Century Management Comprehensive Financial Planning

Century Management offers comprehensive fee-only financial planning services. These services include the planning of investments, risk management, retirement, tax, real estate, education, gifting, and estate planning.

Comprehensive financial planning is a six-stage process:
1. Identify client's financial objectives and goals
2. Collect and analyze client data
3. Develop strategy for meeting financial goals
4. Present recommended comprehensive plan
5. Implement the financial plan
6. Monitor and evaluate the plan's recommendations

Occasionally clients request guidance in just one or two of the components covered in the comprehensive financial plan. In most circumstances, we are able to accommodate this need.

Financial planning and consulting fees are executed under a separate client agreement. Fees for these services are quoted prior to engagement of services. See our Financial Planning Agreement & Fee Schedule for billing details.

Stage 1 - Identify Goals & Objectives
Client's goals are frequently vague or imprecise. We clarify the client's objectives through the planning process and then establish quantifiable goals so that we can measure the plan's progress and outcome.

Financial goals frequently include some or all of the following:
a. Provide for adequate retirement by a specified age.
b. Achieve above average market returns with a low degree of risk
c. Provide for the education of children and grandchildren.
d. Purchase a primary residence or income property.
e. Provide for vacations and travel.
f. Provide for efficient and effective transfer of estate.

Stage 2 - Collect & Analyze Data
The client provides us with statements of assets, liabilities, cash flow, security holdings, annual income, relevant insurance coverages, Social Security retirement income estimates, employer sponsored retirement plans and estate planning information such as wills and trusts.

The client informs us of his or her risk tolerance and attitude toward financial responsibility for others, as well as any conditions that have significant ramifications, such as health problems. The dialogue also delves into the client's values and expectations. You can view or download our Financial Planning Questionnaire (in Adobe Acrobat PDF format) by clicking here.

Stage 3 - Develop Strategy for Meeting Goals
Century Management staff develops the plan. During this stage of the process, little input is required from the client as we formulate a strategic plan that will guide the client toward stated goals and objectives.

Stage 4- Present Recommended Plan
One of the most important stages in the financial planning process is gaining the client's acceptance and understanding of the comprehensive plan. The financial plan covers many detailed and complex topics; and therefore, it is important to make sure the client understands how all aspects of the financial plan relate to one another.

Reviewing the proposed plan with the client gives us the opportunity to fine-tune the plan for any changes that the client wants to make.

Stage 5 - Implement Financial Plan
The plan has been compiled, understood and agreed upon by the client. Now we implement the plan, assisting the client by facilitating changes in investment portfolios, insurance coverages, estate plans, or any other necessary actions.

Clients sometimes procrastinate in implementation and, therefore, do not take full advantage of the strategies and recommendations presented in the comprehensive plan. This is where Century Management can play a helpful role, guiding the client through the necessary action steps in putting the plan to work.

Stage 6 - Monitor & Evaluate
We recommend that clients meet with us at least annually to review and update their plan. Reviews normally concentrate on measuring the performance of investments to see if the plan is on track. These reviews also present an opportunity for the client to update Century Management on life changes and situations that could impact the plan. A change in marital status, birth of a child, job status, or receipt of an inheritance are just some of the life changes that can affect the plan.

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