My approach with my clients is to look at their entire financial picture and the factors that influence their financial success.  This is not just about how much to put away or simply what investment has the greatest return. My clients receive advice that extends as far as their individual needs and goals…for instance, often my time consists of assisting various clients with:

• retirement and college financial planning
• investment planning
• estate planning
• establishing and consulting on: personal, small business and corporate qualified (IRA – type group plans) and non-qualified plans
• budgeting
• credit issues

All of these areas can directly affect the ability and outcome of the clients to meet their financial goals. I conduct an extremely thorough discovery process of both quantitative and qualitative data and then present my findings to the client. With their approval I then implement and continuously monitor a comprehensive plan, always taking into consideration their desired goals, timeframe, risk vs. return level, etc.

My relationships with clients often expand beyond traditional financial counseling and often includes addressing issues that clients face on a recurring basis. For instance:

• I often am asked to guide clients through the process creating/protecting/re-building their credit scores which assists them in a potential reduction of interest rates paid on secured and unsecured loans and debts including credit cards.
• Several new clients ask for my assistance with analyzing their personal budgets and business P & L’s to determine areas in which to reduce expenses and potentially increase discretionary income/profit
• Many times I serve as a sounding board or resource in areas outside of my main purview, such as the client who sought assistance in finding a replacement employee. I do not charge for the initial meeting(s) as my first purpose is to begin to develop a relationship and get to know prospective clients, learn your financial goals and investment attitudes through our conversations as well as discovery questionnaires and to determine if we will work well together moving forward. Subsequent to this meeting I will provide you with an in-depth financial plan, at no obligation. I find that I build better working relationships with this approach and have lost very few prospective clients. My goal is to make each person I meet feel relieved, confident, educated and excited about what I am able to offer. I see this as the foundation for building a life-long relationship.

I do not charge my clients additional fees, hourly or otherwise, for the ancillary services such as: budgeting, credit, mortgage or business issues. It is part of the services I offer. I am paid for my experience and time by one of two methods as outlined below. My clients choose, after being full appraised of their options and the differences between, whether they will benefit by:

1. Holding investments in a brokerage account and paying sales charges associated with their various investments (mutual funds, stocks, bonds, annuities, insurance policies, etc.), or
2. Holding investments in a fee based account, paying a 1% per year fee based upon the amount of assets held with my brokerage firm

The greatest payment and compliment, however, comes to me in the form of referrals to your clients, friends, family, and co-workers. I enjoy my clients immensely and find my chosen profession very rewarding and personally gratifying. I look forward to working together toward creating a personalized financial plan for you and your loved ones and most importantly, accomplishing your dreams.

Please feel free to ask me any questions, I look forward to meeting with you in the near future!

Christine Schiferl, AAMS, CRPS

Financial Consultant