In addition, we send follow-up letters after each meeting. These include detailed notes about what occurred at the meeting and the next steps for the planner and client. As you can see, this is a very comprehensive process and we know that it is labor-intensive. But frankly, if we are to be true financial life planners, we feel that all of it is necessary. Our clients certainly appreciate the attention we pay to things that are important to them. Recently, a new client turned to her spouse and said, "This is what we've been looking for but have been unable to find for years."
Much is being discussed in Washington, D.C., and in other circles about the regulation of financial services, products and planning. One welcome regulation would be that only people who actually practice financial planning be permitted to say they do. That is when planning will be universally recognized as the true profession that it is for so many. As Deena Katz wrote, "The plan is not a means to sell product, but a formalized framework for guiding clients through their decision process." For us at RTD, it is the essence of who we are and
what we do.