Protea Wealth Management

Are We a “Fit”?

My first complimentary consultation is designed like a first date. I have a unique, somewhat casual style that may not be for everyone. Finding the right “fit” in an advisor really starts with trust. As a fiduciary, I am legally bound by regulations that require that I serve the best interests of my client ALWAYS. To do this, there must be mutual trust and respect.

Fact Finding

Following the decision to work together, we begin our “fact-finding” mission. First we gain clarity on your goals, habits, and values, aligning YOU with your finances. Often times we get stuck focusing on things we can’t control, but we need to focus on YOU and aligning your finances with what matters most to you. People are more than numbers so it is important for me to understand your story. Understanding behavioral finance is an important step in the process if we are to succeed in the implementation of your plan. Using this approach coupled with an analytical mindset, I will begin the outline of your plan.

Creating the Plan

Next we create and implement a diversified financial plan with systems in place to be readily accessible to you all in one place; one strategy, one system, one plan. In my experience, many people live in the tangible, everyday experience of cash flow (income minus expenses) while sometimes not being aware of their net worth (assets minus liabilities). I will make recommendations for the allocations of investable assets considering suitability factors like age, risk profile, liquidity needs, etc. Very often, this will also lead to introductions to other industry professionals, such as estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and insurance brokers to ensure your plan is solid. But it doesn’t end there. Creating a viable financial plan is an ongoing process.

Monitoring and Review

Finally, your plan will be monitored and reviewed to ensure your plan needs adjust with your needs. Open communication is key. Even a simple change in mindset or small goals means your plan needs to adjust to help you meet them. My ideal client is one that is engaged and committed to the process because our relationship is not a short-term commitment, it’s forever growing. I pride myself on my responsiveness and availability to my clients, but I am only one component of their success, your involvement to the process is what will help you flourish.

Starting the Conversation

There are many reasons why a person will meet with an advisor for the first time. Sometimes it’s just that “pebble in the shoe” scenario. You mightbe perfectly fine continuing on your journey with that “irritant” in the shoe,but it would certainly be more comfortable to remove the pebble. I meet with a LOT of clients in this group, particularly women who have financial stress in their livesbut feel overwhelmed and simply don’t know where to start. It starts with a cup of coffee and a conversation.

Critical Events – Money in Motion

I describe these events as EXTRAordinary events thatusually carry with them high levels of emotion and elevated stress for the client. These events for me, however, as a trained professional, are largely everyday business which simply means that I have the expertise and experience to assist in the navigation to a desired outcome.

• Retirement
• Divorce
• Inheritance
• Critical illness
• Parent/Eldercare
• Loss of job/New Job
• Marriage
• Birth of a child