Home > FAQ
1. What is financial planning?
2. How does financial planning benefit me and my family?
3. What services do you provide?
4. How long does it take to prepare a financial plan?
5. What is "Fee-Only" financial planning and why should that be important to me?
6. Are you owned by anyone else?
7. How do I decide if your firm is right for me?
8. How do I get started?
What is financial planning?
Financial planning is the process of meeting your life goals through the proper management of your finances. Life goals can include buying a home, saving for your child’s education or planning for retirement.
The financial planning process consists of six steps that help you take a "big picture" look at where you are financially. Using these six steps, you can work out where you are now, what you may need in the future and what you must do to reach your goals.
The process involves gathering relevant financial information, setting life goals, examining your current financial status and coming up with a strategy or plan for how you can meet your goals given your current situation and future plans.
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How does financial planning benefit me and my family?
Financial planning provides direction and meaning to your financial decisions. It allows you to understand how each financial decision you make affects other areas of your finances. By viewing each financial decision as part of a whole, you can consider its short and long-term effects on your life goals. You can also adapt more easily to life changes and feel more secure that your goals are on track.
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What services do you provide?
KM Finn & Associates offers Comprehensive Financial Planning which examines all aspects of your financial life. As our clients’ individual needs may be in only one or two areas, we provide modular planning as well. We will work with you to ascertain your level of need and work to accomplish your specific goals. In addition to our Financial Planning Services, we offer Annual Tax Preparation and Educational Seminars for young adults.
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How long does it take to prepare a financial plan?
From the time we receive a completed engagement agreement and all requested data, the average plan is normally finished in approximately ten to twelve weeks. This can vary with complexity and availability of your other advisors.
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What is "Fee-Only" financial planning and why should that be important to me?
Because we are Fee-Only financial planners, all conflicts of interest regarding compensation are removed. We do not accept sales commissions or referral fees; we work solely for our clients. Because we do not sell financial products such as investments and insurance, there are no third-party relationships or outside influences to color our thinking and financial recommendations.
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Are you owned by anyone else?
KM Finn & Associates is independently owned and operated and is not affiliated with any brokerage firm, bank, insurance company, mutual fund, legal or accounting firm. We may make referrals to other professional advisors as needed, but no commissions or referral fees are paid or received.
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How do I decide if your firm is right for me?
It’s important to trust and feel comfortable with individuals when you select a financial planner because you’re sharing the important financial issues of your life. We believe our clients provide the best endorsement possible, therefore, we can provide you with client references. We also suggest an initial meeting to discuss your position and the planning process.
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How do I get started?
The first step is to contact us at 949.644.6605 or by email to schedule a no-cost initial interview. Although most of our client’s prefer to meet in person, we understand that sometimes it may have to be done by telephone. All meetings are by appointment only. Evening and Saturday morning hours are available to meet client needs.
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