Stukey Financial Planning

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889 N Maize Rd

Suite 109

Wichita, KS 67212

Ph 316-722-1010

Fax 316-221-1009

Jeff@StukeyFinancial Planning.com

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are you really a financial planner or will you just try to sell me something once I get into your office?

  2. I am having trouble fitting your firm into a box. Are you more like a stockbroker or insurance salesman, or what?

  3. What is "fee-based" financial planning and why should that be important to me?

  4. Is there some way I can check on your business?

  5. What is a fiduciary and why is it important that you are one?

  6. Tell me about the financial planning process.

  7. How do you create this blueprint (customized financial plan)?

  8. Financial planning sounds like a lot of work!

  9. Who can benefit most from your services?

  10. Does Stukey Financial Planning provide only in-depth financial planning?

  11. My spouse and I are just beginning to build for our financial future. There is so much to learn! We need help and guidance to get started. Will you accept us as clients?

  12. I have already accumulated substantial assets and think I am doing quite well. But as I progress and build for the future, things seem to be getting more complicated. I want to be sure I am on track, but I don’t always have the time or inclination to manage the myriad details by myself. Can you help me?

  13. What types of securities do you provide advice for?

  14. If I use Stukey Financial Planning to develop a financial plan, am I obligated to purchase the recommended products?

  15. Tell me about your investment philosophy.

  16. How do you select investments for a client?

  17. How do you price your financial planning services?

  18. Are your fees tax deductible?

  19. Once my financial plan is completed, will our relationship end?

  20. How do I get started?


  1. Are you really a financial planner or will you just try to sell me something once I get into your office? Normally, unless the client specifically asks about products, the first two or three meetings are about the client's needs and educating the client about the financial-planning process. Typically, we don't even discuss products until the Presentation Meeting, which is usually the third or fourth meeting.  back to top

  2. I am having trouble fitting your firm into a box. Are you more like a stockbroker or insurance salesman, or what? We offer investment products, manage assets and offer insurance products, but only as a means to implement your financial plan. We are first and foremost Financial Planners.  back to top

  3. What is "fee-based" financial planning and why should that be important to me? Because we are "fee-based," conflicts of interest regarding compensation for asset management are largely removed. We do not receive sales commissions for investment products; the only compensation we receive for asset management is from the client. We do sell various types of insurance for which we are compensated by commissions.  back to top

  4. Is there some way I can check on your business? Stukey Financial Planning is registered in Kansas as an Investment Adviser. Jeff Stukey is an Investment Adviser Representative and is licensed with the Kansas Insurance Department as an insurance agent. As such, we must comply with a host of regulations designed to protect the consumer. There are several ways to check on us:

    1. The Kansas Office of the Securities Commissioner has helpful information and lists additional resources to check out financial professionals. Under "Research Resources," select "Investment Adviser Search" (Stukey Financial Planning is an investment adviser, not a broker-dealer).

    2. To check on Stukey Financial Planning, select "Investment Adviser Firm" at investment adviser search. Enter "Stukey Financial Planning" in "Firm Name." Select "Stukey Financial Planning" and then select "Kansas." When you get to the screen titled "Form ADV - Uniform Application for Investment Adviser Registration," page down and on the lefthand side of the screen select "Part 2 Brochures." These brochures describe Stukey Financial Planning.

    3. To check on Jeff Stukey as an investment adviser representative, select "Investment Adviser Representative (IAR)" at investment adviser search. Enter "Jeff Stukey" in "Individual Name."

    4. Click here to check on Jeff Stukey as an insurance agent.  back to top

  5. What is a fiduciary and why is it important that you are one? A fiduciary is someone who exercises his/her best efforts to act in good faith in the best interests of the client. A fiduciary should provide written disclosure to the client prior to the engagement, and thereafter throughout the term of the engagement, of any conflicts of interest which will or reasonably may compromise the impartiality or independence of the advisor. This is important to you because it means that we must act in your best interest. “Are you a fiduciary?” is a good question to ask any firm where you get financial advice.  back to top

  6. Tell me about the financial planning process.  Financial planning is a multi-step process that provides you with two important things: (1) An in-depth review of your current financial situation; and (2) a blueprint that shows you how to achieve your goals and objectives for the future. At Stukey Financial Planning, the financial planning process consists of six distinct steps (see our Steps To Success page). It is important to remember that financial planning is a process  … not an event.  back to top

  7. How do you create this blueprint (customized financial plan)?  First we focus on your goals, objectives, priorities, and values. Some examples of goals: the reduction of current and future income taxes, funding a quality education for your children and/or grandchildren, a secure financial future in your retirement years and creating wealth and/or leaving a legacy for your chosen beneficiaries or charities. You may already be on the road to meeting these goals and simply need a new strategy, professional insight, or to fine-tune your plan. You may just be starting out, or you may be somewhere in between. Whatever your unique situation may be, everyone needs a periodic assessment of where they are on the road to meeting their financial goals. That’s why we do an in-depth review of your current financial situation. Next, you need to know how you can set about achieving (or continue working toward) your financial goals. By focusing on cash flow, investments, taxes, pensions, retirement plans, estate planning, insurance issues, savings opportunities and other general financial matters, we design a customized financial plan for you. Finally, to achieve the intended results, we work together to implement and monitor your plan.  back to top

  8. Financial planning sounds like a lot of work! It may seem like that at first, but the good news is ... if you follow your plan and maintain a disciplined approach, you have a much better chance of reaching your financial goals than the average consumer. At Stukey Financial Planning, we try to make the process as easy as possible for you. In addition to receiving professional advice on your most important financial concerns, we also provide implementation and ongoing advice, as needed, to meet your unique requirements.  back to top

