Financial Planning Process: The Ascent System

It's a conversation to get to know you, your broader goals, and to discuss The Financial Takeoff's financial planning approach and fee structure.

We'll also try to provide as much value to you during this time by answering any general questions you may have and determining if it could be a good fit.

We will ask you to gather some information, such as past tax returns, paystubs, benefit booklets, statements and more. We will use this to help identify and discuss the areas where you can expect to gain the most value from our services during your Plan Proposal Meeting.

After this meeting, if it’s determined we're a good fit to work together, the next step is to formally engage our services through our advisory agreement. After you sign, you'll start your financial takeoff through our Ascent System.

We'll take a deeper dive into your goals, circumstances, and financial picture as you approach your goals or have already reached financial independence. Our aim is to paint a detailed portrait of you as we develop and optimize your unique financial plan.

After analyzing all the information you provide, it’s time to collaborate on your financial plan.

We formulate recommendations based on the data we’ve gathered. You’ll see the strategy we outline, see our recommendations and have the opportunity to ask questions. It’s important you feel comfortable and clearly understand everything before moving on. Education is a key aspect to a financial plan.

Some of the topics we will cover are...

We’ll start by looking at what you make, save and spend, now and in the future.

Looking at your income needs and discuss a plan for this from your investment portfolio, Social Security, Pensions, and other sources to create a maximized stream of income now and in retirement.

Everyone’s favorite thing and usually a large expense! We’ll analyze your specific tax situation and outline strategies to help reduce how much you pay now and in the future.

We want you to have a clear understanding of how you’re invested, the adjustments we recommend, whether it’s to a specific fund or to your overall allocation, and we want you to feel comfortable with this important aspect of your plan.

Assessing and understanding your risk is important. Reviewing your insurance coverage and estate plan are simply part of our holistic financial planning approach at The Financial Takeoff. There are no add-ons or hidden fees associated with these reviews.

If you don't have an estate plan, that's ok! You'll have access to our estate planning software and we can refer you to several estate planning professionals if needed.

Understanding your legacy goals and communicating your desires with your loved ones is important in creating financial peace of mind.

The final step of the Ascent System is the ongoing implementation of your financial plan.

We'll proactively reach out to you in the spring and fall to check in and have dedicated meetings, review your plan, and adjust as needed. Outside of these meetings, we encourage you to reach out to us anytime.

If you read or listen to any of our content and wonder, "How does this apply to me specifically?" , we're more than happy to discuss it with you.