There are a number of documents you will need as part of the financial planning process. Below is a general list of items to begin gathering.

Financial Statements

  • Checking and Savings accounts, including CDs
  • Retirement accounts: 401(k), Traditional and Roth IRAs, 403(b), 457 plans
  • Investment holdings: Stocks, Bonds, Notes Receivable, Mutual Funds, Crypto-currency, directly-owned interests such as Partnerships
  • Loans: Mortgages, Vehicles, Credit cards, Student loans

A list of other assets

House, vehicles, investment property, collectibles, royalty interests

Other Items

  • Tax returns
  • Pay stubs – the two most recent from each employer
  • List of Expenses: Monthly, Quarterly and Annually
  • Wills, trusts, healthcare power of attorney
  • Business agreements with most recent P&L and Balance Sheets
  • Prenuptial /Post-nuptial agreements
  • Social security statements
  • Employer provided benefits – Health, Life and Disability insurance, Pension and Deferred Compensation Benefits, Stock options
  • Insurance – Policies for Life, Disability or Long-term Care, Declarations page for Homeowners, Auto or Renters, Policy summary for other: Identity Protection, Cancer, Umbrella, etc.

Some of the more important facets of your plan are not shown on a statement. You will typically be asked questions regarding hobbies and other areas of your financial life, such as charitable causes you support, goals such as desired retirement age and plans during retirement — travel, start business, grand kids, volunteer, fish, golf and legacy plans.