SFM Process
Building financial confidence through a structured, collaborative process
At SFM, we believe that having a detailed process for collaborating with our clients is the best way to achieve success and to establish a foundation of trust. Financial planning and investment management isn't all about filling out forms or crunching numbers; it’s about building a plan that supports the life you want to live. We bring your financial plan to life by centering it around you, your family, and your goals and then walking through life with you, adjusting the plan when things change.
Step 1: Complimentary Introductory Meeting
Every partnership begins with trust and understanding. In this first conversation, we’ll explore your story and what matters to you, what you’re working toward, as well as what keeps you up at night. For some, the goal is to retire early to travel. For others, it’s paying for college or finally feeling in control of their money. This is an opportunity for you to tell us how best we can help you.
During this meeting, we will also walk you through how we work with clients as well as answer any questions you may have. As fee-only fiduciary advisors, this step is important to determine whether an ongoing advisory relationship is in your best interest.
Step 2: Exploration & Discovery
Once we've decided that working together makes sense, we can take a deeper dive into your situation. With an understanding of your goals, we can start building the full financial picture. This begins by gathering information regarding your income, savings, investments, insurance, debt, and more. Think of it like gathering puzzle pieces; the clearer the picture, the better the plan we can build.
Step 3: Analyzing Your Current Situation
With your information in hand, we can closely look at where you are now. Are you saving enough for retirement? Do you have the right amount of insurance to protect your family? Is your money working as hard as it could? We identify strengths, uncover potential gaps, and assess whether your current trajectory aligns with your long-term goals. This step sets the foundation for a well-informed plan.
Step 4: Developing Your Personalized Plan
Here’s where the strategy comes to life. We create a plan that connects today’s reality with tomorrow’s dreams. For one client, that might mean building a business succession plan. For another, it may be adjusting investments to reduce risk before retirement. Every plan is unique, because every client is unique.
Depending on your situation, this may include advice on:
- Retirement income and savings strategies
- Investment management and allocation
- Education funding plans
- Risk management and insurance guidance
- Estate and legacy planning
- Tax-aware strategies
Your plan will be tailored to you and what matters most to you.
Step 5: Presenting the Recommendations
When we present your plan, we explain everything in plain English, not financial jargon. We walk you through the plan in detail, explaining the “why” behind each recommendation. This stage is highly collaborative, ensuring you understand why each recommendation matters, how it fits your goals, and what steps to take first. Our priority is for you to leave this meeting feeling confident and ready to take the steps towards your ideal future.
Step 6: Implementing the Plan Together
Once we agree on a path forward, we help put the strategies into action. We don’t just hand you a binder and send you on your way. We roll up our sleeves and help make your plan a reality, whether that’s setting up investment accounts, a business 401(k) plan, or college funding plans. We will also coordinate with the other professionals you work with, including your attorney, CPA, or other professional. We’re always here by your side to make sure things get done.
Step 7: Ongoing Monitoring & Partnership
Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your financial plan. As your circumstances change, career shifts, family milestones, and new opportunities arise, we can update your plan proactively. We will meet with you regularly and review your progress, adjust as needed, and make sure your financial plan adapts to your life's journey.
Our process isn’t about one meeting or one plan. It’s about building a long-term partnership where your financial plan grows as your life does.
