You may need to work with a financial planner or advisor when you:

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1. Need advice investing your money and do not have the time or knowledge to do so yourself

2. Require assistance to understand how to accumulate wealth and reach your financial goals 

3. Would like to understand what retirement planning strategies are available and appropriate for you

4. Seek guidance to protect your accumulated wealth

5. Are financially responsible for others and wish to protect those you love

When choosing a financial advisor or financial planner, it is important to find an individual with whom you can develop a relationship of trust and communication. 

Financial advisors who are fiduciaries will put the client first when choosing appropriate investment vehicles and strategies. Financial advisors who hold the CFP® designation exhibit a high level of knowledge and experience in the financial planning industry.

Interview potential advisors to determine if they listen and seek to understand your questions and concerns, and have the skills and trust to help you achieve your goals. Many advisors offer appointments online or in-person.

A fiduciary is a financial professional who is legally and ethically obligated to act in the best interest of the client, and always put those interests first. 

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Fiduciaries differ from other financial advisors in these ways:

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• A fiduciary must operate in the best interest of a client, over their own interest, especially when recommending investment products which may pay commissions to the investment advisor. 

• A fiduciary has an obligation for transparency to a client whenever a conflict of interest may arise, such as a recommendation for a product or investment, which could benefit the advisor monetarily.

Not all financial advisors are fiduciaries.

The CFP® designation is the gold standard in financial planning. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals are fiduciaries and uniquely qualified to provide a complete range of financial planning solutions. 

Having completed rigorous coursework and exams, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals are required to complete ongoing continuing education, including ethics courses, to maintain their certification.

A financial plan is a comprehensive, personalized roadmap that outlines your current financial situation, goals, and strategies to achieve those goals.

Your financial planner will evaluate your probability of success for future financial success by using current variables such as:

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• Income 

• Expenses

• Assets

• Debts

• Risk tolerance

Financial plans can be used as a tool to identify areas of risk and success, and should be updated annually to monitor goals and changes in finances.

A financial plan uses a client’s assets, liabilities, income, expenses, investments, savings, taxes, insurance, retirement and estate information to create strategies to achieve goals. 

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A financial plan typically includes recommendations for:

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• Saving

• Investing

• Retirement planning

• Tax strategies

• Insurance, and

• Other relevant financial matters.

It serves as a guide to help individuals make informed financial decisions, track progress towards their goals, and adjust strategies as needed over time.

Wealth management, advisory services, and investment management all focus on retaining a professional, ideally a fiduciary, who will manage your money in the most prudent way possible, taking into account your risk tolerance, time horizon and tax situation, to help you build wealth and financial security. 

At Springbrook Financial, the onboarding process begins with filling out a client questionnaire about your current financial situation, current and future goals.

Your answers will help your financial advisor understand your goals and begin the information gathering process to develop your financial plan and begin your journey to financial freedom.

Ongoing Financial Planning and Investment Management
This option includes developing and monitoring your financial plan, managing investments, and integration of both. Clients also receive ongoing access for financial advice, and at least one meeting per year to review your plan and investments.

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• Up to $1,000,000 in assets ~ .75%

• Above $1,000,000 in assets ~ .50%

Financial Plan Only
This option includes 3 meetings to develop and present your customized financial plan.
The cost ranges from $2500-$4500, depending upon the complexity of your financial situation.