Financial Planning Is About Creating the Opportunities You Crave Beyond the West Side

I Believe You Don’t Have to Choose Between Creating the Financial Future You Want and the Freedom to Plant Deep Roots Along the Canal.

Living on the West Side has its share of challenges!

If you want to live in Spencerport, do you have to commute 30 or even 45 minutes each day for work? What other sacrifices do you expect to make if you want to live closer to the canal?

Can your kids go to your school of choice? Can you afford to live where you want?

What if you didn’t have to choose? What if you didn’t have to sacrifice to enjoy the life you want?

With the right planning and guidance, I help West Side families and individuals access the opportunities to thrive beyond sacrifice.

It starts with the right type of Financial Planning.

Financial Planning With Lift Bridge Financial™

The right financial plan puts you and your family’s interests at the center. When it comes to financial planning you are a person first, my neighbor next, and then, I consider you and your family’s financial needs.

What dreams, goals, and opportunities do you want to achieve? What potential obstacles stand in your way? How can I know with certainty that you’re on the right path with your investments?

  • That dream vacation is possible. How about Venice?
  • You can make the West Side your forever home. Your kids can go to the school of your choice without forcing you to make every sacrifice.
  • You can easily upsize, downsize, and right-size your lifestyle and home while taking charge of your investments.

You deserve access to the right opportunities, many of which may seem impossible today. The best part? A detailed, personalized written financial plan can empower you to live how you want without sacrificing your future.

How Financial Planning Works?

My comprehensive approach to wealth management includes financial planning which helps me gain a better understanding of your financial situation. This includes Social Security, Medicare, additional retirement income, education planning, insurance, tax planning, spending habits, lifestyle choices, employer benefits, and many other variables.

I combine my industry expertise with solid market data, resources, and my relationship with LPL Financial to design a plan that fits you and your family’s needs.

The Lift Bridge Way™: Our Process for Serving You

“How can you help us get to where we want to be?” It’s a simple question, yet profoundly important. You trust me to help guide your financial decisions and insurance needs toward a safer, more fulfilling future.

Enter the Lift Bridge Way™. This is the five-step proprietary process I follow with all my financial planning clients.

01 | Finding Our Fit

The best clients are ones we’re ideally aligned to serve. How do we know if we’re right for each other? By finding our fit. I lean into open, honest conversations about your current reality beyond financial and insurance needs.

I take time to understand who you are, what matters most to you, and what you want your future to look like. If I know I can serve you well and are the right fit, we transition to our second step: Onboarding.

Are we the right fit to work together? What matters the most to you and your family? How can we serve you well even if you choose to go elsewhere?

I want to show a client-focused approach, provide a strong knowledge base, and lead with empathy for you.

While Finding Our Fit, prospective clients typically ask:

 

  • What’s Lift Bridge Financial’s background? Read my full story here.
  • How do I know I can trust you? The first of our four HERO values is Honesty. We invite you to ask any questions you may like and make the best-informed decision for you and your family. The third of our HERO values is Relationships. While we may not know each other well from our first conversation, I make it a point to know you, what matters to you, the people in your life, and build a client-advisor relationship with trust as our foundation.
  • How much do I owe you? How do you get paid? I take a fiduciary-driven approach to guiding every conversation, interaction, and decision. Some of our services are advisory, which are fee-based, while others are commission-based, such as our insurance services. Whatever method or compensation structure is used, our fiduciary-driven approach starts with providing services in your best interest.
  • How can you help me know if I have the right investments and coverage? The second and third steps in my Lift Bridge Way™ proprietary process, Onboarding and Developing, are about understanding your assets and coverage. I also work to identify any potential ‘gaps’ in your financial and insurance needs.
  • Can you also help me with (additional service)? Many clients and prospective clients ask us about various services beyond investment and insurance. I am comfortable and confident explaining what I do well and what you and your family may need. I will refer you to our strategic partners if you need more specialized services or any service beyond our expertise.

02 | Onboarding

After ensuring we’re the right fit for each other, we start the Onboarding process. This is the second step in our Lift Bridge Way™. I'll gather the information I need to understand your situation and create a plan that's tailored to you.

