The idea of meeting with a financial advisor for the first time may be intimidating, and preparing for the appointment might sound overwhelming. That’s why many people put off this important step. At Botkin Family Wealth Management, we make the process as comfortable and efficient as possible for you. We’ve put together a financial planning checklist of items for you to gather and bring to our initial meeting. Not all items on the checklist will apply to you, so just bring what does. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.
Financial Planning Checklist: Items to Bring to Your Initial Meeting
In order for our initial meeting to be as productive as possible, please assemble the following information as it pertains to your situation:
- Copies of INVESTMENT statements from brokerage firms, banks, 401(k)s, etc., including stocks, mutual funds, bonds, annuities and CDS.
- Current or future PENSION ESTIMATES and SURVIVORSHIP options.
- List of all other ASSETS (such as your home).
- List of any outstanding LIABILITIES, including your mortgage, and the interest rates associated with each debt.
- Copies of INSURANCE policies or a list of insurance coverage including name of insurance company, face amount, cash value, length of coverage and premium amounts.
- Copies of your most recent SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENTS or a list of your payment options from social security. You can find this information at www.ssa.gov/estimator.
- During our meeting, we will discuss your living expenses and the amount of after-tax monthly income you need in order to live a lifestyle comfortable for you. Please provide us with an idea of your INCOME NEEDS.
- If you are not yet retired, please give some thought to your desired retirement date and come prepared to discuss your goals.