Do I have to have my finances in order before I contact you?
Not at all. A big part of the up front, and ongoing, value of financial planning is organization of your financial life. Through working with me you will learn what pieces of information you need. We’ll help you take a look at what you have (and don’t have). I will help you put them all together to get clear on your current situation.
Do I have to put the plan into action all by myself?
No. Those who have a partner in making changes to their lives are more successful. I’m not going to give you a big binder of paper and send you on your way. As part of my Ongoing Financial Planning Service, I will provide accountability to help you achieve change. I will assist in prioritizing your steps and make sure you are supported through your financial journey. MLS Financial Planning is a fee‐only firm, which means I get paid only by you, the client, not by selling any products or making any referrals to other providers. I am also a fiduciary, which simply means I put your interests first.
Do I need to have a certain minimum balance to work with you?
You don't need a minimum account balance or wealth level to work with us. Many fee‐only planners get paid based on the investments they manage for you. Which means you have to have a minimum investment balance to make it worth their while. Many people don't achieve that level of investment wealth until later in their lives and careers.
But think about the major financial decisions you make long before you reach that "later" stage: buying a new home, everything that goes along with having a baby, buying life insurance, switching jobs, moving, etc. That's why we have a different model. See "Services & Fees".
I'm not wealthy. Why do I need financial planning help?
When most people think about financial planning, they immediately think of investment management or “wealth” management. The problem with that is then you might think, “If I don’t have investments or wealth, do I really need a financial planner?”
Financial planning is about so much more than investments. In fact, we believe that investment management is just a component of financial planning, similar to tax planning, insurance planning, estate planning, etc.
Why don't you do investment management?
While asset management is a critical component of every financial plan, our philosophy regarding investment management is the same as other areas of the financial planning process such as tax planning, insurance planning, estate planning, etc., meaning we will give you general guidance and work with you and your other trusted advisers to achieve your goals and objectives.
Our goal is to educate you so that you have the confidence to either manage your investments yourself, or if you choose to outsource this function, you are in the best position to oversee the provider(s) that you choose. We will provide general guidance and education on diversification, asset allocation, risk tolerance, passive vs. active management, etc. Also See "Why Work with Us".
What is the typical process for working with MLS Financial Planning?
We believe that financial planning is an ongoing process. It starts with getting to know you, understanding what you have today, what you want to have in the future, and figuring out how you're going to get there. We then work together to help you make progress towards your goals. As your situation changes, we're there with you to help reassess and make adjustments. Also see "How It Works".
Why are most of your meetings with clients held virtually?
MLS Financial Planning was founded on the idea that today's financial planning clients aren't all looking for a stereotypical advisor complete with coat, tie and gigantic mahogany desk. More than ever, you're looking for an advisor who's flexible and who can work with you on your terms. Our software allows us to work with clients, at their convenience, with no travel time, all while cutting costs to bring planning to a broader audience.
Who are your typical clients?
Our typical clients are individuals, families and young professionals in their 30s and 40s who want help organizing their finances, creating a plan and building a sustainable process to transform their income into financial freedom and peace of mind. They understand the impact of developing good financial habits early and desire to find a balance between enjoying the present and planning responsibly for the future. Also see "Our Ideal Client".
What qualifications do you have?
I am a CPA and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. I also have an MBA in personal financial planning.
Most consumers believe that all financial planners are "certified," but this isn't true. Anyone can call themselves a "financial planner;" however, only those who have fulfilled the certification requirements of the CFP® Board can display the CFP® certification marks, which represent a high level of competency, ethics and professionalism.
I'd like to learn more. What are the next steps?
Click here to Start Navigating Your Financial Future.