A Financial Assessment

I started my career assuming
A comprehensive plan was everything
Because most advisors sold stuff
And no one gave advice 

So I built the big, expensive holistic thing for everyone 

HENRY’s and big AUM clients needed it
But the majority of my friends didn’t 
Most people I knew didn’t need that thing
They just wanted a deeper conversation

The cost of delivering the “whole enchilada” pushed our RIA up-market 

Most advisors I know say 
“Hey Reese, we give advice to everyone! 
Not just the wealthy.”
But I’m not persuaded

Most service models only function well with big AUM

Those folks, truly, would have been okay without you 
It’s fine that you’re involved 
It’s a beautiful way to make a living
And those wonderful clients are my friends, too 

But, with few exceptions, they would have been fine without you

What if we innovated our business model 
Instead of thinking about the big, comprehensive thing
What if money was just a deep, meaningful conversation
An inflection point, using tons of data 

What if we did quick financial assessments
For lots of friends 
They fill out a scorecard
And you give them your point of view 

And what if we did that for free? 

I think if we did that we would have more clients
And we would help more people
To feel better about their money
Know that they have a resource

And make better financial decisions, so they can live their present lives to the fullest.