Several years ago, a client in the middle of her high-earning years asked us if she was financially able to retire. We told her that there are no simple formulae or shortcuts. Instead, as we explained, answering that question is a step-by-step process. More specifically, the best way to answer her question was to assign numbers to all of the key variables, do the math, and come up with the value of her portfolio at various points down the road. In this and all cases, healthy asset appreciation? The retirement years beckon. Alternatively, serious asset erosion? The client’s timing is not the best. Anyway, in this particular case, we rendered the verdict and concluded afterward that a worthwhile Nottinghill service had been born.
In the years since, the analysis provided to that client has been refined and given a name, the Path Ahead process. That process and the answers it provides have been discussed with many clients. Bottom line: We have issued many Path Ahead reports providing clients with detailed road maps for the next five, 10, even 20 years, and answering specific financial planning-type questions that the clients may have had.
So, the Path Ahead process has been around for a while, and we have told the story on a couple of occasions in the past. The time is right, however, to make sure everyone is aware of the process and the valuable information the process provides. What exactly is that information? Think of it this way…a client believes (correctly) that the future is uncertain and that he or she needs a financial plan with which to navigate that uncertainty. Well, such plans in fact are out there and they can come with more facts, figures, and detail than any client would want and can cost $3,000-5,000 or more. What we have found, however, is that 80-90% of the financial planning-type information clients want is simply the answer to one of two questions: When can I retire? Under what post-retirement circumstances will my assets be depleted?
Where does that leave us? First and foremost, we want to make sure that all friends of the Firm know that this Path Ahead analysis exists and how valuable the Path Ahead answers can be. We also want to introduce formally the process as a separate offering of Nottinghill Investment Advisers, Ltd. Therefore, as of January 1, we will be offering the Path Ahead analysis to clients and non-clients alike as a standalone investment service. Valuable information for clients and non-clients at a far more reasonable price in both cases.
We are excited to offer the Path Ahead analysis as a standalone service. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.