Financial planning is a multi-step process that starts with an in-depth review of your current financial situation, and results in a customized plan that shows you how to achieve your goals and objectives. The process follows these seven steps:

  1. Data gathering
  2. Identifying goals
  3. Analyzing alternate paths of action
  4. Developing financial plan recommendations
  5. Presenting recommendations
  6. Implementing recommendations
  7. Monitoring progress and updating the plan