Isn’t financial planning just for people who have lots of money?
Any individual or family seeking financial advice can benefit from my services. As a member of the Garrett Planning Network, I have taken a pledge to offer my services to all people, regardless of income or assets. I welcome clients who simply want a one-time financial review or who are interested in a second opinion before making a major financial decision. Equally welcome are those who seek on-going coaching and plan monitoring over a longer period of time.
What is “fee-only financial planning” and why should it be important to me?
Only clients pay fee-only financial planners. I never receive any commissions, sales incentives, bonuses or special perks from insurance companies or other financial service entities for selling their products. Kelly Financial Planning is a true fee-only financial advisory firm. Knowing this, you can approach me with the full knowledge that I will only make recommendations that are in your best interest. You do not have to worry that I will need to “sell you something” in order to be paid for providing you advice.
Do I need to be in your immediate area to use your services?
Thanks to modern technology, it is generally not essential to have in-person meetings. Frequently, work may be accomplished for distance assignments through the use of virtual technology, online data collection and other tools. The choice of a distance assignment is determined by a client’s comfort level working with someone who is not in the immediate area. I pledge to provide quality service to my clients regardless of whether meetings are virtual or face-to-face.
Do you offer your services to businesses that would like to provide objective investment advice to their employees?
Any organization (profit or nonprofit) desiring to provide unbiased, conflict-free advice and financial education to their employees can benefit from my services. I can also provide financial advice and coaching to rank and file employees and/or senior executives on a retainer basis. Your employees will appreciate the fact that you have engaged an independent, fee-only firm, thus eliminating the possibility of sales pressure related to product sales or bundled services. For more information, contact me.
I understand the benefits of working with a fee-only financial planner, but I might need to obtain financial products. How will I be able to do that?
While I do not sell financial products, I will offer specific recommendations and opinions regarding the purchase of the various financial products that may be appropriate for you. So, if you need to obtain an insurance policy or a new mortgage, invest in a portfolio of mutual funds, or find an estate planning attorney or tax professional, I can direct you to the resources you need and/or help you obtain these products and services. If appropriate, I can also help you implement your plan and set up your accounts.
I have already accumulated assets and I think I am doing well, but things are getting more complicated. I want to be sure I am on the right track. Can you help me?
Yes. People who need more sophisticated financial planning or advice will find my services appealing and beneficial. I can provide a professional review or second opinion.
If I use Kelly Financial Planning to develop a financial plan, am I obligated to purchase the recommended products?
Absolutely not! I do not sell products. I only offer recommendations to meet your needs and objectives, but you are under no obligation to purchase anything. I also recognize the importance of shopping around for the best available product or service. If you need life or disability insurance, for example, I will suggest the type of policy, various riders or additions and the amounts that best fit your situation. If appropriate, I can then direct you to one or several different providers with quality products at competitive prices.
The extent of my involvement in helping with your purchase of a product or investment is also up to you. If you would like, I can help you purchase investments and/or set up accounts with a third-party custodian like a discount broker. Since I am not compensated by commissions or products, you can be assured that my recommendations are based on what I truly believe is in your best interest. I take my fiduciary role seriously.
How do you price your financial planning services?
Planning fees are determined on a project basis, based on the actual time required to adequately research and analyze the client’s current situation, provide specific recommendations and implementation assistance (if appropriate) and meet with a client in person, virtually or via the phone. The total fee will vary from client to client based on the specific needs and complexity of the client’s unique situation. The cost of a typical plan is $3,750 - $4,500. This is based on an hourly rate of $375. I provide prospective clients with firm quotes of estimated fees at the end of a no-obligation initial meeting.
Once my financial plan or project is finished, will our relationship end?
No, only that engagement will cease. You can feel free to contact me as the need arises. However, I like to think of myself as an ongoing provider of financial advisor services. Just as someone thinks of a dentist as an ongoing provider and has regular dental checkups to maintain good dental health, good fiscal health requires periodic reviews of your personal finances by a qualified financial advisor.
Because financial planning is a process, not an event, I offer ongoing services, periodic reviews and day-to-day consultation as requested and/or needed if you so desire.
How can I get started?
Our first step is an initial inquiry. You can reach out to me at info@kellyfinancialplanning.com or 513-379-2527. The initial get-acquainted meeting is no cost and no obligation, and we’ll discuss which of my services is appropriate for you. The end result is a move towards financial freedom and peace of mind. Contact me today to get started.
