The Client Experience

Step 1

Discovery Meeting

Every relationship begins with a conversation. We discuss your financial goals, family considerations, professional situation, current planning strategies, and any areas where you would like additional guidance. The discovery meeting gives us an initial understanding of your financial situation, planning priorities, and expectations for an advisory relationship.

This meeting is also an opportunity for you to learn about Praetorian Guard. We explain how we work, who we typically serve, and what you can expect from the planning process. A successful advisory relationship requires alignment, trust, and open communication. The discovery meeting helps both parties determine whether moving forward is appropriate.

Step 2

Formalize Relationship

If we both decide there is a mutual fit, we formalize the relationship and establish the foundation for the planning engagement. During this stage, we review and execute the agreements that define the scope of our services, establish responsibilities, and outline how we will work together.

This step marks the beginning of our fiduciary relationship. From that point forward, we are obligated to act in your best interest and provide advice aligned with your goals and circumstances. Clear expectations at the outset create a strong foundation for the planning process and ensure both parties have a shared understanding of objectives, services, and ongoing communication.

Step 3

Financials Review

A comprehensive review of your financial life allows us to move beyond assumptions and work from a complete picture. We gather and analyze information related to your investments, retirement plans, cash flow, taxes, insurance, estate planning documents, business interests, and other relevant assets or liabilities.

Many financial decisions influence one another. A portfolio decision may have tax implications. A liquidity event may affect estate planning objectives. Retirement planning likely influences current cash flow and investment strategies. Our review process is designed to identify these connections and evaluate how each component fits within the broader structure of your financial life.

Step 4

Developing a Financial Plan

After completing our analysis, we begin building a personalized planning framework designed around your goals, priorities, and decision-making needs. We evaluate the relationships between different financial decisions and develop recommendations that support a coordinated long-term strategy.

As part of this process, we use sophisticated financial planning and modeling software to analyze potential outcomes, test assumptions, and evaluate how important planning decisions affect you and those you care about. More importantly, our experienced advisors translate that analysis into clear, practical guidance. Rather than presenting complex charts or technical projections without context, we walk clients through the planning process in a way that is straightforward, understandable, and relevant to their situation.

The result is a financial plan that provides structure for future decisions and a clearer understanding of how today's choices may influence future opportunities.

Step 5

Presentation & Alignment

Once the plan is complete, we meet to review our findings, discuss recommendations, and answer questions. Our goal is not simply to present a document: we want you to understand the rationale behind each recommendation and gain confidence in the path forward.

We discuss potential opportunities, tradeoffs, and implementation considerations. Some recommendations may be straightforward, while others may require coordination with attorneys, accountants, or other professionals. This stage allows us to confirm priorities, refine strategies where appropriate, and establish alignment before moving forward with implementation.

Step 6

Plan Execution & Monitoring

Financial planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Life changes, tax laws evolve, markets fluctuate, and new opportunities emerge. Continued guidance helps ensure that your strategy remains aligned with your objectives as circumstances change.

We assist with implementing agreed-upon recommendations and continue to monitor progress through annual reviews and ongoing communication. As your life evolves, we evaluate whether any adjustments are warranted across your entire financial picture, and we stand ready to help you implement those adjustments.

Our role is to provide disciplined, long-term guidance that is easy to implement and simplifies your financial life.