Financial Planning
MYTHS

Spiritus Financial Planning
TRUTHS

Myth #1
The advice I receive will lead to a sales pitch.

Not at Spiritus, we are strictly fee-only. A fee-only financial planner is one who does not sell financial products, period. No annuities, stocks, mutual funds and no life insurance. We offer expert financial advice for a flat or hourly fee. The advice you receive is objective and most importantly puts your best interests first.

Myth #2
I can't afford a financial plan, it costs too much.

It cost too much not to seek professional advice. We designed comprehensive financial planning services with genuine value and affordability built into our fee structure.

Myth #3
Financial Planning is just about investments.

Not at Spiritus.
Our comprehensive financial planning includes:

• Cash flow planning
• Income tax planning
• Retirement income planning
• Risk and asset protection planning
• Estate tax planning
• Asset allocation strategies to reflect your goals
• Investment review and planning

Investing is but one element of a successful financial plan. Our goal is to look at your entire financial picture. Like a conductor of a symphony orchestra, the role of your financial planner is making certain that all the elements together create harmony.

Myth #4
Financial Planning is only for the wealthy.

Financial planning is how the wealthy became wealthy. Financial planning is for everyone. Because everyone, regardless of income or net worth, has dreams, goals, and aspirations. And everyone, is entitled to receive objective and trustworthy professional financial advice.

Myth #5
Financial planning can wait until I am ready to retire.

It wasn’t long ago our average life expectancy was 75. Now, most financial planners use 90 years as average life expectancy. Will you have enough money to carry you through until 90 years of age? Living longer means that long-term financial planning is more essential than ever. Early planning leads to a secure and carefree life that you deserve.

Myth #6
I'm too busy, It will take too much time.

Our financial planning process is designed for people with busy lives. Spiritus can offer you several options of working with us, including phone meetings, conference calls and utilizing the internet for consultations. Because we value your time and ours, we have streamlined the paperwork process, and as a result, the majority of our time together can be spent planning for your secure future.

Myth #7
Numbers baffle me - I'll never understand a financial plan.

We are a small independent firm. We are going to take the time necessary to understand your individual needs and to answer your questions. Part of our work together involves education as well as implementation. Working with numbers is not easy for many people, but we make it as fun and informative as possible. Whether you are at a beginner, moderate or advanced level of financial knowledge, our commitment is that you not only understand your financial plan, but implement it as well.

Myth #8
Discussing money makes me uncomfortable.

It's true - money is often considered to be a 'taboo' subject, something many people are uncomfortable with or even afraid to discuss. Our approach to financial planning is both light-hearted and respectful of the profound (and often conflicted) issues it can raise in every person's life. Although finance is admittedly a 'dry' topic, we work hard to keep it light. Humor is encouraged, even though the results you can expect are serious and effective.

Myth #9
You just plug some numbers into a financial website and out pops a financial plan.

Our financial plans are highly personalized and tailored to your unique circumstances. Some clients require an emphasis on tax planning, others, cash flow and yet others need retirement income planning. As experts in the field, we pay close attention to the ever changing financial landscape and tax law changes, so you don’t have to. Regardless of your individual needs, we will create a financial plan that is custom designed for your success.