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Back to TopWhy do I need a financial planner?Let’s use the familiar analogy of physical fitness. Nearly everyone knows, (or at least thinks they know), how to work out: lift weights, run and stretch. Most of us try to maintain some sort of fitness regimen to stay in shape. Inevitably, the process stalls, prompting us to wonder why we can’t seem to get beyond a certain level of well-being. It’s frustrating because we honestly believe we’re working hard to make significant improvements in our day-to-day lives to enhance our health. A very similar impasse commonly occurs in the financial planning process. We’d like to think we’re making the best choices to be financially fit, but in reality, we’ve most likely reached a plateau where we have done all we can – but unfortunately it’s not enough. To keep things moving in a positive direction, we need to find someone to be our partner to coach us to make the right decisions at the right time. An experienced financial planner has seen many of the same client scenarios play out over and over again with similar outcomes. These valuable insights can be used to save significant time and money. Working with a professional planner also reduces much of the speculation about what works and what doesn’t work in a given situation.
When is the right time to engage the services of a financial planner?Time is our friend. The more of it we can commit to financial planning, the greater the probability of achieving our goals. Typical scenarios are:
Back to TopWhy is it important for a financial planner to have the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® designation?The CFP® designation conveys legitimacy, credibility, knowledge of the industry and commitment to continuing education. A CFP® certification candidate works hard to earn this distinction -- the test is grueling, and over half do not pass on the first attempt. The certification qualifies planners to counsel clients in the areas of insurance planning and risk management, employee benefits, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning and estate planning.
How is Sigman Financial Fitness® different from most financial planners?Refreshing. Lauren practices a no nonsense, straight talk approach combined with compassion and understanding about possible past mistakes you may have made. There is no minimum dollar investment requirement at Sigman Financial Fitness®; you only need a desire to work hard and get things back on track. Independent. One stop shopping for all your financial needs may be a worthy goal. However, no single company can provide everything a client requires. For example, you may shop at Safeway, King Soopers, Wild Oats or Whole Foods for your groceries, depending on your particular needs. Similarly, we act as your “personal shopper” to choose the appropriate products and services from a variety of sources that fits YOUR needs. Sigman Financial Fitness® is not solely affiliated with a broker/dealer (i.e. Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab) or insurance company (AXA Advisors/Equitable, Northwestern Mutual). This independent stance allows Lauren to choose products or services from a wide variety of providers. Unique. Our methodology is multi-disciplinary. As appropriate, we lead a team of subject matter professionals (legal, tax, accounting, insurance). Unlike other planning services, we do not emphasize the need for a formal written plan. Often, by the time such a document is finished, the plan and the world around us has changed, rendering the written plan obsolete. Instead, our approach is about coming up with a more fluid action plan, broken down into manageable pieces. You set the pace for establishing priorities and only move to the next stage of implementation when you feel comfortable and ready. Multi-faceted. Lauren brings a unique skill set to financial planning. A stint as an investment banker on Wall Street and extensive experience in mortgage and real estate finance distinguish her from most of her CFP® colleagues.
Back to TopHow is Sigman Financial Fitness® compensated?Sigman Financial Fitness® departs from a monthly or retainer-based billing system in favor of contracting for pre-paid blocks of time in five-hour increments. Most clients require about five hours to get started. Lauren’s team is comprised of experienced CPA’s, tax specialists, estate planners and investment managers. Referrals to these professionals are made based on the needs of the client. Clients directly contract with these professionals, although Lauren is also happy to work with a client’s team already in place. Fee only money management services are provided by All Season Financial Advisors, an independent third party registered investment advisor headed up by strategist Samuel F. Jones. Investment strategies are uniquely designed to manage market risk through trading and hedging techniques making them especially suited for today's volatile markets. Lauren and All Season Financial Advisors are independent, fee-only investment advisors and are not compensated by commissions from any brokerage company. Because Lauren receives commissions from mortgage lenders and insurance companies, she does not charge clients an hourly fee for time spent obtaining these products.
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