This often includes any existing account statements, financial plans, conversation notes, insurance policy details, and asset verification, such as tax filings, W2s, 1099s, etc. Part of our Onboarding step includes becoming the advisor of record on your existing accounts. This step is often completed in a matter of two to three calendar weeks.

Is the Onboarding process remarkable, smooth, and welcoming for you?

I want you to feel seen, heard, and valued as a person far beyond your portfolio size or insurance needs.

While Onboarding, clients typically ask:

  • How long will it take to start working with you? I typically respond with an update via phone or email within one (1) calendar week of receiving your initial documentation.
  • What documents do you need from me? I provide a checklist explaining which documents we need for Onboarding. Typical document types we need include your existing account and/or policy statements, some form of ID, such as your driver’s license, any existing financial plans, and income and asset verification (W2s, 1099s, tax filings, etc.).
  • Where do I sign and why? Typically, there are only a few forms you will need to complete and sign through this process. Some forms require a ‘wet signature’ while many of our documents can be completed via e-signature. We don’t necessarily have to meet in person to do physical signatures. I have a simple, convenient process of mailing you documents for signature if needed.
  • How do I know we’re on the right track? I recommend financial planning, ongoing conversations, and regular review meetings to ensure I am managing expectations and fostering healthy communication. Access is important to me, so if you have questions, please contact me at the first opportunity.
  • How do I determine your risk tolerance? When determining your risk level, I typically focus on two key factors: volatility and returns. Can you endure volatility if sound market data tells us there’s a higher possible rate of return? I listen to your concerns and guide you toward what I believe is best for you based on the information given.

03 | Developing

My third step, Developing, is about understanding your current financial situation and insurance coverage. I review all existing documents, strategic planning, conversation notes, and market data.

As needed, I consult with third-party experts and connections at LPL Financial. If I provide insurance services, I review your existing coverage and compare it against your household needs.

This leads to our Developing conversation where I present a drafted financial plan. You’re invited to review all of the plan details and provide feedback. I will also offer specific guidance for your existing investment choices and/or insurance coverage.

What do you currently have? What do you need beyond your current investments and insurance? What do you need that you don’t already have?

I strive to right-size your investments and coverage to fit you and your family’s needs and goals. I approach financial planning and insurance as if you’ll die tomorrow or live to be 100+.

While Developing, clients typically ask:

  • How do I know an investment or insurance recommendation is right for me? Honesty is my first value . I work to offer multiple data-backed investment and insurance recommendations and often say, “If I was in your situation, based on the data and what I know about this industry, this is the option I would choose based on these reasons.” Of course, you ultimately decide what investment and insurance choices you believe are best for you.
  • Who else is affected because I'm working with you? I make it a point to get to know you and your family. Who is in your everyday life who will be affected by any investment or insurance decisions?
  • What other details do you need to know? As I champion honesty while working with you, I also ask you to lead with honesty toward us. I work to help you feel comfortable telling us about important negative events, such as death, debt, and unexpected changes.
  • What data supports this plan? I utilize data and connections with experts who work for experienced investment companies, including my relationship with LPL Financial. I also lean on our years of industry expertise to help inform your decision-making.
  • What if I need to ____________? If you have questions, reach out at the first opportunity and expect a timely response. If you have concerns, I'm here to listen, understand, and take meaningful action together. I can act as an intermediary if you need to have further conversations about financial details with other advisors in your life, such as your attorney.

04 | Implementing

With a strong financial plan in place, I then start Implementing the necessary changes that fit you and your family’s needs and goals.

I work with you to complete initial tasks that help align your accounts with your new financial plan. Throughout this initial Implementing step, you can expect regular updates from me. I welcome you to ask any questions as we grow trust together.

You entrust me with your investments and empower me to make adjustments in line with your agreed-upon, detailed financial plan. Taking action while providing access is key to our work together.

I aim to align your accounts with the agreed-upon financial plan. I work to understand your overall investment portfolio and insurance needs. Based on that insight, I can make suggestions for filling gaps in your portfolio in line with your needs and goals.