  9. Who can benefit most from your services? Any individual seeking financial peace of mind can benefit from our services. We serve people at all income levels, from all walks of life. Clients have the flexibility to work with us on either a one-time, as-needed basis or an ongoing basis. We welcome clients who simply need a one-time financial consultation or a second opinion, as well as those who need comprehensive financial planning and ongoing advice.  back to top

  10. Does Stukey Financial Planning provide only in-depth financial planning? No. Although an in-depth financial plan can provide the greatest benefits, we can limit our advisory services to your specific needs, such as cash management and budgeting, investment analysis or college education funding.  back to top

  11. My spouse and I are just beginning to build for our financial future. There is so much to learn! We need help and guidance to get started. Will you accept us as clients? Absolutely! Some firms have income levels and/or net worth minimums. However, at Stukey Financial Planning, we realize that everyone has financial planning needs. We are happy to work with people from all income levels, and all walks of life. Remember, “You don't have to have a fortune to start building one." Call us today and let's get started.  back to top

  12. I have already accumulated substantial assets and think I am doing quite well. But as I progress and build for the future, things seem to be getting more complicated. I want to be sure I am on track, but I don’t always have the time or inclination to manage the myriad details by myself. Can you help me? Yes. People who need more sophisticated financial planning or advice will find our services appealing and beneficial. If you have a desire to simplify your financial affairs, we can meet with you as often as you like. For example, we can set up a monthly meeting to review your finances if you require it. If you are looking for a professional review or a second opinion to ensure you are on track, we can provide that also.  back to top

  13. What types of securities do you provide advice for? We provide advice for many types of securities, including mutual funds, stocks (as they relate to your portfolio holdings), bonds, bank deposits, variable and fixed annuities, and much more. We also provide advice on mortgages, budgeting and cash flow issues, 401(k), 403(b) and other retirement programs, stock options, life and disability insurance. If it has to do with money and finances, we can provide counseling, guidance and/or resources for you. Clients are encouraged to call us when they have a major life event, such as a new job, a baby, a marriage or divorce, or if they are planning to buy a new home or start their own business. We also encourage our clients to call us with more common everyday questions, such as: "How should I invest within my 401(k) or 403(b) plan?"; "How can I reduce my taxes?"; "What advice can you offer on refinancing my home?"; "How can I maximize my Flex Spending Account, Cafeteria Plan or Section 125 Plan at work?".  back to top

  14. If I use Stukey Financial Planning to develop a financial plan, am I obligated to purchase the recommended products? Absolutely not! We will offer recommendations which in our professional opinion will meet your needs and objectives. However, you are under no obligation to follow our recommendations.  back to top

  15. Tell me about your investment philosophy. As financial planners and investment consultants, we believe in the following fundamental principals with regard to designing an investment portfolio and making specific recommendations: The purpose of a client’s investment portfolio is to fund current and/or future financial objectives. The design of the portfolio must take into account the client’s financial objectives, tolerance for risk, needs for current income or liquidity, and special considerations such as income and estate taxes. An important thing to remember is that no one can predict the future. It is difference of opinion that makes a market. Investment and economic "experts" provided with the same information often come to different conclusions.  We do not suggest that we can, or that any of the money or mutual fund managers that we recommend, will make the correct decision every time. We do believe, however, that studying the historic trends and relationships of investment classes and the philosophies and approaches of successful investment managers can provide valuable insight. The appropriate allocation of investment assets for your goals and risk tolerance is the most important component in developing an investment portfolio. We believe that having a diversified, well-balanced portfolio, following long-term buy-and-hold strategies, and having patience will increase the likelihood that one will achieve his/her long-term financial objectives.  back to top

  16. How do you select investments for a client?  Before we recommend any investment, we consider the current economic conditions, the outlook for that asset class or type of security and how this investment fits within your portfolio given your objectives and tolerance for risk. For equity investments, we focus primarily on the philosophies, experience and track record of the management team. With fixed income investments, we look for the best yield available for a given quality of security. As fiduciaries for our clients, we strive to obtain the most appropriate investment vehicles to meet your objectives, while being very conscience of total expenses and risk exposure.  back to top

  17. How do you price your financial planning services? The initial financial plan is fixed bid and the fee is based on the expected time involved in meeting with you in person or over the phone, researching and analyzing your current situation, and providing specific recommendations. Asset management fees are based upon the amount of assets managed, income level and complexity of the client's situation. Insurance products are commission-based.  back to top

  18. Are your fees tax deductible? Yes. Section 212 of the Internal Revenue Code permits an itemized deduction for tax and/or investment advice in the miscellaneous section of Schedule A. It is subject to a 2% floor of the adjusted gross income on a personal tax return.  back to top

  19. Once my financial plan is completed, will our relationship end?  Depending on your needs, the actual engagement of services may end, but the majority of our clients choose some sort of ongoing support, such as asset management or a retainer relationship. Because financial planning is a process, not an event, we offer ongoing services, periodic reviews and day-to-day consultation.  back to top

  20. How do I get started? The first step is the Get Acquainted Meeting. Call us at 316-722-1010 or email Jeff@StukeyFinancialPlanning.com to set up an initial one-hour, no-cost, no-obligation Get Acquainted Meeting. Expanded office hours are available to accommodate special needs or emergency situations. Most clients find the financial planning process to be stimulating and enlightening. The end result, of course, is greater peace of mind. We look forward to helping you build a brighter financial future!  back to top

Stukey Financial Planning