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 Some people who come to us are extremely knowledgeable about financial matters, but many are not. When you work with Hartwell Planning, our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions and to that end no question is too small. To make best use of your time in your initial consultation, here are some questions we are often asked. Here's what you can expect when working with Hartwell Planning: At our first meeting, which is strictly confidential, we'll discuss all aspects of your personal finances including your goals and your aspirations—not just financial goals, but your life goals. If we can answer all your questions in one meeting—great! If more is required we'll summarize in writing what we talked about and outline our specific recommendations for working together. Next we'll gather financial information from you and assess your situation in light of the goals you've expressed to us. Everything we do helps you meet these goals. At Hartwell Planning we do not sell insurance or investment products, accept money under management, charge a commission or receive a fee from those who do. In this way, we believe we can be truly objective, serving the best interests of our clients. Also, as your knowledgeable partner, we can oversee with you that the actions and interactions of each professional's work continue to serve you well. Most of us are really talented in what we do but not in everything else. If your expertise is not finance, chances are you are uninformed about key issues involving your situation. A financial planner will provide a comprehensive overview of your complete financial picture and will help you no matter what your situation and current goal, from debt management to wealth management. A financial planner is just as important to your financial health as a trusted internist is to your physical health. Would you go for years without a physical checkup? Don't do it with your personal finances. No. You may just need to learn how to and when to roll over your 401(k) into an IRA, or how to set up a debt repayment plan, for example. However, financial planning is a lifetime process. Just as life is constantly changing, so is your financial picture. Yes, if you have plenty of time and knowledge and your circumstances are not too complicated—but why should you? You'd need lots of time for reading and researching all the information and opportunities that are out there and then figuring out how to apply them to you. Keep in mind that planning opportunities are changing all the time, and there is a lot of information to track and assimilate. At Hartwell Planning, this is what we do every day, and it's what we do best—so why not let us be your knowledgeable partner? There is no minimum requirement. We offer a range of packages, from our Comprehensive Personal Financial plan to a Basic Financial Plan. The plan that is right for you depends on your financial situation and where you are in your life. Each plan includes a one-time fee and a certain number of meetings. We're always available to you via e-mail or phone, too. While we do specialize in the type of clients you mention, we are delighted to work with twenty-somethings entering the workforce. The sooner you start planning, the more time you allow for your wealth to accumulate. It sounds like you might be right for our Basic Financial Plan, designed to start you on the right track. By the way, we also work with same-sex couples and eighty-somethings too! Each has very specific planning issues to master. Yes, indeed. You can work with us one-on-one or we offer a group workshop entitled, "How to Get Out of Debt and Stay Out." We explore the many snags credit card companies employ to draw people into debt, how to set up a debt repayment schedule, and how to stay out of debt going forward. It's important to get on the same page financially, so to speak, before you get married or as soon afterward as possible. The one single-most common reason a marriage can become acrimonious is differences over money. We offer a seminar for engaged couples and newlyweds on saving for the future, ownership of property, laws in a common law state, changes in tax laws when you marry, why you need a will, power of attorney, and many more things. Absolutely! A client of Hartwell Planning is a client for life. Each of our plans, from Comprehensive to Basic, includes a specific number of meetings, and yes, we are always available to you for additional meetings, by phone (during regular office hours) and by e-mail. Yes. We are available for one-time consultations by the hour. |