The CLEAR Approach
The CLEAR Approach is the framework for how we work with every client. It was designed with you in mind — it prioritizes accountability from us, brings order to complexity, and makes sure your financial plan keeps pace with your actual life.
Step One
C — Connect
Get to Know You
A focused conversation to find out if working together makes sense. We start by listening — your situation, what's on your mind, and what you're looking for in a planning relationship. You'll leave knowing exactly how we work and whether we're the right fit.
If we determine that we're not the right advisors for you, we'll point you toward someone who may be a better match.
Typically a 30–45 minute meetingStep Two
L — Look at Everything
Organize & Gather
We get organized and make sure we understand exactly what's where. This is the stage that makes everything after it significantly easier. We inventory your assets, income, liabilities, benefits, and existing coverage so nothing gets missed.
- Complete your financial organizer and gather key documents
- Review existing investments, insurance, and estate documents
- Identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities
- Establish your baseline — where you are today
Step Three
E — Engineer Your Plan
Plan Delivery
We present your personalized financial plan — built around your goals, your life stage, and your specific situation. We walk through everything together in plain language, so you leave with a clear picture of where you stand and exactly what we recommend.
First, we review your full financial picture:
- Net worth, cash flow, and how you're currently invested
- Retirement income projections and Social Security strategy
- Tax-efficiency and investment allocation recommendations
- Risk management and estate planning considerations
Then we go over recommendations, action items, and your prioritized implementation timeline.
Time before next meeting: 2–4 weeksStep Four
A — Act with Accountability
Implement & Follow Through
A plan that stays on paper isn't a plan — it's a document.
We take action alongside you: opening and transferring accounts, facilitating paperwork, coordinating with your CPA, estate attorney, or other professionals as needed. Then we follow up until every action item is complete — because it's easy to let important tasks slip through the cracks, and that's exactly why this step exists.
- Open new accounts and facilitate transfers
- Fill insurance gaps and restructure liabilities
- Coordinate with your CPA, attorney, or realtor
- Follow-up check-ins until fully implemented
Step Five — Ongoing
R — Review & Refine
Annual Ongoing Planning
Your life changes — your plan should too. We create a new financial plan at the beginning of each year and hold structured review meetings throughout the year to keep you on track, tax-efficient, and moving confidently ahead.
4 structured meetings per year + availability as neededWhat Ongoing Looks Like
Your Year With Us
Four structured meetings throughout the year — each focused on a different piece of your financial life. Click each quarter below.
Q1 — January to March
Annual Strategy Meeting
- Build a new financial plan for the year
- Review prior year results and update goals
- Coordinate with your tax professional on key planning items
- Address any pressing questions or tasks
Regular Activity: Tax-efficient investment monitoring & rebalancing
Q2 — May to July
Mid-Year Planning Review
- Review tax planning strategies with insights powered by Holistiplan
- Update income projections and assess tax-efficiency opportunities
- Evaluate Roth conversion and capital gain strategies
- Coordinate findings with your tax professional as needed
Regular Activity: Tax-efficient investment monitoring & rebalancing
Q3/Q4 — October to November
Investment & Benefits Review
- Investment review and tax-efficient positioning for year-end
- Company benefits review & open enrollment guidance
- Insurance & estate review (every other year)
- Coordinate year-end planning strategies with your tax professional
Regular Activity: Tax-efficient investment monitoring & rebalancing
Q4 — December
Year-End Planning
- Finalize year-end investment and contribution strategies
- Review annual progress and update financial plan projections
- Coordinate any remaining tax-efficient moves with your tax professional
- Prepare action items and priorities for the following year
Regular Activity: Tax-efficient investment monitoring & rebalancing
Meeting agendas shown are representative and may vary based on your individual situation — your planning needs may include topics not listed here. Crescent Capital Planning does not provide tax preparation or tax filing services. Tax planning strategy reviews are powered by Holistiplan and are coordinated with your tax professional. Our general philosophy is to focus on tax-efficient investment strategies as part of your overall financial plan.
Next Steps
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