Financial Planning Approach Poll

The poll asks two questions: your primary planning approach (goals-based, asset-based, cash-flow-based, or comprehensive) and the topic that generates the most client inquiries (tax planning, retirement, estate, investment, or insurance). Results show peer distribution so you can see which approach and inquiry area dominate among advisors in your segment.

FPA Trends in Financial Planning Survey data shows 67% of advisory firms now use goals-based planning as their primary framework, up from 48% a decade ago. The shift reflects client demand for outcomes-focused advice rather than portfolio-centric reporting. Goals-based planning ties every recommendation to a specific life objective, which improves client engagement and retention.

Kitces Research 2025 Advisor Compensation Study shows the fee-only model (AUM, flat fee, or hourly with no commissions) now represents the majority of new advisory firms. AUM-based fees averaging 0.85-1.10% remain the most common single model, but flat-fee and retainer models are growing fastest among advisors serving clients under $500,000 in investable assets.

SEC-registered investment advisers operate under a fiduciary standard requiring them to act in the client best interest at all times. CFP Board certificants are held to a similar fiduciary duty during financial planning engagements. The fiduciary standard encourages goals-based and comprehensive planning because those approaches document the rationale linking each recommendation to a client objective.

CFP Board Practice Standards recommend reviewing the financial plan at least annually and after any significant life event such as marriage, divorce, job change, inheritance, or health diagnosis. Advisors who conduct semi-annual reviews report 18% higher client retention than those who review annually according to Kitces Research survey data.

It evaluates cash flow forecasting, profit margin tracking, accounts receivable management, tax planning, budget vs actual review, emergency fund, debt management, pricing strategy, financial reporting frequency, and advisor relationships.

You answer 10 questions about your business finances covering transactions, revenue, sales tax, payroll, expenses, tax planning, compliance, structure, growth, and time spent on admin.

Tax efficiency is the legal, legitimate practice of minimizing your tax liability by fully using deductions, credits, and entity structures that the Internal Revenue Code explicitly provides.

Profit is an accounting concept. Cash is what pays salaries, suppliers, and tax bills. A business can be profitable on paper and still fail if customers pay slowly, reserves are thin, or expenses are poorly timed.

The survey evaluates five dimensions: your primary financial goal, timeline for achieving it, current financial situation, the type of help that would be most valuable, and the specific blocker that has prevented progress.