Our Approach to Your Financial Future
A clear, transparent process — from first conversation to ongoing partnership. No surprises, no hidden agendas.
The 5-Step Process
Our process follows the CFP Board's seven-step planning standard, delivered in five client-facing phases.
Discovery Call
30 minutesA conversation to understand your goals, timeline, and financial complexity. We discuss what's working, what's not, and whether Diamond Mountain Financial is the right fit. No obligation, no sales pitch.
Deep Dive
90 minutesA comprehensive review of your complete financial picture: equity compensation (RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, ESPP), deferred comp elections, 10b5-1 constraints — then the broader balance sheet: assets, liabilities, income sources, tax exposure, insurance, estate documents, and risk tolerance. We identify gaps, conflicts, and opportunities before recommending anything.
Strategy Delivery
60–90 minutesWe present your custom financial plan: prioritized action steps, projected outcomes under multiple scenarios, and a clear explanation of our recommendations and the tradeoffs. You review, ask questions, and decide what to implement.
Implementation & Accountability
OngoingWe coordinate execution with your CPA, estate attorney, and other advisors. Investments are transferred and managed. Insurance gaps are closed. Estate documents are updated. We hold ourselves accountable to the plan — not just the presentation.
Ongoing Partnership
Quarterly + AnnualQuarterly check-ins to review progress, capture new information, and adjust for life changes. Annual comprehensive reviews that revisit your full financial plan. Responsive communication when significant events occur — a job change, equity event, inheritance, or health change — without waiting for the next scheduled meeting.
What Ongoing Partnership Looks Like
Quarterly
Check-In
30–45 minute review of your progress toward goals, recent financial events, and any action items.
Annual
Comprehensive Review
90+ minute full review of your financial plan, investment performance, tax situation, insurance, and estate plan.
As Needed
Responsive Support
Equity events, job changes, inheritance, major purchases — we respond when it matters, not just at scheduled meetings.
See the Plan Before You Commit
Download a sample of the comprehensive financial plan we build for every client. Understand exactly what you'd receive before signing anything.
Sample Comprehensive Financial Plan
A redacted example of the financial plan structure we deliver to every client.
7 Questions to Ask When You Meet a Financial Advisor
Bring these to any advisor — including us. What each answer should tell you, plus a plain-English comparison of the five common fee models.
Questions About Our Process
What happens during a first meeting with Diamond Mountain Financial?
The first meeting is a 30-minute discovery call — not a pitch meeting. We ask about your financial situation, your goals, and what has and hasn't worked with prior advisors. You ask us about our approach, fees, and philosophy. At the end, both sides decide whether it makes sense to proceed to a full financial review. There is no obligation and no pressure.
How long does the financial planning process take?
From first call to receiving your initial financial plan typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on document gathering and scheduling. Implementation of the plan's action items happens over the following weeks to months, depending on complexity. Ongoing management and monitoring is continuous thereafter. We don't rush the planning process — a plan built carefully produces better outcomes than one built quickly.
How often will we meet?
We schedule quarterly check-ins (typically 30–45 minutes) and an annual comprehensive review (90+ minutes) for all ongoing clients. In addition, we're responsive to significant life events — a job change, equity liquidity event, inheritance, marriage, or major purchase — without waiting for the next scheduled meeting. We believe ongoing partnership means being available when it matters, not just at scheduled intervals.