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4 key steps to help you reach your financial goals (big and small).

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Section 01

Step 1: Understand your cash flow

A good financial plan starts with a snapshot of where you are. We'll help you look at income coming in every month and expenses going out. Ideally you want a positive cash flow—more money coming in than going out. First, let's focus on what's going out.

How should I allocate my budget?

As you look through your spending, put each expense into one of three categories.

  • Fixed Expenses: These are the necessities, such as housing, child care, health care, food and transportation. They'll typically claim the largest chunk of your monthly income.
  • Financial Security and Goal Contributions: Once you've covered the essentials for today, it's important to make room in your budget for the future. This could include things like saving for a home, college and retirement. It could also include goals like protecting your income and building an emergency fund.
  • Discretionary Expenses: This is everyone's part of the budget because it…

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Enter your contact information to receive weekly emails about reaching your goals.

We do financial planning differently. Here's how:

Your plan is built specifically for you, so no two are alike. Together with your financial advisor, you'll look at:

1

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Where you are now

No matter where you're starting from, we'll give you a snapshot of your financial big picture so you can see exactly where you stand today.

2

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Where you're going

Investing for today and the days ahead, protecting what matters most, and gearing up for retirement—we'll show you how close you are, any gaps, and the opportunities.

3

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A range of options to get you there

Get personalized strategies for investments, life insurance, and disability insurance—so you know you'll be making the right moves now, and years from now.

What's a good plan? Our financial advisors share their thoughts.

A good financial plan is one that's constantly updated, that's living, that's breathing, that can track progress.

Kurt Bogseth, Wealth Management Advisor | W Des Moines, IA

A lot of times clients just don't know what they don't know. I can help make them feel better and more educated about how it's going to unfold.

Maria Roloff, Wealth Management Advisor | Mequon, WI

So it's hitting goals and making sure we're guiding clients in the right way, not in just one specific area, but in the bigger picture.

Carlos Lovera, Financial Advisor | Bakersfield, CA

The expectation is that a plan is going to be numbers and judgment. It's really a relationship and a way to learn about what the next steps are to do financially.

Sarah Norman, Wealth Management Advisor | Fort Collins, CO
May not represent the experience of other clients and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.
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Ready to take the next step? Good plan.

Our financial advisors are here to walk you through it and make sure you have the best investment and protection options to help you reach your goals.

It's easy to get started—no commitment, just a conversation.

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