Proper financial planning is a six-step process. These steps are defined by the
Board of Standards of the Financial Planning Association. They summarize what
needs to be done in order to properly and professionally meet the needs of the
client.
- Establishing and defining the relationship with the client;
- Gathering data including goals;
- Analyzing and evaluating the client's financial status;
- Developing and presenting financial planning recommendations and/or alternatives;
- Implementing the financial planning recommendations;
- Monitoring the financial planning recommendations.