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  • Writer's pictureNicholas Pihl

8 Things You Need In Your Financial Plan

Updated: Feb 13

1. Net Worth Statement/Personal Balance Sheet

a) Current assets

b) Long term assets

c) Debt


2. Cash Flow Summary

a) Inflows

b) Savings

c) Outflows


3. Cash Reserve

a) How much cash on hand do you need to:

i) Cover expenses

ii) Maximize opportunities


4. Debt Management

a) How much is too much?

b) Good debt vs bad debt

c) Repayment options


5. Retirement Plan

a) What amount of wealth do you need to retire?

b) How much do you need to save each year to get there?


6. Investing Plan

a) Asset Allocation

i) Do you have the right mix of investments?

b) Asset Location

i) Are those investments held in the right accounts?

c) Tax Loss Harvesting

i) Are you using volatility to decrease your tax bill?

d) Cost and Quality Review

7. Insurance Review

a) Coverage

i) What types of coverage do you need?

ii) How much coverage do you need?

b) Cost


8. Estate Planning

a) Do you have a valid will? Have you reviewed it in the last 3 years?

b) Are all accounts titled appropriately, complete with beneficiary designations?

c) Are all other assets titled appropriately, and placed in an appropriate trust?

d) Have you spoken with an estate attorney? (for larger, or more complex estates)

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