The purpose of this section is to give you an overview of the Financial Planning process I use in assisting you to organize and prioritize your financial goals.  Financial Planning is a total examination of your personal situation. Financial advice cannot be given in a vacuum. One decision, in one area of planning, will have consequences in several other areas of your financial life. For example, decisions about your retirement plan can impact income tax, estate matters, and impact current and future cash flows.  The resolution of conflicts will need to be assessed and the recommendations I give will have to be palatable to you, me, and third parties you may need. Planning is not a hit and miss approach to any single problem without understanding the risk and consequences of not addressing all of your concerns. That is why I call what I do "Comprehensive Planning".

What is Financial Planning?

Financial planning is the gathering of your financial, tax, estate, retirement and asset information. Through an interview process, your financial concerns and future goals are established. The information gathered is then analyzed and compared with your needs, goals, and restrictions. From this comparison, your current strengths and weaknesses are discovered. If we agree, solutions can be made to help you adjust your current financial planning. A Financial Plan is not a one time delivery of a document or a recommendation. It is an ongoing process.  There will be changes over time as families expand or contract and other life changing events occur. 

Is a Financial Planner right for me?

Whether you have very limited resources or a sizable estate, you can benefit from the services of a financial planner. Today, it is almost impossible for anyone not working in the financial field to keep up with the rapidly changing financial products, tax laws, and the volatile economy. Financial product information and planning ideas abound. You are given financial advice in articles, radio talk shows, advertisements, books, the internet, seminars, and from attorneys, accountants, bankers, financial advisors, insurance agents, real estate agents and well intentioned friends and family. This information is often fragmented and not related to your total personal financial situation. It is impersonal and usually aimed at one problem or a general solution. I refer to it as cocktail hour planning. You hardly ever hear someone not have an answer to your questions. And I almost never hear people talk about their bad investments during a cocktail party. 

Are there benefits of working with a Professional Certified Financial Planner® ?

The trained Certified Financial Planner® is the highest recognition of excellence of the profession. The CFP® certification mark represents a high level of competency, ethics, and professionalism. The CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct require CFP® professionals to look out for your interests above their own when delivering financial planning advice. 

Is Ray right for me?  

After serving 3 combat tours in Vietnam as a Naval Aviator,  I have made Financial Planning my life’s work. I am a team player. I became a CFP® in 1981. My issued license number is 91. Today there are upwards of 50,000 CFP® practitioners worldwide.  You decide if I am right for you and if you want to set up a free consultation or need answers to some questions you have do so by phone or email.