Any good road map tells you where you are and the best way to get where you're going. The Financial Road Map is a remarkable and remarkably affordable report that does the same for your financial journey, helping you move toward your goals arming you with knowledge, clear direction, and confidence.
The Financial Road Map will provide you guidance now and the future. The information is helpful and hopeful and will not shame you by denigrating your past financial foibles nor depress you by suggesting your financial future is hopeless. The goal is to help you overcome the past and improve your future.
|
Take the Financial Health Quiz
|
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
1. Are your investments, 401(k) and 403(b) properly diversified and structured?
The problem: Most investors don't know if they should be on offense or defense and invest by the seat of their pants, and without a good entry and exit strategy. Millions of Americans have investment portfolios that are still down sharply from the March 2000 highs and are at the mercy of the markets rising.
The solution: The Financial Road Map will show you how to properly structure your investments that have plagued so many investors, and teach you how to better manage your investment portfolio, so that you can potentially profit in any market environment. We'll explain sector rotation and why you need to understand the principles. |
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
2. Do you understand how current economic conditions, i.e. debt ceiling, QE2, falling dollar, Greece, etc., might affect you and your money, and are you making the wisest financial choices right now?
The problem: Americans are overwhelmed with financial information that's usually confusing and often biased and unfortunately, we are bombarded with non-stop sensationalism and it makes it tough to figure out what is real and hype.
The solution: The Financial Road Map offers timely guidance in your personalized report and will provide you with smart money tips and show you how to avoid the media "noise." |
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
3. Do you have adequate insurance coverage?
The problem: Over 80% of Americans lack comprehensive insurance coverage. For them, a single loss, illness, or disability can wipe out a lifetime's worth of hard-earned savings.
The solution: The Financial Road Map will show you how to correct any deficiencies in your insurance coverage, customized to your own insurance needs. |
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
4. Are you in debt?
The problem: Over the past four years alone, 5% of American families have declared bankruptcy, and the numbers are expected to rise as tens of millions are choking on debt right now because they borrowed too much for the wrong reasons.
The solution: The Financial Road Map will help you manage your credit before it manages you and will provide a "how to" for eliminating wasteful debt. |
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
5. Are you overpaying your income taxes?
The problem: Tens of millions of Americans pay more income taxes than they have to simply because they don't understand the ever changing rules. (The new tax rules changed over 400 sections of the Internal Revenue Code.)
The solution: The Financial Road Map will show you which of the new tax breaks make the most sense for you, based on your own tax situation. |
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
6. Have you planned your estate correctly?
The problem: Six out of seven adults don't even have a will, which means the state courts will decide who gets their money and who takes over for them if they become ill.
The solution: The Financial Road Map will present individualized step-by-step estate planning guidance to help protect you and your loved ones both now and later. |
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
7. Are you taking advantage of the new ways to save for your children's or grandchildren's education?
The problem: Most parents and grandparents save for college in high-taxed accounts that produce 30% less income available to meet college expenses compared with the new college savings plans.
The solution: The Financial Road Map will show you which of the new tax-advantaged education savings plans provides the maximum benefit based on the children's ages and your financial profile - and it's not too late to switch into the best plan for you and your family. |
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
8. Are you prepared to meet any unexpected financial emergencies?
The problem: Everyone experiences periodic financial emergencies, but most lack the knowledge and wherewithal to weather the storm which just makes a bad situation worse.
The solution: The Financial Road Map will help you take action to stave off financial emergencies and will identify sources of money that can be accessed quickly. |
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
9. Do you have a plan for achieving a financially comfortable retirement or, if you're retired, a plan for thriving throughout your retirement years?
The problem: The statistics are startling. Almost two-thirds of adult Americans are not on-target to having enough money to retire and millions of retirees are running out of money late in life.
The solution: The Financial Road Map will provide you with tools to evaluate your progress in attaining and maintaining financial freedom, personalized to your specific age and retirement aspirations. |
|
YES |
NO |
|
|
|
|
10. Are you confident you haven't overlooked a money matter that's crucial to your financial well-being?
The problem: You probably know what you should be doing to promote your financial health, but it's easy to feel overwhelmed by it all.
