Starting a relationship with a wealth management firm is a lot like stepping onto the trail for a multi-day expedition. The planning phase is over, the maps have been studied, and now the real work begins. You are no longer just looking at the mountain; you are on it.
At Mountain Goat Wealth Management, we believe that the first few months of our partnership are critical for establishing a strong pace and ensuring your gear is dialed in. We don’t just point the way; we climb with you. Here is what the first leg of our journey together looks like.
First Quarter: Leaving Base Camp
The first three months are about logistics and “acclimatization.” We focus on getting your financial house in order so we can hike without distractions.
Your Role on the Rope Team: Your primary job is to get comfortable with your new equipment. We ask that you become familiar with Schwab’s online dashboard, which serves as your GPS for tracking account activity. You will also set up your automatic monthly contributions or distributions, ensuring a steady supply of fuel for your journey. Finally, keep lines of communication open—consult with us on large expenses or any sudden changes in life circumstances.
Our Role as Guides: While you settle in, we are doing the heavy lifting in the background. We open your new accounts and transfer funds to get everything consolidated. We then plug your funds into our investment models, specifically chosen to match your goals and risk tolerance. We also establish a recurring meeting schedule tailored to your needs, ensuring we check in often enough to keep you confident but not so often that it slows you down.
Second Quarter: Gaining Elevation
Once the logistics are settled, we shift our eyes to the horizon. The second quarter is about strategy, education, and stress-testing the route.
During this phase, we will sit down to discuss market conditions, addressing both your fears and the opportunities we see on the landscape. We will establish financial goal-planning checkpoints and get you educated on critical decisions related to Social Security, insurance, and taxes.
This is also the time for a gear check. We may recommend an Insurance Review or Estate Preservation Review to ensure you are protected from storms. We will run “what if” scenarios to see how different choices impact your future and determine a rebalancing schedule that suits your goals.
The Long Haul: Ongoing Expectations
Mountaineering isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Once we are past the initial six months, we settle into a rhythm designed to keep you on track for the summit.
- Monthly (Weather Reports): You will receive email newsletters and market news updates from us. Think of these as weather reports—keeping you informed of the climate without requiring you to stop hiking.
- Quarterly (Trail Checkpoints): Every three months, you will receive a performance report with an investment review. We will meet to discuss these numbers and, more importantly, catch up on any upcoming life changes that might require a route adjustment.
- Annually (The Summit View): Once a year, we hold a comprehensive annual review meeting. We update your Net Worth, reassess your goals and risk tolerance, and review your insurance and estate needs. And, of course, we invite you to join us for our Client Appreciation events—because every good expedition deserves a celebration.
Let’s Climb
The path ahead is exciting. With the right preparation in the first two quarters and a consistent rhythm thereafter, we can navigate whatever terrain comes our way. Welcome to the team.
