How we do it
Our process
The process we follow begins with a conversation to get to know one another. I'll take the time to understand you: where you are coming from, how you have built your business or career, what's important to you, and where you see your life going in the future. In exchange, you will gain a sense of how we can be a resource for you in ways you had probably never imagined.
The following stages give an outline of the workflow we follow to make the blueprint and build the house.
Discovery
In our initial meeting we will find out if we are a good fit to work together. We review your individual and family situation, personal objectives, and attitudes about money. Every person's story is unique. That's why it's so important to find out as much as I can about you and your life goals. The more I know about you, the more effectively I can recommend appropriate ways to help. For this reason, we may take the whole meeting, or more, to discuss your hopes, dreams and objectives — the things that really matter to you — before we even speak about financial matters.
Analysis
Next we analyze and review your current and future needs. I work with you to identify and prioritize your objectives, and then help establish benchmark goals. By breaking down your dreams to specific steps, you can properly decide which ones are realistic, which need to be adjusted, and which ought to be abandoned.
Developing a Strategy
At this stage our team will build on the discovery and analysis stages to develop a strategy for you to work towards your goals. We'll consult if necessary with your professional advisors (tax, investment, or legal) to make sure we are on the same page.
Recommendation
Based on the prior conversations, we complete the needs analysis and may recommend some action points. These can include insurance and financial products customized to help you address your financial goals. Or we may determine your current strategy is adequate and recommend action at a later time, or none at all.
Implementation
Then we put any accepted strategy into action. As in the strategy stage, if you agree, we like to coordinate your insurance and financial activities with the other members of your team of financial, tax, and legal advisors to make sure all angles are covered and everyone understands your objectives and how you work towards them.
Review and Maintenance
I don't stop once the strategy is in place. The only constant in the world is change, and so we must monitor progress and provide ongoing service as your needs and situation alter over time. We will have built flexibility into your strategy, but I'll still review it with you at least once each year to evaluate performance and help keep the program on track with your changing needs. From time to time I will also invite you to seminars and client events, to keep you informed about trends in the financial world and to build client/professional relationships. We are available to answer your questions and address your concerns at any time.
Costs
You may have noticed that the part where we sign a retainer or fee agreement, or where we send you a bill for our time, is not mentioned. That's because it isn't part of the process. If, and only if, we are able to match products or services to your specific needs and use them to help you reach your personal goals, and we do business together, we will receive a commission from the issuing company, whether New York Life or an outside entity--not from you directly. I never impose a cost on my time, or an obligation to accept recommendations. We are not satisfied until you are satisfied, and your success is our success.
Our relationships
New York Life
I and my fellow financial professionals are proud to be affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company. New York Life and its wholly-owned subsidiaries provide life insurance, annuities, long-term care insurance, and mutual funds. New York Life is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States* and holds the highest financial strength ratings currently awarded to any U.S. life insurer from all four of the major credit rating agencies: A.M. Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody's Investor Service (Aaa), Standard & Poor's (AA+)**.
*Based on revenue as reported by “Fortune 500 ranked within Industries, Insurance: Life, Health (Mutual),” Fortune magazine, 6/1/19. For methodology, please see http://fortune.com/fortune500/
**Individual independent rating agency commentary as of 10/15/2020
Advanced Planning Group
Our office works closely with a nationally known group of knowledgeable, experienced professionals specializing in large or complex cases. The Advanced Planning Group consists of a team of over 30 professionals with more than 300 years' combined experience in law, taxation, business, insurance, finance, and philanthropy, with advanced degrees and designations including Chartered Life Underwriter®, Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, AEP®, Juris Doctor, and Certified Public Accountant.
Professional Alliances
Although our team already comprises experienced professionals in most aspects of financial services and related professions, we seek to develop working partnerships with other specialist advisors such as business and estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and investment managers. These provide a coordinated approach to the financial, legal, and strategic aspects of planning and implementation.
Often such relationships form in response to the requirements of particular projects or clients, but our firm's Professional Alliance Program can give more lasting formal structure to these arrangements as well. Please contact us for details and to discuss collaborating with our team.