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2. How do you create this blueprint? First we focus on your goals, objectives, priorities and values. For instance: the reduction of current and future income taxes may be an immediate goal, funding a quality education for your children and/or grandchildren may be an intermediate goal, and enjoying a secure financial future in your retirement years is likely to be one of your most important long-term goals. Another great goal in life for some people is creating wealth and/or leaving a legacy for your chosen beneficiaries or charities. You may already be on the road to meeting these objectives and simply need a new strategy, professional insight, or to fine-tune your plan. You may just be starting out, or you may be somewhere in between. Whatever your unique situation may be, everyone needs a periodic assessment of where they are on the road to meeting their financial goals. That's why we do an in-depth review of your current financial situation. Next, you need to know how you can set about achieving (or continue working toward) your financial goals. By focusing on cash flow, investments, taxes, pensions and retirement plans, estate planning, insurance issues, savings opportunities and other general financial matters, we design a customized financial plan for you. Finally, to achieve the intended results, you must implement and monitor your plan.

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3. Sounds like a lot of work! It may seem like that at first, but the good news is, if you follow your plan and maintain a disciplined approach, you can rest well knowing you can reach your stated goals. We try to make the process as easy as possible for you. In addition to receiving professional advice on your most important financial concerns, we can also provide implementation and ongoing asset management services, if appropriate for your needs.

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4. Who can benefit most from your services? Any individual seeking financial peace of mind can benefit from our services. We serve people at all income levels, from all walks of life. Clients have the flexibility to work with us on either a one-time, as-needed basis or an ongoing basis. We welcome clients who simply need a one-time financial consultation or a second opinion, as well as those who need comprehensive financial planning and possible ongoing asset management services. In addition, any organization or group seeking financial education for their members can benefit from our financial education programs

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5. Is your firm a Registered Investment Advisor? All Garrett Planning Network Member firms are Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs); RIAs must comply with a host of regulations designed to protect the consumer. One important question you should always ask when considering a financial planner's services: "May I please have a copy of your ADV Part II?" This document contains important information about the planner's qualifications, fiduciary duties, history of any past violations, etc. We would be happy to send you a copy of our ADV Part II. Personal Financial Solutions, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor only in the state of Oklahoma and we serve clients who live in Oklahoma.

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6. I understand the benefits of working with a financial planner who charges an hourly fee; what happens when I might need to obtain financial products. How will I be able to do that? We will offer specific recommendations and opinions regarding the purchase of the various financial products that may be appropriate for you. So, if you need to obtain an insurance policy, invest in a portfolio of mutual funds, or find an estate planning attorney or tax professional, we can direct you to the resources you need and/or help you obtain these products and services. If appropriate, we can also help you implement your plan and set up your accounts.

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7. Do you provide only comprehensive financial planning? No. Although a comprehensive financial plan can provide the greatest benefits, we can limit our advisory services to your specific needs, such as cash management and budgeting, investment analysis or college education funding.

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8. My spouse and I are just beginning to build for our financial future. There is so much to learn! We need help and guidance to get started. Will you accept us as clients? Yes. Some firms have income levels and/or net worth minimums but we realize that everyone has financial needs. We are proud to work with people from all income levels, and all walks of life. Remember, "You don't have to have a fortune to start building one."

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9. I have already accumulated substantial assets and think I am doing quite well. But as I progress and build for the future, things seem to be getting more complicated. I want to be sure I am on track, but I don't always have the time or inclination to manage the myriad of details by myself. Can you help me? Yes. People who need more sophisticated financial planning or advice will find our services appealing and beneficial. If you have a desire to simplify your financial affairs, one of our Ongoing Client Programs may be right for you (see phase 2 of Building a Brighter Financial Future.) If you are looking for a professional review or a second opinion to ensure you are on track, we can provide that, too.

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10. I'm several years from retirement, can you help me determine if I have enough accumulated to provide the income I need and want? Yes. Several years before retirement is an excellent time to be reviewing what you have accumulated so far, determining what your plans are for retirement, and making sure you are on track for meeting your goals. While retirement accumulations should be periodically reviewed throughout your working career, adjustments may be more critical now so that you can increase your contributions if needed or make adjustments in the way your retirement account is invested. This is also a good time to establish a "base plan" to make comparisons to when you are in retirement so that you can better monitor the resources you have available to produce your income during retirement.

