Financial Planning
Financial Planning Process
…begins with a complimentary consultation
This initial meeting is often described as a ‘conversation’ and kept in the strictest of confidence. It serves as an opportunity for all of us to get to know one another. You will be asked to prepare a few things in advance, and though not required, this preparation will assist in the process. Rest assured, you will not be asked to sign any documents or make any decisions during the first meeting. Your choice to engage with G/R Wealth Management Group is not something that is taken lightly. It is important to us that you feel good about the relationship first, without pressure.
Establishing a financial planning and investment management relationship requires open communication and trust. You should expect nothing less from us. There are no limits to the questions you can ask us. We are fully transparent and seek to deliver.
Annual Review Process
We approach each client review with the same care and attention as your initial consultation.
Most clients tell us that each time they attend a review, they feel like they have learned something and more importantly, now there is someone else who is fully aware of their overall financial situation. Prior to your meeting, we will send you an updated Net Worth statement to serve as a ‘pre-check’ of your collective assets and liabilities. Often clients modify this document with ‘updates’ and ‘edits’ to discuss during the review. After all, our goal is to always place your interest first. Thus, it is important that we have a clear understanding of your overall net worth as it serves as a leading indicator in helping us provide advice that best serves you and your goals.
- Update and present where you stand financially - This provides you with a visual tool so that you know where everything is, and what everything is worth.
- Present you with a complete and updated visual picture of where you stand financially.
- Share the progress you have made financially and offer advice where needed.
- Make recommendations, if any are needed, for changes to your investment portfolio. We will also revisit your risk tolerance and overall asset allocation.
- Listening and learning about changes that have occurred in your life since our last visit.
- Review your last year’s tax return - We will see if we can identify a gem or two that could help save you a few dollars.
Note: We do not offer tax preparation services, so we suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified advisor. - Offer investment advice on your retirement plan(s) at work such as a 401(k), 403(b), 457, or SEP IRA.
- Explore insurance coverages - explore and discuss your existing insurance coverages.
- Examine and review spending needs in retirement.
- Revisit and discuss your personal financial goals.
- Listen and provide advice on major purchase decisions.
How We Meet
The Choice is Yours:
Many of our clients live close to our office and they prefer to meet at our office in Oak Park. We believe that a face-to-face meeting allows us to not only listen to your goals, but we can see how you express your thoughts as well. Developing and maintaining a long-term financial plan requires trust and honesty. A personal meeting in our office, allows us to privately deliver advice, free of distractions, and focus on your financial situation.
Our final option, although not as common, is a written ‘Letter Review’. Sometimes you are just too busy to meet in person or even virtually. Rest assured, we still have ‘your back’ with this option. A written review, though not as comprehensive as our other options provides you with a snapshot of your current financial position, recommendations (if any) for change, and any other thoughts we’d like to share.
In most cases, the answer isn’t one or the other. We help you balance paying down high-interest debt while continuing to save for retirement, taking into account interest rates, employer matches, cash flow, and your long-term goals so each dollar works as efficiently as possible.
We do have times throughout the year where we travel to other states outside of Illinois and Florida. We will make 'windows of time' to meet when necessary while traveling to these other locations.