Finwise

How We Build Your Financial Plan

Our method follows a clear sequence: we assess your current position, define realistic targets, and then adjust the plan as markets and your life change. Each stage has a concrete deliverable, so you always know what has been completed and what comes next.

1. Initial Review and Data Gathering

We start by collecting your financial statements, tax returns, insurance policies, and any existing investment accounts. This takes about two weeks and gives us a complete picture of your cash flow, debts, and assets before we recommend anything.

2. Goal Setting and Risk Assessment

We discuss your retirement timeline, spending needs, and tolerance for market swings. Using a structured questionnaire and a follow-up conversation, we agree on a target return range and a maximum drawdown you can live with. No vague promises, just numbers we can measure.

3. Portfolio Construction and Documentation

Based on your goals, we build a diversified portfolio using low-cost index funds and ETFs. You receive a written investment policy statement that explains each holding, the expected costs, and the rebalancing rules we will follow. This document is yours to keep.

4. Implementation and Account Setup

We help you open or transfer accounts, set up automatic contributions, and place the initial trades. This phase typically takes one to three weeks depending on your current provider. We handle the paperwork and coordinate with your bank or broker directly.

5. Quarterly Reviews and Rebalancing

Every three months we review your portfolio against the policy statement. We rebalance when allocations drift by more than five percent, harvest tax losses when appropriate, and update your plan if your income or expenses have changed.

6. Annual Plan Update and Reporting

Once a year we produce a full report: performance net of fees, contributions made, and progress toward your retirement target. We also revisit your assumptions about inflation, life expectancy, and spending to keep the plan grounded in reality.

What Our Method Actually Covers

A step-by-step framework for building a portfolio that matches your goals, timeline, and tolerance for market swings. No shortcuts, no promises of quick gains.

Start with a Clear Financial Snapshot

We begin by mapping your income, expenses, debts, and existing savings. This baseline tells us how much you can realistically invest each month without disrupting your day-to-day finances.

Set a Timeline That Matches Your Goals

Retirement in ten years calls for a different approach than a house deposit in three. We align your asset allocation with the time you actually have, not a generic template.

Choose Low-Cost, Diversified Building Blocks

Most portfolios we build rely on broad-market ETFs and a small set of individual stocks. The focus stays on fees, liquidity, and long-term compounding rather than chasing trends.

Plan for Inflation and Withdrawals

We stress-test your plan against rising prices and sequence-of-returns risk. The goal is a withdrawal strategy that keeps your purchasing power intact through retirement.

Review Quarterly, Adjust When Needed

Markets move and life changes. We schedule regular check-ins to rebalance your portfolio and update your plan when your salary, family situation, or risk appetite shifts.

Know What We Will Not Do

We do not recommend speculative assets, leverage, or market timing. If a strategy depends on predicting short-term moves, it stays out of your plan. That is a boundary, not a limitation.