Do I have enough money to work with a financial planner?

There's no asset minimum. Kevin will tell you if the plan wouldn't justify its cost.

I don't know what I have yet. Can I still start?

Yes. You don't need to organize anything before starting.

Will someone explain things in language I understand?

Yes. Kevin explains recommendations in plain terms and welcomes questions.

My longtime advisor retired. Do I have to move my accounts?

No. With Financial Planning, your accounts stay put; you decide which recommendations to follow.

Can a family member or friend join the meetings?

Yes. Tell us you're comfortable with them joining, and we'll note it in your file.

How quickly do I need to make decisions?

Most can wait. Your plan separates urgent steps from decisions to make later.

Is tax preparation included?

No. Tax planning is part of your plan, but tax return preparation isn't. It's offered separately by Step By Step Tax Solutions, LLC, a separate firm also owned by Kevin, under its own engagement letter. It's optional, and many of our clients keep their own tax preparer.

Reading glasses resting on a stack of notebooks beside a mug in a sunlit living room.

You're responsible for the finances now. Here's where to start.

After a loss, inheritance, or an advisor's retirement, you may be asking: What do I have, and am I going to be OK?

Get a written plan for what to do next. You don't need the right questions to start.

Talk About Where to Start

Where do I start?

Start with urgent needs; postpone decisions you can't undo.

Check these first:

Bills and income. Track income and bills; keep automatic payments funded.
Insurance. Keep premiums paid and file life insurance claims if needed.
Access. Confirm logins or find someone who can help.
Big decisions. Delay home sales, account moves, and new financial products.

What accounts do I have?

Build an inventory of accounts, pensions, insurance, property, and debts. Know each one's value, location, and beneficiaries.

How do I organize everything?

You don't need to sort documents before calling. Kelly Payne, FPQP™, helps you identify missing records and organize them securely.

Can I afford my current lifestyle?

Your plan tests whether income and savings support your spending. If not, it shows what needs to change.

What should I do with an inheritance?

Keep it safe while you consider:

Inherited IRAs. Many non-spouse beneficiaries must empty accounts within 10 years; annual withdrawals may also apply.
Investments and property. A date-of-death cost basis can reduce tax on a sale.
Spouses. Options may include treating an inherited IRA as their own.

Your plan fits the inheritance to your goals.

If your spouse has died

Check these changes early:

Social Security. Generally, you keep the larger benefit, not both; claiming rules apply.
Taxes. Joint filing generally ends after the year of death, potentially raising taxes.
Accounts and titles. Update ownership and beneficiaries where needed.

Your plan prioritizes the steps.

Are my beneficiaries and insurance right?

Beneficiary forms can override your will. Your plan identifies updates to beneficiaries, insurance, and estate documents, with attorney referrals when needed.