Every client relationship starts the same way — with a real conversation. Here's exactly what the process looks like, from that first call to the ongoing work we do together over time.
Most financial advisors start with your portfolio. I start with you — your goals, your fears, what you want retirement to actually feel like, and what would keep you up at night if it went wrong.
The five steps below aren't bureaucratic hurdles. They're how I get to know you well enough to give you advice that's genuinely yours — not a template with your name on it.
The whole process from first conversation to an active financial plan typically takes four to six weeks. After that, the real work begins — and it never really stops.
This is an unstructured, low-pressure conversation — no agenda, no checklist. I'll ask a few open-ended questions and mostly listen. You tell me what's on your mind, what you're hoping for, and what's been keeping you up at night.
If it seems like we're a good fit, I'll invite you to a deeper discovery meeting. If I don't think I'm the right advisor for you, I'll tell you honestly and do my best to point you somewhere better.
This is where the real work begins. I'll send a short prep document beforehand so you know what to expect. During the meeting, we'll build a picture of your full financial life — not just the numbers, but what matters to you, what you're afraid of, and what you want the next chapter to look like.
I take notes in real time using a mind map that we build together on screen. This becomes the foundation for everything that follows. The same day, I'll send you a detailed recap and a link to schedule your plan presentation.
I take everything we covered in the discovery meeting and build your initial financial plan. I'll also ask for your most recent tax return at this stage — it gives me the detail I need to make the plan accurate and actionable.
This isn't a generic template. It's built around the specific goals, concerns, and priorities you shared with me.
We walk through your plan together — starting with a review of the mind map from our discovery meeting to make sure everything still reflects what matters to you. Then I walk you through your retirement income strategy, tax planning, and what your monthly finances look like from different sources.
At the end of this meeting, there's no pressure. My framing is simple: we either part as friends, or you decide to hire me. Either way is fine. If you want time to think, I'll follow up in about a week.
If you decide to move forward, we'll schedule a dedicated onboarding meeting to gather your investment account statements, discuss priorities, and map out the first 12–18 months together. This early period involves more frequent contact as we work through your plan in detail.
After that, most clients settle into a rhythm of meeting twice a year for a full review — with me reaching out in between and always available when something comes up.
Step one is simple — leave me a voice message and tell me a little about where you are and what's on your mind. I'll listen and reply personally.
Let's see if we're a fit