What experience do you have?
I have been in the planning and consulting business since 1981. My main expertise is in the tax area. I have a significant tax practice that keeps me very busy between February and April. As a result of the relationship between a person’s financial and tax information, I developed an expertise in financial planning for individuals and earned my CFP designation in 1988. Maintaining the designation requires annual continuing education requirements which are met by attendance at various professional conferences. In addition, I have been a frequent speaker on various tax issues for other financial planning professionals at various local and regional conferences. Additionally, I am an instructor and program coordinator for the Personal Financial Planning program at University of California Santa Cruz – Extension.
What are your qualifications?
In addition to the CFP designation noted above, I am also enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. I am registered as a Registered Investment Advisor with the State of California Department of Corporations.
What services do you offer?
I provide hourly consulting for goals-oriented financial planning.
What is your approach to financial planning?
Financial planning is a very personal process and will be treated accordingly. I generally equate your financial planning engagement to that of a physical examination performed by your medical professional. A significant amount of information will be needed to develop a sound plan for your future planning, but I realize that everything changes, including goals, income, marital status, and investments, to name a few. As a result, the initial plan is merely a road map to start the journey, but working together we can work through roadblocks and detours that would derail most plans. After the initial planning session, it is anticipated that annual update meetings will be held to check on your progress.
Will you be the only person working with me?
I will be directly involved in your engagement with KLN Financial Group. However, I do employ an associate who assists me with gathering data and developing financial plans. All financial plans and recommendations are reviewed and approved by me before I present them to the client. Comprehensive financial planning often requires a team approach as no one professional will have the expertise or qualifications to implement all of the recommendations. Depending on the needs, I can refer you to other qualified advisors, but I will remain involved in the engagement as much as necessary to help ensure your needs are met.
How are you compensated?
We are compensated on a fee-only basis. Fees are based on the amount of time spent on the engagement. We do not sell products, receive commissions or any compensation from referral sources.
How much do you typically charge?
This will obviously depend on the complexity of the engagement and will be better determined at the initial meeting. Due to the nature of the amount of time for the initial planning session, the cost of this session will be greater than the annual update meetings. However, should your goals and/or objectives change dramatically, additional time may be needed to revise the plan currently in place.
Could anyone besides me benefit from your recommendations?
I do not have any relationships with any other entities that receive any compensation as a result of the recommendations that are made to you as a result of the planning engagement.
Have you ever been publicly disciplined for any unlawful or unethical actions in your professional career?
No.
Can I have it in writing?
Once there has been an agreement to utilize my services, I will forward you an agreement for your signature outlining the services to be provided. In addition, a form ADV – Part II will be provided at that time.