Meeting with a financial planner can be a helpful step when you’re thinking about your future, especially if you’re looking to get organized or want another perspective on your finances and what they might look like during retirement. You don’t need to have everything figured out ahead of time, but a little preparation can make your first meeting more productive and less overwhelming.
Financial planner isn’t an official title or designation but a term that generally describes a financial professional who assist clients with the financial aspects of their life, including long term goals.
Know What You Want to Talk About
Before the meeting, think about what’s been on your mind. You don’t need exact answers, but identifying a few topics can help guide the conversation. Here are a few examples that people often bring up during their first visit:
- How much they might spend each month during retirement
- Saving for a home, education, or other big goals and how that might impact retirement planning
- Questions about retirement accounts
- Taxes or insurance and how they relate to retirement planning
You don’t need to build a full spreadsheet before meeting with a planner, but having some basic information on hand may help move the conversation along. Some people bring documents like bank statements, retirement account summaries, or a basic budget, but even a rough idea of your income and expenses is a useful starting point.
Try to write down or think through the following:
| Information | Example Details |
| Income | Paychecks, Social Security, rental income |
| Expenses | Rent or mortgage, utilities, food, transportation |
| Assets | Checking/savings accounts, retirement funds, property |
| Goals for Retirement | Travel, legacy planning, lifestyle desires, etc. |
You may not have exact numbers for everything, and that’s okay. The goal is to help the planner understand your current situation so they can ask questions or offer input based on your needs.
Look Ahead Without Pressure
Thinking long-term doesn’t mean you need a perfect plan. It just means considering how your choices today might shape the future. You may find that talking to a financial planner helps you see new possibilities or feel more in control of the road ahead.
Many people feel uncertain or even behind when it comes to money. According to NerdWallet, 79% of Americans are concerned about their financial situation, and 39% report a lack of retirement funds as a cause1. Starting the conversation may help you identify what matters most to you, whether that’s a specific goal, or just wanting more clarity around your finances.
Contact Vantage Point to schedule a time to talk and see how a planner may support your financial thinking, whether you have specific goals or want to learn how we can help you live retirement boldly and on your terms.
Citations:
- Four Frequent Money Worries – And What To Do About Them, NerdWallet, Accessed July 29, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/money-worries-data
Investment advisory services are offered through Vantage Point Financial, a registered investment adviser. Registration with any regulatory body does not imply any particular level of skill. This material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Working with a financial planner does not ensure financial success or prevent loss. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The scenarios presented are hypothetical and are intended for illustrative purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future outcomes. Individual results will vary. Certain financial strategies may offer tax advantages, but outcomes depend on individual circumstances and are subject to change due to tax laws and other external factors. Vantage Point Financial does not provide legal or tax advice. Consult a tax professional. Retirement outcomes depend on a variety of factors, including individual savings behavior, market performance, health events, and other considerations. Certain statements herein may reflect the firm’s current views, expectations, or beliefs, which are subject to change without notice. For additional information about our services, fees, and disclosures, please refer to our Form ADV Part 2A, available at https://vantage-point.mwdevsite.com or upon request at no cost.
Our firm is not affiliated or endorsed by the US government or any governmental agency.
