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Financial planning services involve an evaluation of a client’s current and future financial state by using currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset values, and withdrawal plans. The key defining aspect of financial planning is that through the financial planning process, all questions, information, and analysis will be considered as they affect and are affected by the entire financial and life situation of the Client. Clients purchasing financial planning services will receive a written or an electronic report, providing the Client with a detailed financial plan designed to achieve his or her stated financial goals and objectives.

Financial plans are custom-suited to each client. We will work together to determine areas of focus. These areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cash Flow and Debt Management: This is the start to any plan! POWWOW finds spending to be one of the most impactful variables of a plan, so cash flow is imperative no matter what the level of income or net worth. We will conduct a review of your income and expenses to determine your current surplus or deficit along with advice on prioritizing how any surplus should be used or how to reduce expenses if they exceed your income. Advice may also be provided on which debts to pay off first based on factors such as the interest rate of the debt and any income tax ramifications. We may also recommend what we believe to be an appropriate cash reserve that should be considered for emergencies and other financial goals, along with a review of accounts (such as money market funds) for such reserves, plus strategies to save desired amounts.
• College Savings: One of our financial planning services include projecting the amount that will be needed to achieve college or other post-secondary education funding goals, along with advice on ways for you to save the desired amount. Recommendations as to savings strategies are included, and, if needed, we will review your financial picture as it relates to eligibility for financial aid or the best way to contribute to grandchildren (if appropriate). 
• Investment Analysis: This may involve developing an asset allocation strategy to meet Clients’ financial goals and risk tolerance, providing information on investment vehicles and strategies, reviewing employee stock options, as well as assisting you in establishing your own investment account at a selected broker/dealer or custodian. If clients prefer we manage any or all parts of their portfolio, POWWOW offers optional investment management services. 
• Employee Benefits Optimization: We will provide review and analysis as to whether you, as an employee, are taking the maximum advantage possible of your employee benefits. If you are a business owner, we will consider and/or recommend the various benefit programs that can be structured to meet both business and personal retirement goals.
• Financial Goals: We will help Clients identify financial goals and develop a plan to reach them. We will identify what you plan to accomplish, what resources you will need to make it happen, how much time you will need to reach the goal, and how much you should budget for your goal.
• Insurance: Review of existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability, long-term care, liability, home, and automobile. POWWOW does not sell insurance, but may recommend trusted agents to meet your needs. These referrals are not compensated to ensure we act in your best interest.
• Estate Planning: This usually includes an analysis of your exposure to estate taxes and your current estate plan, which may include whether you have a will, powers of attorney, trusts, and other related documents. Our advice also typically includes ways for you to minimize or avoid future estate taxes by implementing appropriate estate planning strategies such as the use of applicable trusts.  We always recommend that you consult with a qualified attorney when you initiate, update, or complete estate planning activities. We may provide you with contact information for attorneys who specialize in estate planning when you wish to hire an attorney for such purposes. From time-to-time, we will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your attorney with your approval or request.
• Retirement Planning: Our retirement planning services typically include projections of your likelihood of financial independence throughout retirement. For situations where projections show less than the desired results, we may make recommendations, including those that may impact the original projections by adjusting certain variables (e.g., working longer, saving more, spending less, taking more risk with investments). If you are near retirement or already retired, advice may be given on appropriate distribution strategies to minimize the likelihood of running out of money or having to adversely alter spending during your retirement years.
• Risk Management: A risk management review includes an analysis of your exposure to major risks that could have a significant adverse impact on your financial picture, such as premature death, disability, property and casualty losses, or the need for long‐term care planning. Advice may be provided on ways to minimize such risks and about weighing the costs of purchasing insurance versus the benefits of doing so and, likewise, the potential cost of not purchasing insurance (“self‐insuring”).
• Tax Planning Strategies: Advice may include ways to minimize current and future income taxes as a part of your overall financial planning picture. For example, we may make recommendations on which type of account(s) or specific investments should be owned based in part on their “tax efficiency,” with the consideration that there is always a possibility of future changes to federal, state or local tax laws and rates that may impact your situation. We recommend that you consult with a qualified tax professional before initiating any tax planning strategy, and we may provide you with contact information for accountants or attorneys who specialize in this area if you wish to hire someone for such purposes. We will participate in meetings or phone calls between you and your tax professional with your approval.
• Elder Care Planning: Clients looking for advice relating to preferences for home care, assisted living and/or skilled care can ask us to perform an analysis illustrating its affordability. Clients may also inquire about their long-term care insurance, downsizing, state and veterans’ benefits, Medicare enrollment, facility selection and advocacy, and hosting family discussions regarding difficult subject matter. POW is not a healthcare professional and is not a substitute for medical advice. Any discussion related to longevity and potential care needs are for the purposes of engaging conversation and to help provide perspective on the affordability of care.