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11. What types of securities do you provide advice for? We provide advice for the most common types of securities including mutual funds, stocks (as they relate to your portfolio holdings), bonds, bank deposits, and variable and fixed annuities. We also provide advice on budgeting and cash flow issues, 401(k), 403(b) and other retirement programs, stock options, life and disability insurance, long-term care insurance, etc. If it has to do with money and finances, we can provide counseling, guidance and/or resources for you. Because we want our clients to know that they can call on us with any and all of their financial concerns, we have developed the slogan "Financial Planning and Advice for Everyday Life." Clients are encouraged to call us when they have a major life event, such as a new job, a baby, a marriage or divorce, or if they are planning to buy a new home. We also encourage our clients to call us with more common everyday questions, such as: "How should I invest within my 401(k) or 403(b) plan?" "How can I reduce my taxes?" "How can I maximize my Flex Spending Account, Cafeteria Plan or Section 125 Plan at work?"

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12. If I have you develop a financial plan, am I obligated to purchase the recommended products? Absolutely not. We will offer recommendations which in our professional opinion will meet your needs and objectives, but you are under no obligation to purchase them. In today's competitive market, it makes sense to shop around for the best available product or service. For instance, if you need to obtain a life insurance or disability policy, we will suggest the kind of policy, which riders and what amounts may be best for you. We will then direct you to a choice of companies that can provide a quality product at competitive prices for you. If you wish, we can help you purchase investments and/or set up your accounts with a third-party custodian such as a discount broker.

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13. Tell me about your investment philosophy. As a financial planner and investment consultant, I believe in the following fundamental principals with regard to designing an investment portfolio and making specific recommendations:

The purpose of a client's investment portfolio is to fund current and/or future financial objectives. The design of the portfolio must take into account the client's values, financial objectives, tolerance for risk, need for current income or liquidity, the potential impact of inflation, and special considerations such as income and taxes. The important thing to remember is that no one can predict the future. It is difference of opinion that makes a market. Investment and economic "experts" provided with the same information often come to different conclusions. I do not suggest that I can, or that any of the money or mutual fund managers that I recommend, will make the correct decision every time. I do believe, however, that studying the historic trends and relationships of investment classes and the philosophies and approaches of successful investment managers can provide valuable insight. The appropriate allocation of investment assets for your goals and risk tolerance is the most important component in developing an investment portfolio. I believe that having a diversified, well-balanced portfolio, following long-term buy-and-hold strategies, and having patience, will increase the likelihood that one will achieve their long-term financial objectives.

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14. How do you select investments for a client? Before we recommend any investment, we consider the current economic conditions, the outlook for that asset class or type of security and how this investment fits within your portfolio given your objectives and tolerance for risk. For equity investments, we focus on the philosophies, experience and track record of the management team, as well as both the risk and return of the investment. With fixed income investments, we look for the best yield available for a given quality of security. As fiduciaries for our clients, we strive to obtain the most appropriate investment vehicles to meet your objectives, while being very conscious of total expenses and risk exposure.

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15. How do you price your financial planning services? The fees are based on the actual time involved in meeting with you in person or over the phone, researching and analyzing your current situation, and providing specific recommendations and implementation assistance (if appropriate). An estimate of fees will be provided when your needs have been fully identified.

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16. How much will my financial plan cost? Financial planning fees are determined on a project basis; the total fee for a financial plan will vary from client to client based on the specific needs and complexity of your situation (please see our diagram Building a Brighter Financial Future to learn about our financial planning sequence and the client service options available). An estimate is provided when your personal needs are fully identified. Once your financial plan is complete, there are generally two or three levels of client/advisor relationships available to you(for more information, see Phase 2 of Building a Brighter Financial Future diagram).

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17. Are your fees tax deductible? They may be. It is always best to check with your tax advisor to determine this for your particular situation. Section 212 of the Internal Revenue Code permits an itemized deduction for tax and/or investment advice in the miscellaneous section of Schedule A. It is subject to a 2% floor of the adjusted gross income on a personal tax return.

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18. Once my financial plan is completed, will our relationship end? Depending on your client track, the actual engagement of services may end (please refer to Phase 2 of Seven Steps to Building a Brighter Financial Future), but the majority of our clients choose some sort of Continuing Client Program. Because financial planning is a process, not an event, we offer ongoing services, periodic reviews and day-to-day consultation as requested and/or needed.

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How can I get started? The first step is an initial inquiry from you. Call us at (405)533-2533 or email us at lschroed@brightok.net. As a Garrett Planning Network Member, we offer an initial no-cost, no-obligation Get Acquainted Meeting, either on the phone or in our office. For Get Acquainted Meetings, appointments are scheduled based on availability during regular business hours of 9-5, Monday through Friday. Expanded office hours are available to accommodate special needs or emergency situations. Should you decide to engage our services, we will discuss which of our services and client tracks is appropriate for you. Most clients find the financial planning process to be stimulating and enlightening. The end result, of course, is greater peace of mind. We look forward to helping YOU build a brighter financial future!

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