The solution: The Financial Road Map will provide a "to do" and a "how to" list in order of priority to help you on the road to achieving lifetime financial security.
|
|
|
If you answered "NO" to one or more of these questions, The Financial Road Map will help you improve your financial health. To assure future well-being for you and your loved ones, your financial health is as important as your physical health.
|
|
|
The Financial Road Map report is custom produced based on your responses to a confidential questionnaire. Your report will be unlike any others since your financial situation is unique. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Financial Road Map is:
Unbiased
Your report provides objective information and guidance, unlike costly reports prepared by large financial institutions that promote their own products and services.
Confidential
Your questionnaire and report will be kept strictly confidential and your name will not be given to any other organization. If you want complete confidentiality, the email questionnaire and report option can be completed without indicating your name and address on your questionnaire.
Personalized
Your report is based on an in-depth analysis of your responses to the questionnaire. It deals with your own unique needs and covers every important investing and financial planning area that is relevant to you. No two reports are alike.
Encouraging
With your concise, no-jargon report in hand, you'll be armed with a powerful and sensible second opinion on matters that are specifically relevant to your unique situation. The Financial Road Map will identify strengths, reveal potential problem areas, and outline specific, step-by-step future strategies from investing, savings and insurance, to tax matters and retirement planning.
|
Q & A |
Frequently Asked Questions about
The Financial Road Map |
|
What is the Financial Road Map?
The Financial Road Map is a personalized financial review report that is tailored to your own financial circumstances. While it begins with a personal questionnaire, the Financial Road Map doesn't end when you receive your personalized report. Rather, your report is a process that allows you, perhaps as never before, to move knowledgeably and confidently from the present to the future.
How Do I Receive My Questionnaire and Report?
We offer several different methods on how you can receive the questionnaire and report:
1. Via mail: We will mail you the questionnaire by mail within 24 hours and will return your Financial Road Map in a spiral bound report via Priority Mail, generally within three weeks.
2. Via online: Your questionnaire can also be completed at our website via the online method. We will furnish you with a password to log in and the entire application can be submitted electronically on our secure site. You will receive your personalized report via email usually within two weeks or mailed to you via Priority Mail in a spiral bound report within three weeks.
3. By telephone: We will set up a 45 minutes teleconference with you and get all of the information we need during our phone call. It's easy and this is the second best way for us to help you because we can find out things about you that we cannot conclude from our online questionnaire.
4. In person: If you live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, or plan to visit our beautiful city in the near future, we would be honored to meet you in our office, as the overall benefits are enhanced with a personal consultation.
Who Should Use The Financial Road Map?
Financial wellness is a goal for virtually everyone. Over the last 15 years, The Financial Road Map has been used successfully by individuals and couples just starting out, mid-career families, wealthy individuals, pre-retirees and retirees.
If you don't currently have a financial plan, the Financial Road Map will help you develop one; and if you do have a plan, the Financial Road Map gives you the power of a second opinion in weighing your plan's strengths and weaknesses.
How is the Financial Road Map different from other financial plans?
The Financial Road Map is completely unbiased, objective and obligation free. It is not intended to sell you any particular product or service; no solicitation of any kind will follow. While your report will provide specific strategies and recommendations, the report is yours alone and you are free to use its information as you desire. The information in your questionnaire and report will be completely confidential, and your name will not be given to any other company or organization.
How difficult is the questionnaire?
The power of the Financial Road Map lies in its high degree of relevance to your own situation. Thus, the questionnaire is very comprehensive in nature. But the questions are straightforward with most people able to complete it in under an hour.
Who will have access to the information in my questionnaire and personal report?
All information received from and sent to you will be kept strictly confidential. Your name will not be given to any other company or organization. If you complete the questionnaire and receive your report on the Internet, you don't even need to reveal your name or home address.
How long will it take to receive my personal Financial Road Map report?
You will receive the Financial Road Map personal report by mail within three weeks after submitting your personal questionnaire via mail. We also plan to spend a minimum of 45 minutes with you via phone to add further clarification and answer all of your questions.
What kind of guidance will I receive in my personal report and consultation?
