Our Financial Planning Process
At Robert Miller, we believe that financial planning is a lifelong journey, and our process is designed to be thorough, transparent, and tailored to your specific needs. We work alongside you to help you achieve your financial goals with a structured approach that evolves as your life changes. Here's how we work together:
1. Initial Consultation & Discovery
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Objective: Understand your financial situation, goals, and aspirations.
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What Happens: We begin with a no-obligation, initial meeting where we get to know you and your financial objectives. During this session, we discuss your current financial status, including income, expenses, debts, investments, and any existing retirement or estate plans. We also talk about your short-term and long-term goals, whether it’s saving for retirement, buying a home, protecting your wealth, or leaving a legacy.
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Outcome: We’ll gain a clear understanding of where you are now and what you want to achieve, setting the stage for a personalised financial plan.
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2. Comprehensive Financial Assessment & Analysis
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Objective: Build a detailed picture of your financial situation.
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What Happens: Based on the information gathered, we conduct a thorough review of your finances. This includes analysing:
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Your cash flow (income vs. expenses)
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Investment portfolios and asset allocation
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Retirement savings and pension plans
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Insurance coverage (life, health, critical illness, etc.)
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Estate and inheritance tax considerations
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Current debt, tax status, and other liabilities
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Outcome: We will identify any gaps, areas for improvement, and potential opportunities for you to make more efficient use of your resources.
3. Tailored Financial Strategy & Plan Development
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Objective: Create a personalised plan to meet your financial goals.
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What Happens: Based on the assessment, we develop a bespoke financial plan that aligns with your goals. This may include:
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Retirement Planning: Projections for retirement savings and income needs, including pension plans, investment strategies, and tax-efficient saving methods.
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Investment Strategy: A portfolio designed to match your risk tolerance and financial objectives, focusing on growth, income, or a balanced approach.
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Tax & Estate Planning: Strategies to minimize inheritance tax and ensure your estate is passed on according to your wishes.
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Insurance Recommendations: Ensuring you’re adequately covered for health, life, and income protection.
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Outcome: A clear, actionable roadmap outlining the steps needed to achieve your financial goals, with tailored recommendations and strategies.
4. Implementation of the Plan
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Objective: Put the financial plan into action.
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What Happens: Once you approve the plan, we begin implementing the strategies. This might involve:
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Setting up new investment accounts or pension funds
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Rebalancing existing portfolios
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Organising insurance coverage or trusts
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Coordinating with legal professionals (e.g., for estate planning or wills)
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Setting up tax-efficient savings plans or restructuring debt
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Outcome: The financial plan is actively put into motion, with regular updates and monitoring to ensure the strategies are on track.
5. Regular Monitoring & Ongoing Review
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Objective: Ensure that the plan remains aligned with your evolving goals and market changes.
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What Happens: Financial planning is an ongoing process. We meet with you regularly (typically annually or as needed) to:
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Review your financial progress and the performance of investments
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Adjust strategies based on life changes (e.g., marriage, children, retirement, etc.)
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Revaluate your goals and make any necessary tweaks
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Ensure that your plan remains tax-efficient and relevant to changing legislation
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Outcome: We help you stay on track and adjust to any new opportunities, risks, or life changes that may affect your financial situation.
6. Continuous Support & Advice
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Objective: Be your trusted partner throughout your financial journey.
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What Happens: As life and financial markets evolve, you may need ongoing guidance. Our team is available to provide advice on any financial decisions that arise, from purchasing property to adjusting your retirement plans or planning for new financial milestones.
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Outcome: You have a trusted adviser by your side to help navigate both expected and unexpected financial changes, ensuring your plan is always aligned with your current and future goals.
Why Choose Our Process?
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Personalised Approach: Your financial plan is custom-built around your specific goals and circumstances.
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Holistic Strategy: We take all areas of your finances into account—retirement, investments, taxes, insurance, estate planning—to create a cohesive, long-term plan.
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Transparent Communication: You’ll always know where you stand with clear, straightforward advice and regular updates.
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Ongoing Partnership: Financial planning isn’t a one-time event; we’re here for you every step of the way, adjusting and evolving your plan as your life progresses.