Financial Planning
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”
Financial planning is not about cutting expenses and living by a budget. It’s about creating the future life you want!
We want to help you discover what’s most important to you, and build your financial future toward that.
why you may need financial planning
You have a family you want to make sure is taken care of
You want to position your assets for growth
You want to protect your portfolio
You want to keep as much of your earnings as possible
You want a 360° view of your finances
Benefits of Financial Planning
Expertise and Knowledge
Investment advisors possess extensive knowledge of financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory changes. This expertise helps navigate complex financial situations and make informed decisions.
Personalized Financial Strategies
Advisors create customized plans tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and life stage. This personalized approach ensures that your financial plan is aligned with your unique needs.
Reduction in Financial Worries
By identifying potential financial problems and addressing them proactively, such as paying off debt or creating an emergency fund, individuals can alleviate financial worries.
Preparation for the Unexpected
Having a plan in place for unexpected expenses helps reduce stress associated with financial shocks.
Prioritization of Expenses
A financial plan allows individuals to prioritize their expenses effectively, reducing overspending and financial stress.
Informed Investment Decisions
Expert planning provides a framework for choosing investments that match your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
In 2024, only 36% of U.S. households had a documented, long-term financial plan.
Put yourself ahead of most Americans.
Get Started With A Free Consultation
Book a 30 minute consultation to see if we're a good fit for you, and you for us. No obligation, no games, just straight answers.
Our Financial Planning Services
At Financial Mountain, we offer fee-only fiduciary planning—meaning our advice is objective, transparent, and always in your best interest. Unlike firms that earn commissions on products, we don’t sell investments or insurance. Instead, we build personalized financial roadmaps centered around your goals, whether you’re preparing for retirement, building wealth, or navigating life’s transitions.
Only 36% of U.S. households have a long-term financial plan, yet those who do report lower stress, more confidence, and better financial habits. Our process covers retirement, tax strategy, investment planning, insurance reviews, and risk management. Because we don’t earn money from product sales, every recommendation is designed to serve your future—not someone else’s bottom line.
With nearly half of U.S. adults reporting financial stress, the need for clarity and guidance has never been greater. Our role is to simplify complexity and help you make purposeful decisions. As we say, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” We’ll help you choose the right one—with confidence and peace of mind.
Contact Us
Have questions before scheduling a free consultation? No problem. We’re happy to help. Just submit the form and we’ll get back to you soon.
Financial Planning FAQs
What is fee only financial planning?
Fee-only financial planning is a compensation model where financial advisors are paid directly by their clients for advice and services, rather than earning commissions from selling financial products. This approach eliminates conflicts of interest, ensuring that recommendations are made solely in the client’s best interest. Fee-only planners may charge hourly rates, flat fees, or a percentage of assets under management. Unlike commission-based advisors, they do not receive compensation from mutual funds, insurance companies, or brokerages. As fiduciaries, fee-only financial planners are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest, providing objective guidance tailored to your unique financial goals.
What is the first step in financial planning?
The first step in financial planning is understanding where you are today. This includes gathering information about your income, expenses, savings, debts, and financial goals. A clear picture of your current financial situation lays the foundation for setting realistic objectives and building a personalized plan. It’s also the moment to define what matters most—so your plan aligns with your values, priorities, and long-term vision.
What is financial planning?
Financial planning is the process of evaluating your current financial situation and creating a strategic plan to achieve your short- and long-term goals. It involves budgeting, saving, investing, managing risk, and preparing for life events. A well-crafted financial plan provides clarity, control, and confidence for your financial future.
Does a 529 plan affect financial aid?
Yes, a 529 plan can affect financial aid, but its impact is generally minimal. When a 529 plan is owned by a parent or dependent student, it’s considered a parental asset on the FAFSA and assessed at a low rate—typically up to 5.64%. This has less impact than student-owned assets. However, if the account is owned by someone else, like a grandparent, withdrawals may count as student income in future years, which can significantly reduce aid eligibility.
How many years should financial planner plan?
A financial planner should help you plan for both short-term goals and long-term horizons—typically 5, 10, 20 years or more. Effective planning accounts for major life stages such as retirement, education, and legacy goals, adjusting the strategy as your circumstances, market conditions, and objectives evolve over time.
What should a financial planner yearly plan include?
A financial planner’s yearly plan should include reviewing your income, expenses, savings, and investments; updating goals; assessing insurance coverage; planning for taxes; and evaluating retirement progress. It should also account for any major life changes and adjust strategies to keep you on track toward long-term financial security and peace of mind.
Why is financial planning important?
Financial planning is important because it provides clarity, direction, and control over your money. It helps you set realistic goals, manage risk, prepare for unexpected events, and make informed decisions. With a solid plan, you reduce financial stress and build a secure foundation for your future and your family’s well-being.
How to make a financial plan for a business?
To create a financial plan for your business, it’s essential to start with clear goals and accurate projections for revenue, expenses, and cash flow. But every business is unique—and so is its financial path. At Financial Mountain, we help you develop a custom-tailored plan that includes budgets, forecasts, risk management, and strategic insights aligned with your vision. Contact us to build a financial roadmap that supports your growth, protects your future, and gives you confidence in every decision.
What is holistic financial planning?
Holistic financial planning takes a comprehensive approach, addressing every aspect of your financial life—income, spending, debt, investments, taxes, insurance, retirement, and estate planning. Rather than focusing on individual products or goals, it aligns your entire financial picture with your values and long-term objectives, creating a more complete and effective strategy.
What is the purpose of a financial plan?
The purpose of a financial plan is to provide a clear, personalized roadmap for achieving your financial goals. It helps you make informed decisions, manage risk, prepare for the unexpected, and stay on track over time. A solid plan brings clarity, confidence, and peace of mind to your financial journey.
What happens to your tax liability with proper financial planning?
With proper financial planning, your tax liability can be significantly reduced. Strategic planning allows you to take advantage of tax-efficient investments, retirement contributions, deductions, and credits. It also helps you time income and expenses wisely, minimize capital gains taxes, and structure your finances to align with current tax laws. By proactively managing your tax exposure, you retain more of your earnings, improve cash flow, and support long-term financial goals—all while staying compliant with IRS regulations.
What role does insurance play in financial planning?
Insurance plays a vital role in financial planning by protecting your income, assets, and loved ones from unexpected events. It helps manage risk and ensures financial stability during emergencies like illness, disability, or death. Proper coverage supports long-term goals and preserves the financial plan you’ve worked hard to build.
