Our Process

At Ramsey & Associates, we believe:

• A thoughtful and disciplined process is the hallmark of a sound financial plan; and
• Getting to know you is an integral part of our financial planning process. 

Our approach, designed to help you achieve long-term financial success, is implemented in three phases.

PHASE I Planning

PHASE II Implementation

PHASE III Review

PHASE I: Planning

1. In a two-hour initial meeting, we learn about each other as we:
   1. assess and analyze your personal and financial goals;
   2. gather data about your current resources and obligations;
   3. review your risk assessment questionnaire;
   4. address any questions you may have about us; and
   5. schedule a presentation meeting.
2. In between meetings we do the bulk of our planning. We:
   1. develop an asset-allocation recommendation;
   2. develop specific investment recommendations; and
   3. check our tailored strategy against current market conditions and long-term financial trends.
3. In the presentation meeting, you hear and review our strategy. We:
   1. present our recommendations;
   2. explain the rational behind our recommendations;
   3. encourage and address questions until you understand and are fully comfortable with the various decisions you are making based on our expertise;
   4. decide with you your target asset allocation;
   5. decide on a time frame for implementation of the investment plan;
   6. go through your Life Planning Projection, if requested, so you understand how your strategy meshes with your financial goals and dreams; and
   7. decide and schedule the next step in the implementation phase, as necessary.

PHASE II: Implementation

4. We work with you to do the footwork necessary to implement your plan:
   1. open accounts and complete paperwork; and
   2. transfer assets and monitor these transactions
5. Once assets are available, we implement your plans by placing trades to:
   1. allocate monies to Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs), if part of the plan;
   2. buy no-load mutual funds or bonds, as necessary; and
   3. purchase individual bonds.

PHASE III: Review

6. On a schedule comfortable for you, we hold periodic review meetings, in which we:
   1. review any changes in personal circumstances or needs;
   2. review any compelling market trends or events; and
   3. adjust portfolio as needed.
7. Each quarter we issue quarterly reports that:
   1. show the performance of all accounts under management;
   2. break down performance: since inception, quarterly, and year-to-date; and
   3. show realized losses and gains (this is a separate report for clients with SMAs).

More about PHASE I  (Planning)
The initial meeting involves examining four questions that will provide the main building blocks of your financial plan:

• What is it you want to accomplish from working together?
• What are your financial goals?
• What are your dreams?
• When you look at your financial future, what do you want to make sure is accomplished?

In the planning period after the initial meeting, Ramsey & Associates focuses on three important components:

1. Asset allocation, one of the most important factors in the success of any investment strategy. We believe it is critical to strike a balance between the industry rule-of-thumb of diversification (for decreasing risk or volatility in a portfolio), and over-diversification, which can dilute the value of diversifying. The stability of returns and the balanced nature of the overall portfolio are equally vital.
    
2. The careful selection and combining of asset managers, using the asset-allocation strategy as a roadmap. We choose either SMAs or no-load mutual funds according to your preference and the level of investment assets. These asset managers concentrate on the active management and monitoring of your assets within your established guidelines. With us as your partner, you are assured that your personal investment goals are embedded in a broad network of investment capabilities and expertise.
    
3. Life Planning Projections, an optional service that generates a highly personalized projection based on your current situation and agreed-on assumptions for the future. Each projection models the likelihood of achieving your financial goals. The assumptions include scenarios involving everything from elementary school funding to retirement. See our Services page for more information about Life Planning Projections.

Once we have developed a strategy, we present our recommendations and our rationale in the presentation meeting. This meeting and the understanding that emerges from it are critical to the long-term success of your financial plan. We discuss the various investment components of the portfolio—and the purpose of each—in the long-term plan. If you requested a Life Planning Projection, we go through it in detail in this meeting before moving into the implementation phase.

More about PHASE II  (Implementation)
Once a plan is in place, we help you with every step in implementing your financial plan, from filling out forms to placing trades. We monitor the opening of necessary accounts for you. Once your assets are available for investing, we place the appropriate trades, allocate monies to the Separate Account Managers, buy no-load mutual funds, and/or purchase individual bonds to build a bond ladder.

More about PHASE III  (Review)
To ensure an ongoing dialogue with our clients, we schedule periodic review meetings to stay abreast of changes in your life or financial circumstances. This ongoing process offers both discipline and flexibility, which we believe increase the likelihood of success for your overall financial plan.

Quarterly reports give a detailed overview of all accounts under management, showing the status of your investments and performance reports of growth or change—since inception, in the quarter, and year-to-date. In addition, clients with SMAs also receive a realized-losses-and-gains statement each quarter. Our quarterly statements give you a consolidated view of your holdings, allowing you to track the progress toward your investment goals. You can access information on your portfolio, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through our website, www.ramseyassoc.com.

The R&A Difference
What separates Ramsey & Associates, Inc. from other companies and organizations is our deep commitment and proud track record in serving clients individually, not as part of a pack. Our solutions are personalized, sensible, empowering, and grounded in discipline and forethought. Every step we take is determined by an investment strategy that you approve and which considers your needs and your dreams. 

Because Ramsey & Associates, Inc. is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and All Financial Advisors, you can be assured that we are committed to placing your interests first.

We look forward to working with you. Please call us at (206) 324-1950.