The Financial Road Map will be fully comprehensive and personalized based upon your completed questionnaire. While no two of the 30-45 page reports are the same, all address these key financial areas:
|
|
- A clear view of what steps should be taken to improve your financial future
- Investing wisely (even if you're just starting)
- Show you how to participate in rising, falling and flat markets
- How to apply the correct investment strategy in your investment portfolio
- Obtaining the right kind of insurance at the best price
- Planning for major expenses like a new home or college
- Planning for a financially comfortable retirement and how to protect your nest egg
- Minimizing income taxes
- Econ 101 = Supply & Demand and the importance of understanding Sector Rotation
|
|
What's contained in my report?
Your personal report begins with a cover letter that summarizes your overall financial situation and highlights the two or three most important matters that you should keep in mind as you plan your financial future. These four sections follow the cover letter:
1. The Main Report explains in depth, but in understandable English, the important steps you should be taking in the following areas (but only if they pertain to your situation):
2. Investment Guidance. Because investing is so crucial to your financial future, a separate section of your report is devoted entirely to your investment situation. This section includes a diversified investment strategy that shows you how to diversify your investments, depending on your specific financial status. Learn how to protect and enhance your investment portfolios like the big financial institutions and learn about "smart" investment strategies. Learn about high probability investment strategies and why it is so critical for you to understand these concepts. Nobody cares more about your money than you, right?
3. Summary of Recommendations. While each report is different, the typical Financial Road Map report contains 40 to 60 different recommendations to help you achieve a better financial future. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of recommendations, so the priority listing of your report lists and explains each recommendation in order of priority so you can take immediate action on your most important financial matters.
What do I do after receiving and reviewing my Financial Road Map report?
The future is yours and your report will contain recommendations on actions you should take either on your own or when seeking additional guidance from attorneys, insurance agents, investment advisors, tax consultants, financial planners, banks and credit unions.
How to order the Financial Road Map
It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3
|
|
Use the following order form to request your questionnaire. You may complete and submit your questionnaire to our office by:
A. Completing the online questionnaire, which will take less than an hour. It's easy!
B. Ask us to mail you out a copy of the questionnaire, or if you prefer, by fax or email.
C. Completing the questionnaire by hand, and mailing or faxing it to our office. You will receive your questionnaire either by email or by return mail in a spiral bound report. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Financial Road Map is an in-depth, concise, no jargon personalized report created for you and is designed to help you achieve a better financial future. You will be armed with a powerful second opinion on matters that are relevant to your situation. |
|
|
|
"Five Keys to a Successful Retirement" |
|
|
|
|
|
1. Living beneath your means 2. Investing wisely 3. Eliminate debt 4. Prevent financial disruptions 5. Stay Healthy |
|
|
How the Financial Road Map Works
Most people can answer all of the 80 questions without having to refer to any of their financial records. It takes about 30 minutes to complete; even those who have to dig up some financial data report that they finish the questionnaire in less than an hour.
While the questionnaire itself is very straightforward, your responses provide information on every significant area of your financial life, including:
- Saving and investing
- Risk tolerance level
- Time horizons
- Liquidity needs
- How much money can you afford to have at risk?
- Your plans for the future
- Insurance coverage
- Your personal record keeping
- Your home or plans to buy a home
- Your income tax situation
- Planning your retirement (or, if you’re already retired, your future plans during retirement)
- Estate planning
- Special financial concerns you may have
- Your age, family status, and income
Your answers to the questionnaire will enable you to receive a report that is remarkably personalized.
- All information in the questionnaire is kept completely confidential, as are the contents of your report. The information isn’t sold or given to any individual or organization. We won’t try to sell you any other services, and you can be assured that we will not be contacting you at the dinner hour trying to sell you something. If you want an even higher level of confidentiality, you can submit the questionnaire by email and receive your report by email without providing your name and address. (Instructions for using this option are included with your questionnaire.)
- While most people fill out their questionnaire shortly after they receive it, you have up to one year to return it. The Financial Road Map is also an excellent birthday or wedding present, and a gift that your loved ones will not soon forget.
