Frequently asked questions
What does a financial advisor do?
A financial advisor can help you organize the different parts of your financial life and make informed decisions as your circumstances change. At M Financial Planning Services, our work may include financial planning, retirement planning, investment management, risk management, insurance planning, estate planning coordination, tax-aware planning and guidance for business owners. We also coordinate with your attorney, CPA and other professionals when their expertise is needed.
Who does M Financial Planning Services work with?
We work with individuals and families, professionals and executives, retirees, and business owners who want coordinated financial guidance. Many of our client relationships span multiple generations. We serve clients from our Marlton, New Jersey office and can work virtually with clients in other states where permitted.
Do I need to be retired or have a certain amount of money to work with you?
No. People seek financial advice at many stages of life, including while building a career, raising a family, running a business, approaching retirement, or managing wealth in retirement. The appropriate service and any applicable account or engagement minimums depend on your needs. An introductory conversation can help us determine whether our services are a good fit.
What is comprehensive financial planning?
Comprehensive financial planning looks at how the major areas of your financial life affect one another instead of treating each decision in isolation. Depending on your situation, a plan may address cash flow, retirement, investments, taxes, insurance, education funding, estate planning considerations, business interests and other goals. We help identify priorities, evaluate tradeoffs and turn recommendations into an organized course of action.
Can you help business owners?
Yes. We help business owners connect personal financial planning with the decisions they make for their companies. That may include retirement plan strategy, risk management, business continuity, succession and exit planning considerations, personal investment planning, and coordination with legal and tax professionals. The specific work depends on the owner, the business and the stage of the company.
Do you provide investment management without financial planning?
The scope of each relationship is based on the services selected and the applicable agreement. Some clients engage us for investment management, some for financial planning, and others use both. We believe investment decisions are strongest when they are connected to the purpose of the money, the client's time horizon and the rest of the financial plan.
How is M Financial Planning Services paid?
Our compensation depends on the services and products a client chooses. We may be paid through a financial planning fee or an investment management fee. We also sell life insurance, disability insurance and long-term care insurance. Our compensation comes from a combination of these methods. Investment management fees are generally based on assets managed. The way we will be paid, along with applicable costs and potential conflicts of interest, is discussed before a client enters into an agreement or purchases a product.
Are you a fiduciary?
When providing investment advisory services, we are required to act in the client's best interest. Our financial professionals may also offer brokerage or insurance services, which are governed by different standards, agreements and compensation arrangements. We will explain which capacity applies to the service being discussed so you can understand our responsibilities and how we are paid.
Do you prepare tax returns or legal documents?
No. We do not replace your CPA or attorney. We help identify financial planning issues that may require tax or legal advice, incorporate that professional guidance into the broader plan, and coordinate with your other advisors when appropriate. Tax and legal decisions should be reviewed with qualified professionals.
What happens during the first meeting?
The first conversation is an opportunity to discuss what prompted you to seek advice, what you want to accomplish and what is already in place. We will explain our approach, the services that may fit your needs, the information we would need, and how the relationship would be priced. You should leave with a clearer understanding of the next step, whether or not you decide to work with us.
What should I bring to an initial financial planning meeting?
Before the meeting, we will ask you to complete a brief online questionnaire to give us a basic picture of your financial situation, goals and concerns. Some questions may not apply to you, and you do not need to gather every financial document at this stage. If we decide to work together, we will let you know what additional information or documents are needed to begin the planning process.
Can you work with my CPA and estate planning attorney?
Yes. Financial decisions often cross professional boundaries. With your permission, we can coordinate with your CPA, attorney and other professionals so that financial recommendations are considered alongside relevant tax and legal guidance.
How do I get started?
Schedule an introductory conversation with our team. We will learn what you are looking for, answer your questions and help determine which service, if any, is appropriate.
Important disclosures
LPL Financial Form CRS. Review LPL Financial's relationship summary, including information about brokerage and advisory services, fees, compensation and conflicts of interest: LPL Financial Form CRS.
M Financial Planning Services Form ADV Part 2A. Review the current firm record and disclosure documents for M Financial Planning Services, Inc. (firm CRD 121207): Investment Adviser Public Disclosure firm page.
