Process Step 1

Schedule a Call

We want to hear what you’re hoping to achieve for your retirement and what your pain points are. We’ll also answer any questions you may have, and we’ll explain our expertise and how we operate.

If you’d like to move forward, we will request a few important documents to be provided to us before we meet again.

Process Step 2

Discover Values & Goals

The next step is an in-person (or virtual) meeting. During this 1-hour meeting, we will listen to understand your situation completely and hone in on your values and goals. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions. We're an open book. We encourage both spouses to attend to be a part of the process.

After the meeting, decide if Birchwood is a good fit for your situation. There's never a "hard sell" or any pressure to move forward with us. We'll even offer a few alternative firms if needed.

Process Step 3

Draft the 'Blueprint'

Welcome to Birchwood! This 3-phase process is designed for us to systematically formulate a financial plan for you and walk you through exactly what you need to understand in retirement.

Phase 1: Cash Flow | Income is the bedrock of your retirement. We'll analyze your current retirement trajectory and coordinate your portfolio income with other factors like Social Security, RMDs and the things you hope to spend your money on. You'll be able to see a projection of your income throughout retirement. We call this our 'Roots' meeting.

Phase 2: Investments & Taxes | Once we understand what we're planning for, we can see what your investments need to do to support your income. We'll formulate a strategy together and let you ask all the questions you want. Coupled with your investments, we'll analyze how to reduce how much you pay in taxes. We'll provide specific recommendations to optimize your plan. This is our 'Sequoia' meeting

Phase 3: Risk Management | We call this final meeting our 'Canopy'. Here we'll review all your insurance policies to make sure you are properly covered and not overpaying. We'll also analyze your current estate plan and help you understand how all the pieces fit together.

Process Step 4

Retire Confidently

After the Birchwood Blueprint, we'll meet with you each Spring and Fall and continue to track and make adjustments as things progress. If something comes up, we're always a phone call or email away.