- Once you’ve completed the questionnaire, send it to our office either by mail, fax or email. Within three weeks, you will receive your personalized financial review report by return mail or within two weeks if you request your report by email. Depending on your own financial circumstances, your report will range in length from 30 to 45 pages. See below for a description of what’s contained in your report.
What's included in your personalized report
- Within three weeks (usually less) of sending in your completed questionnaire, you’ll receive your bound report by return mail or, you can choose to receive your report by email in just one week. The report is filled with information pertaining to your own financial situation. It provides guidance and recommendations that are based on your responses to the questionnaire, and takes into consideration your age, family status, income, and special needs that are indicated in your questionnaire.
- While no two Financial Road Map reports are alike (in fact, no two reports are anywhere near alike because everyone’s financial situation is unique), each report contains five sections.
1. The main report covers every relevant area of your financial life. Depending on your own financial situation, this section typically covers:
- Investing wisely and well – even if you’re just starting out
- Diversifying your investments – should I protect my portfolio with options, use trailing stops or do nothing?
- Obtaining the right kind of insurance at the right price, and closing gaps in your coverage
- Using credit to enhance your financial future, not impair it
- Planning for a financially comfortable retirement or thriving throughout your retirement years
- Paying for any major expenses that you may be contemplating – a home or college
- Taking maximum advantage of tax-saving opportunities
- Keeping better financial records
- Planning your estate to minimize expenses and ease the burden on your family
The main report is well organized and is written in easy-to-understand language that reviews your financial situation in a positive, encouraging manner. You’ll no longer have to approach your financial future with trepidation. The guidance contained in your report is both helpful and hopeful.
2. Priority list of recommendations. Everyone has a lot of room for improvement in their financial lives, even those who devote a lot of time to their personal finances. Since the Financial Road Map takes an in-depth look at every important area of your financial life, your report will make anywhere from 40 to 60 or more recommendations. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by so many recommendations, so each report contains a priority listing that lists the recommendations in order of priority so you’ll be able to attend to the most important ones first. And, like the main report and the investment recommendations (described below), your priority listing applies to your own financial status and needs. No two are alike.
3. Investment recommendations. The third part of your personalized report is a diversified investment strategy based on your own financial status, including the amount of money you have available to invest, whether your investments are in retirement accounts, taxable accounts, or both, and how comfortable you are with investment risk. Based on the information provided in your questionnaire, the Financial Road Map will suggest a way to diversify your investments as well as provide recommendations for investing wisely and well.
- One of the most-appreciated features of the Financial Road Map is that it doesn’t waste your time dealing with matters that don’t apply to you. For example, if you’ve got kids to educate, your report will give you some suggestions to help you surmount that financial hurdle. But if you don’t have kids or you’re an empty nester, your report won’t cover that subject. If you’re retired, your report will be vastly different from a report for working age people because your financial needs and concerns are different.
- In addition to the helpful guidance provided in their reports, one of the special features that people who take advantage of the Financial Road Map most appreciate is our objectivity. We are in the business of providing unbiased information to people of all financial circumstances. While our recommendations may not please some of the major financial institutions, you can be assured that we always have your best interests in mind. As opposed to virtually every other available personalized financial report (most of which cost 10 or 20 times more expensive than the Financial Road Map, we are not trying to steer you into certain financial products nor is anyone trying to sell you expensive financial services. Whether you use a financial advisor or handle your finances on your own, we believes you can take better control of your financial future, and this is exactly what your personalized report will help you do.
All information herein has been prepared solely for informational purposes and is not an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security. All investments come with the risk of losing money. Investing involves substantial risk, including complete loss of principal, plus other losses and may not be suitable for many members of the public. Investments, unlike savings and checking accounts at a commercial bank, are not insured by the FDIC to protect against market losses. Different market instruments carry different types of risk and you should familiarize yourself with the risks involved in the particular market instruments before you invest. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and any recommendations provided in your personalized Financial Road Map that you may implement. You should carefully evaluate whether the information is appropriate for you based upon your specific investment objectives, time horizons, and risk tolerance levels. Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors. Please read:
Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options
Career opportunities for Registered Investment Advisors with 10+ years of experience. Please respond in confidence to: Resumes@BarringtonCap.com