What group of people are best served by your advice?
The people that will benefit most from the advice on this site are ages 17 to 35, in the low to moderate income brackets. That is not to say that anyone would not benefit, but this is the age group that can take advantage of the wisdom/philosophies discussed here. This is because the most common pitfalls that undermine financial success have not yet occurred to younger men and women. If you are older, are struggling, and have poor credit and many financial woes you can benefit, just not as much. If you are a high earner, there are many services available and you are probably already inundated with requests from financial advisers.
Is Financial Planning right for me?
I don’t know your personal situation, however if you use money, YES! Our financial advice is based on common sense and research. The emphasis with the “little book” deals with a few topics that make you think differently, and are unique to our team. Most of the information is what is taught in school (in our area, financial planning is taught in 6th and 7th grade, much too young to remember or have an impact) or on other web sites and books. We present it at a lower cost (often free), and hopefully in a manner that “hits home” to you, and helps you reach your goals.
How much does it cost?
A personal financial plan is something you can do yourself, the only cost being time, paper, and pen. (or, it can be done electronically, of course). Our free seminars can be a great start, and the focus is not to sell you anything else, but to provide financial advice. If you desire, one-on-one or one-on-many * sessions are $50, about the cost of a dinner out (cheap, when a planning session can put you on the path to financial success).
What can I expect?
At a seminar, expect to be challenged with information presented in a way you have not heard before. Be ready to discuss your financial hopes and challenges … which can be uncomfortable for many of us who have been taught that these are private matters. We know a lot about personal finance, but you know more about your situation. The more interactive a session is the more you will get out of it, and others too! Making the topic personal drives home the principles that you need to know and remember.
What are your current assets under management?
Well, significant! Some investors would be more comfortable hearing a number, maybe in the millions or trillions of dollars, but the truth is I only have my money under management. One of the principles of our philosophy is that YOU are your best financial manager, and you are the most trustworthy individual to manage your money. We can help you set up an account with a low cost investment firm, and help you balance your portfolio. Another option is to use a local “fee based” financial planner, if that is more comfortable, although much more expensive. Any other option, and you may never get the returns you hope to. When you understand more, you will have the power to manage your own money, and at a cost savings that are astounding (I learned this the hard way, you can learn it the same way I did, or the easy way).