What to Gather?

Helpful Data for a Financial Planning Interview

• Complete listing of all liabilities. Current interest rates, term, monthly payment and balance owed. Let me know on which accounts you are paying extra.  
• Budget. What are your current monthly living expenses?  
• Complete listing of all assets. These would include: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, IRA’s, fair market value of real estate, fair market value of business interests etc..   Please list date acquired, at what cost and current/fair market value if known. Most recent statements are helpful. 
• Tax returns from last 2 years.  
• Most recent pay stub.
• Any expected or currently received pension or annuity payments. Do these continue for surviving spouse?
• Most recent Social Security statements.
• All insurance policies and/or most recent statements. Car, home, liability, life, disability, long-term care, etc.
• Retirement plan information. Plan data showing investment options.  What is your contribution?  What is employer match? 
• Copy of Wills, Living Trusts, POA’s (durable and medical), Trust agreements, etc.
• Names and phone numbers of all advisors, such as a CPA or attorney,
• What are your short and long term goals and objectives?
• How do you handle market fluctuations? Do you buy, sell or hold?
• What "big" events are coming up or have recently occurred?
• Any other items you feel would be of help to me when looking at the “big picture”.