Steve's Philosophy and Process of Planning

• The underlying premise of Steve's financial planning process is that financial strength and stability are created through the consistent application of conservative, time tested financial planning principles. These principles are applied to budgeting, debt management, tax avoidance, risk management and investment /portfolio management. Ultimately, financial planning is the disciplined, yet flexible stewardship of the resources God has blessed us with.

• The initial meeting with a prospective client is without any obligations and is a time to discover whether a prospective client's desires and Steve's planning style is a good match. This is when a prospective client interviews Steve and decides whether to hire him. The next step is an organized gathering of facts, attitudes and goals. It is through the thorough fact finding process that each client's unique goals become clear and the stumbling blocks to success are recognized. Steve then developes recommendations designed to work collectively towards realizing the goals outlined by the client. Recommendations address the areas of concern as prioritized by the client. Recommendations are always fully explained and all fees or expenses are fully disclosed.

• Some areas falling outside Steve's professional scope require other professionals be consulted. Working cooperatively with lawyers and accountants is a routine part of the planning process. Typically, Steve examines all areas of a new client's financial affairs, however, on a case by case basis, new clients are accepted for advice applying to more narrow or specific areas. In the interests of addressing client needs professionally, specific areas of planning (business Group health, life, dental, disability) are referred to our strategic partners for recommendations, implementation and administration. This "partnering" allows us to integrate these areas into the planning process.