While Implementing, clients typically ask:

  • What do you need from me to make changes? Often, a phone call is enough to let us make changes. However, if more significant change is needed, it may require a completed form or documentation.
  • How long will it take before we start seeing results? This often is determined by a combination of your availability, the timeline(s) of other companies, such as working with LPL Financial, the necessary steps in a responsible fiduciary process, and communication. If you’re happy with the plan we discussed, as long as you respond to questions and requests in a timely manner, we will move along at a good pace.
  • How will I know when the Implementing step is complete?
    I'll keep you informed throughout the entire process so you always know what's happening and why.

    If you have questions, please reach out at the first opportunity.

  • What must I do with these letters or statements I’m receiving from LPL and others? If anything arrives via mail or email that raises a question or concern, please reach out at the first opportunity.
  • What does this letter mean? If you have any questions, please connect with us.
  • Why do I have this new account? Every investment decision, product, and account type is meant to align with your and your family’s best interests. LPL accounts typically match your account types. It helps our Lift Bridge Financial™ team have an accurate picture of your portfolio and policy status.

05 | Monitoring

Now that you’re part of our Lift Bridge Financial™ family, I'm actively Monitoring for any changes or opportunities.

I take planned action on ongoing tasks as needed. I invite you to do regular reviews of your financial plan, investment choices, and insurance coverage with me. 

I recommend regularly reviewing your financial plan to ensure it is accurate and that we are meeting the targets.

Conduct an annual review with you as our client/s to determine the plan's success and discuss what adjustments need to be made, based on life changes. Review the tasks that may need to be addressed according to the plan.

    While Monitoring, clients typically ask:

    • What do I need to do? First, connect with me for your regular review meetings. Keep me informed on any life event changes, such as relationship status, work status, relocation, adding new family members, etc.
    • What happens if _________? Again, if you have questions or concerns, I'm here to help you. Simply reach out to share your thoughts.
    • Can you help me with _________? I aim to provide you with the help you need. This sometimes means referring you to a different expert with more experience or a specialty that’s outside our area of expertise.
    • Do we need to meet? Relationships are key to how I approach my work. Thanks to technology, we have many ways to meet, not just in person. Spencerport is a great place to grab lunch and meet in person if you’d like.
    • “I’m busy. Can you just sort it out for me?” Even though I value relationships, I am also sometimes constrained by what I'm legally allowed to do. I act as a fiduciary for your investment and insurance interests, but ultimately, you are the driver, controlling your own financial future. I am the navigator, ensuring you know all the good possible paths you can take.
    • Can I retire earlier? Do I have enough money to retire in ___ years? It depends on your unique financial situation. For me to best answer this question, I need to understand your current reality, assess your financial situation, and give informed advice.

    Pricing Structure

    Whether you are looking for one off planning services or a comprehensive plan, I have a variety of ways to get support to manage your wealth.

    Top Questions Clients Ask Us About Financial Planning

    How much will a financial plan cost me?

    Standard pricing for planning and consulting is $200/hr, including the cost of creating your written, personalized plan. We offer discounts if you open an account with Lift Bridge Financial™ or have us become your investment account advisor.

    How often do we need to develop and maintain my financial plan?

    It’s important to meet at least once a year to discuss changes in your life that may affect your financial plan. It also allows us to discuss changes to your portfolio in light of your financial plan. Most importantly, we can ensure your current plan is still on track.

    What information do you need from me?

    The more information you can give me about your assets and debts for you and your family, the more comprehensive and accurate your plan will be. Financial Planning can involve some personal conversations, but the more you are willing to discuss, the more assistance we can provide to help you pursue your life goals.

    Take Charge of Your Future With the Right Financial Plan

    Connect with me to see if we’re the right fit to work together.

    Are you ready to take charge of your financial future?

    An independent Financial and Insurance Services practice based in Spencerport, NY, Lift Bridge Financial services clients in Western New York, including Monroe, Wayne, Orleans, Ontario, and Livingston counties. Simon Devenish is registered in NY, TN, and FL.

    Contact Us

    Call/Text: (585) 540-1491

    Visit: 117 South Union St, Ste 1 Spencerport, NY 14559

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