Financial Planning Process
Financial Planning Process
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How We Build Your Plan
How We Build Your Plan
Financial planning works best when the process is clear from the start. At Center Stage Planning, Patrick guides each client through a thoughtful, collaborative experience designed to turn complexity into a clear, organized path forward.
From the first conversation through data review and plan presentation, each step is built to help Patrick understand your goals, priorities, and financial details before making recommendations. The result is a plan grounded in your actual life, not generic assumptions.
Meeting 1: Initial Consultation
Meeting 1: Initial Consultation
The initial consultation is a 30-minute conversation with Patrick Graver, CFP®, designed to help both sides understand whether there is a good fit.
During this conversation, Patrick will explain his financial planning philosophy, investment approach, and what it can look like to work with Center Stage Planning over the short or long term. He will also ask about your financial objectives, what prompted you to reach out, and what you hope to accomplish.
Together, you and Patrick will explore whether CSP’s approach feels aligned with your goals, personality, and preferred working style.
If you and Patrick decide to proceed with a financial plan, he will send the next steps by email. These typically include:
A Client Packet sent through DocuSign, which outlines CSP’s services, engagement agreement, and the cost of the services provided.
A Data Collection PDF and a link to create your RightCapital profile, where you will upload planning documents through your secure vault.
An Expense Worksheet through Google Forms, which helps Patrick better understand your cash flow and day-to-day financial picture.
Meeting 2: Discovery and Data Review
Meeting 2: Discovery and Data Review
The discovery and data review meeting gives Patrick a deeper understanding of your financial life, goals, and priorities.
This meeting focuses on two key areas: clarifying what matters most to you and reviewing the information you have provided. Patrick will ask targeted questions, identify any missing details, and make sure the planning foundation is complete before recommendations are developed.
The goal of this meeting is to build a clear, accurate view of your situation so the plan reflects your actual needs, not generic assumptions.
Meeting 3: Presentation of Financial Plan
Meeting 3: Presentation of Financial Plan
The presentation of your personal financial plan brings all of our initial work together into unified context.
Patrick will walk you through a personalized plan that reflects your goals, financial details, and the priorities identified during the discovery process. The conversation may include cash flow, investments, retirement preparation, tax-aware strategies, insurance considerations, estate coordination, and other areas relevant to your situation. Rather than reviewing each topic in isolation, Patrick will explain how all pieces of your personal plan connect with one another and why each recommendation matters.
The goal is for you to leave with a clear understanding of your options, the tradeoffs involved, and the next steps available to you. Throughout this conversation, Patrick’s focus is always on helping you make informed decisions with clarity, confidence, and a full view of the financial life you are building.
The plan is not the end of the relationship. It becomes the foundation for ongoing work with Patrick, who stays connected as your life evolves, helping you revisit priorities, adjust recommendations, and keep your financial decisions aligned with your current goals.
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