Planning Basics

Some planning work is simply calendar-driven: what to check at the start of the year, what to close out before it ends, and which ages bring new rules or opportunities. Missing a deadline is often more expensive than making a small mistake.

This topic also covers the fundamentals — what a fiduciary is, how fee-only advice works, and what an annual review should actually cover. These are the building blocks that make the rest of the plan easier to understand.

Use the checklists and reference guides here to prepare for meetings, track important dates, and keep your financial household organized. The best plans are the ones you can maintain without stress.