What is Financial Planning?

Simply put, financial planners look at where you are now and where you want to be at some point in the future. The job of the planner is to determine how to get there. They do this by looking at a client’s entire financial picture to build a plan to achieve their short-, medium-, and long-term goals. Common goals include saving for retirement, college, and home purchases as well as planning for life changes like starting a business or a family.

A frequent misconception is that financial plans are only for certain people. This could not be further from the truth! Everyone can benefit from a financial plan. Having a financial plan can ease the burden of the unknown and create a sense of security for individuals and families. While it is impossible to plan a perfectly accurate financial plan, planning for variables can make shifting the plan much easier in the future. With the right planner, clients also have a partner and accountability buddy.

What financial planning services do you provide?

Here at AOG Wealth, we help our clients achieve a work-optional lifestyle and empower clients to lead an abundant life. Every person defines abundant life in their own way, which is why our services are specific to each client’s needs. 

The financial planning process begins by gathering information from clients. We start with the basics like discussing account balances, what the accounts are invested in, and what debt a client might have. We discuss the goals of each client and from there, we can begin to build a financial plan specific to the client.

Financial plans generally include retirement savings and income planning, risk management and insurance planning, investment planning, tax and estate planning, and education planning. However, not all clients need all these services and may need help in other areas. Our financial plans are tailored to individuals and families.

Are your financial planners certified?

Yes. Jim Ortlip, Erin Long, and Michelle Whitlock are all CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals.

Anyone can call themselves a financial planner but becoming a CFP® practitioner is a rigorous process. Advisors must complete a two-part education requirement including coursework that typically takes 12-18 months to complete and must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Advisors must also complete a seven-hour exam, fulfill 4,000-6,000 hours of apprenticeship experience, and satisfy an ethics requirement.

Maintaining the designation requires practitioners to complete continuing education and adhere to the high ethical standards.

How do they service clients?

CFP® professionals are required to act as fiduciaries, meaning that they must put the client’s interest ahead of their own.

At AOG Wealth, we continue to monitor and revisit client’s financial plans at least annually to make sure our clients feel comfortable and are on track to meet their goals. If clients are not on track, we adjust the plan. Clients’ lives are constantly changing, which is why it is important that the financial plan changes with them.

Want to learn more about how AOG Wealth helps our clients plan for the future? Give us a call or reach out over email!