involves analyzing your asset allocation, diversification, risk exposure, management expenses, ownership costs, and tax strategies. The primary objective of an investment portfolio review is to ensure that your portfolio is well-positioned to achieve your long-term financial goals while minimizing risk.
3. Preliminary Proposal
Next, we will prepare and send you a preliminary proposal for your review. We offer meet a second time to review the proposal together. Our proposal will outline any recommended changes to your portfolio based on your cash flow needs, risk tolerance, investment goals, etc.
If we mutually decide that we are a good fit, then we move to the next step to take care of the advisory paperwork and account opening.
4. Investment Policy Statement, Account Opening, Transfer of Accounts
Once we have agreed to work together, we will send you an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) for your review. The IPS is the cornerstone of the investment management process and serves as a guideline as to how the portfolio will be managed going forward. The client and advisor both sign the IPS.
During this phase we will also assist with opening new accounts at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. We recommend you choose Schwab to act as your independent custodian.
5. Implementation and Ongoing Monitoring
Last, we will implement our agreed-upon changes to your existing portfolio and provide ongoing monitoring of your investments. We are available for ongoing portfolio reviews and to answer any questions you may have. We ask that you notify us immediately if there are any changes to your personal financial situation.