The Ascend Planning Process

Life moves quickly, so you need a knowledgeable partner in your corner. While we are here to answer your questions as they come up, our proactive approach also ensures we cover the major financial planning topics each year.

In our first meeting of the year, we will help you reaffirm your priorities and measure progress toward your goals. This discussion may cover:

Review and update of your goals
Net worth and cash flow
- Should extra cash go towards investments or debt?
Saving and investment strategies
- Are you saving enough for your future and can you afford to spend more now?
- Are you saving to appropriate types of accounts to maximize tax benefits and investment opportunities?
- Is the investment risk in your portfolio suitable for your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance?
Stress tests to prepare for major economic disruptions
Consider your opportunities for gifting to family, friends, and charity

In our second meeting, we will help you understand and prepare for financial risks. This discussion may cover:

Contingency planning
- If you die, would your family’s financial needs be covered?
- If you become disabled, will you be able to support yourself financially?
- Could you become financially liable for aging family members or a dependent with special needs?
- Are there other risks specific to your situation?
Estate planning*
- If you died prematurely, who would become guardian of your children and who would inherit your money?
- Do you need to create or revise your will or other legal documents?
- Do you need to create or update a trust? Have you properly implemented your trust?
- Are your beneficiary designations up to date?

We will periodically check in with you to review a variety of other financial planning items. These emails may cover: