Financial Planning

Everyone has different financial goals, values, and challenges.  First we take time to understand your unique situation and your financial constraints. We then work with you to develop strategies to help reach your goals. Finally, we lay out both short and long term targets to help track your progress towards your goals. Our speciality is providing an organized overview of your financial life so the next steps become clear.


Flexible

Whether you need help with financial planning in one specific area or a comprehensive plan focusing on all areas, our flexible fee structure allows us to customize our services to meet your needs.  We offer hourly, project based, and ongoing financial planning so that you can use as little or as much as you need. Our financial planning services include:

  • Initial meeting to understand your questions, goals and challenges
  • A review of different alternatives and what-if scenarios
  • Personal report outlining strategies to reach your goals
  • Short-term and long-term steps so you can put you plan in action
  • Option of ongoing financial planning to help you implement and track your plan

Common Areas of Discussion

Everyone’s situation is unique, but below are discussion topics that often come up during the financial planning process. You may need help in several areas or just one. Click on each to learn more.

Financial Topics

Retirement Planning

  • How much money should we be saving each year for retirement?
  • How much money do we need to have before we retire?

Budgeting

  • What’s the best way to set up a budget and track our expenditures?
  • What are some strategies to save money?
  • How much money do we spend each month and what do we spend it on?

Education Funding

  • How much should we start putting away for our children’s education?
  • How do we set up a 529 plan?

Debt Management

  • What are some strategies for getting out of debt?
  • How can we set up a budget to save more?

Goal Planning

  • How much should I be saving to reach my goals?
  • Can we make ends meet on one income?
  • How much can we afford to pay for a house?

Investments

  • Is our portfolio properly diversified?
  • What percentage of our portfolio should we have in fixed income?

Financial Topics 2

Estate Planning

  • Do we need a will or living trust?
  • Are there other documents we should have?

Insurance

  • Do we have enough coverage with our auto, home, health, disability, life, and umbrella policies?
  • Is there any other coverage we should have?

Employee Benefits

  • What employee benefits should I be taking advantage of?
  • How should I invest my 401K?

Real Estate Investments

  • Is this property a good investment?
  • What is the estimated income and cost of owning this property?

Tax Planning

  • How much taxes will we be paying this year?
  • What are some strategies to minimize our taxes?

Balance Financial Planning, LLC

5438 Shafter Avenue

Oakland, CA 94618

cheryl@balancefp.com

510.847.7432