Financial Planning
Financial Planning
Our Financial Planning Process
Financial planning is a process, not a product. It means wisely managing your finances over the long term so you can achieve your goals and dreams, while at the same time responding to the financial challenges that inevitably arise in every stage of life.
Our method utilizes a two-phase process: a design phase and a build phase. If you compare building a financial plan to constructing a house, your advisors at Strategic Wealth Design first act as architects to design the house, and then as contractors to build it.
In order to design and build a financial plan for you, we start with our philosophy – when it comes to money, people are only looking to achieve two things: Financial Security and Financial Freedom. In the discovery phase, we discuss your current situation, your goals, and your plans for the future. Then we strategize with you to develop a plan to help you reach your goals. Implementation is the most important part of the process where we assist you in implementing the recommendations and the strategy laid out for you. We continue to monitor your plan so we can adjust to milestones in your life and changes in market conditions.
Tiers of Financial Planning Services:
| Security | Control | Freedom | |
| Access to Financial Planning Tools |  |
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| Financial Plan | |
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| Financial Organization | |
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| Insurance and Risk Review | |
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| Cash Flow Analysis | |
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| Student Loan Planning | |
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| Portfolio Review | |
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| Retirement Income Planning | |
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| Employer Retirement Plan Maximization | |
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| Social Security Planning |
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| Tax Planning and Projections | |
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| Estate Planning | |
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| Business Planning | |
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| Corporate Retirement Plan Optimization | |
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| Frequency of Review Meetings | Annually | Semi-Annual | Quarterly |
Financial Planning
DETAILS OF FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES
Access to Financial Planning Tools
As a member of the SWD client family, you will have access to our web-based Financial Planning software, helping you to simplify and manage your entire financial life in one convenient location. We may also incorporate additional tools as needed for specialized planning services.
Financial Plan
A customized and co-created financial blueprint to help you achieve:
Financial Organization:
A structured overview of all parts of your financial life, providing you with clarity and peace of mind.
Insurance and Risk Review:
We will help you understand your financial risks, current coverage, and how best to protect your future. Areas of review include:
a. Life Insurance
b. Health Insurance e. Long-Term Care Insurance
c. Property and Casualty Insurance
d. Disability Income Insurance
Cash Flow Analysis:
You’ll understand exactly where your money comes from, where it goes, and how best to direct your resources toward achieving goals.
Student Loan Planning:
If applicable, we will co-create a plan for reducing and paying off your student loan debt. We will review your federal and private student loans, and help you navigate your repayment options.
Portfolio Review:
Through a detailed review of your portfolio’s asset allocation, we’ll assess how it aligns with your goals and how it compares to your tolerance for risk. During this review, we will identify strengths, weaknesses, areas of concern, recommended changes (as appropriate), and provide a detailed set of portfolio recommendations.
Employee Benefit Review:
Based on your current situation, we will help you understand and elect the appropriate benefits available through your employer. Each year during your employer’s “Open Enrollment Period” or if you change jobs, we will be available to assist you with your elections to fit your needs.
Employee Benefit Review:
We’ll help you understand the true cost of college, uncover opportunities for financial aid and scholarships, and develop a plan to pay the bill without robbing retirement.
Retirement Income Planning
We explore and clarify your retirement-income goals and the options available to achieve them. Our team will create a comprehensive retirement income projection and chart your progress toward the retirement you envision.
Employer Retirement Plan Maximization:
Through an analysis of your investment and contribution options, you will know you are making the most of tax-favored savings options.
Social Security Planning:
By claiming benefits strategically and at the right time, we will assist you in a selection that maximizes the benefits you are entitled to.
Tax Planning and Projections
Each year, we will provide a multi-year tax projection to identify tax-savings opportunities and discuss these with your accountant as needed.
Estate Planning
As appropriate, we will meet with your estate planning attorney to assist with aligning your estate plan with your wealth-transfer goals. We will help you implement your estate plan with regard to your investment accounts under our management.
Business Planning
We will review your business legal structure, financials, goals, and succession plans. A trusted advisor to many business owners, we will lend our experience and expertise to helping you achieve your business planning goals.