Onboarding Timeline

(select a part of the process to learn more)

Initial Consultation

Generally, an initial consultation lasts 60-90 minutes. This confidential conversation is complimentary to you, as we believe it is critical that you find a financial advisor who not only listens well and asks the right questions, but one that you believe will meet (and hopefully exceed) your expectations.

During our meeting, you can expect us to ask questions about your goals, your investments, prior investment experience, how you make decisions and how your current investment portfolio came to be.

Financial Plan Review

Once we have reviewed all of your financial information, we will put together a plan. This second meeting is to review the plan we have created for you. If you agree with the plan set out before you, we will have paperwork available for you to sign.

Execute New Client Agreement

To solidify our relationship, we will send you documents to complete either electronically (via DocuSign or Schwab Digital Envelope) or by hand. We appreciate your prompt attention to these documents as this allows us to expedite the account opening process.

Access Your Accounts

Once your accounts have been established, we will notify you directly. To gain access to your accounts and to view your portfolio’s performance, please follow the instructions outlined in this packet.

Align On Investment Strategy

Once accounts have been established and funded, we will begin investing according to a mutually agreed upon strategy.

Final Meeting

After your accounts(s) have been established and funded, we will meet with you one more time to go over the following:

Our meeting schedule – typically quarterly in the first year since so much is happening. Annually or semi-annually thereafter. Additional meetings as needed. A graduation from year one to year two, which is maintenance mode.
Review of documents and emails received – what to keep and what to shred. Organize what is kept.
Get familiar with how to read the new statements.
Updates on where things stand with new accounts, asset movement, insurance applications.

Next Steps To Get you Started

1

Client Data Collection

To move forward with building your financial future, we will be collecting several pieces of information from you. Expect to receive our Client Data Collection worksheet in person/electronically. Please take a few moments to complete it.

We also request that you provide us with the following items:

Most recent tax return

Current investment/retirement plan statement(s)

Bank statement

Estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney

List of questions you would like to ask

The safety of your personal information is very important to us. All information provided to us is kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone without your express permission. If paper copies of these items are provided, we will be happy to return them to you or we can dispose of them using our secure shredding process.

2

Email Invitations

During the establishment of our relationship, you will receive correspondence either by email or mail from several sources. Below is a list of a few examples:

Invitation to access Tamarac Client Portal

Tandem uses this portal to exchange information such as tax returns and statements. You may also review your accounts with us, or link outside accounts for a comprehensive review.

Invitation to Schwab Alliance

Establishing access to Schwab Alliance will allow you to view and manage your account online.

Confirmations from Schwab

Confirmation letters from Charles Schwab when accounts have been established and new features have been added.

Notifications & Information Requests

If transferring assets, the releasing custodian may request additional documents to be completed or may send a notification that the transfer has been completed.

3

Transfer of Assets / Roll over Accounts

In the event that you plan to transfer or roll over funds from an outside account or previous retirement plan, please let us know. We can help you coordinate the transfer details with the current account provider to make this as seamless a process as possible.

4

Tandem Financial is A team!

With Tandem, you get a whole team to assist you with your financial goals. During your initial consultation and each financial plan review, two advisors will typically sit with you. We do this so that more than one person knows your story and can bring different experiences to the table. Two heads are better than one!

Beyond your financial advisors, our office has three administrative staff members that will facilitate the establishment and maintenance of your accounts. They are great resources for day-to-day questions and requests. All staff members are kept up to date every step of the way, because we want your experience to be top-notch.

How to get started