What Does a Financial Plan Actually Look Like?

Most people know they should have a financial plan. But ask them what one actually looks like and many aren’t sure. Is it a spreadsheet? A pension forecast? A stack of investment documents?

At FTA Financial & Wealth Management, we believe a great financial plan is far more than a one-off report – it’s an evolving roadmap, built around your goals, your life, and your values.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what a real financial plan looks like, and how it can bring clarity and confidence to your future.

Step 1: Understanding You and Your Goals

Before any numbers are run, we start by listening. A proper plan begins with your priorities, not just your income or assets.

We’ll explore:

• What does financial freedom mean to you?
• When do you want to retire and what do you want retirement to look like?
• Are you planning to sell a business or practice?
• Do you want to support children, protect loved ones, or leave a legacy?

This is where real planning begins with purpose.

Step 2: Gathering the Numbers

Next, we take stock of everything in your financial world. This gives us the full picture of where you are now.

Typical areas we’ll review:

• Income and expenses (personal and business)
• Assets (property, pensions, savings, investments)
• Liabilities (mortgages, loans, credit)
• Existing protection (life cover, income protection, shareholder policies)
• Estate and inheritance planning

We call this your financial snapshot – a single view of your current position.

Step 3: Cashflow Modelling

Here’s where it starts to come alive.

Using professional tools, we map out your financial future using cashflow forecasting. This helps you visualise:

• How your income and assets will support you over time
• What happens if you sell your practice early (or later)
• How long your retirement income will last
• The impact of major events: downsizing, illness, business sale, gifting money
• The effects of inflation, tax, and market changes

You’ll see your future before it happens and know whether your current path is sustainable.

Step 4: Creating the Strategy

Based on your goals and your forecast, we’ll build a tailored financial plan. This isn’t just a product list – it’s a coordinated strategy covering:

• Investments – where and how your money should grow
• Retirement planning – when and how to draw income tax-efficiently
• Tax planning – use of ISA and pension, allowances
• Protection – ensuring you, your family, and your business are covered
• Estate planning – passing on wealth without unnecessary tax

We’ll also include immediate actions, medium-term reviews, and long-term strategy checkpoints.

Step 5: Implement, Review, and Refine

A financial plan isn’t a document that gathers dust – it’s a living plan.

We’ll:

• Put your strategy into action with full support
• Monitor performance and risk level strategy, and adjust when your life changes
• Stay in touch regularly to keep you on track
• Provide annual reviews with updated cashflow models

Whether your income changes, you sell a property, or you welcome a grandchild — your plan flexes with you.

Final Thought: A Plan Isn’t About Restriction — It’s About Freedom

Most clients come to us not just for financial advice, but for confidence. They want to know:

• Am I doing the right things?
• Will I be okay in the future?
• What am I missing?

A clear, independent financial plan answers those questions and gives you the freedom to live your life without second-guessing your decisions.

Ready to see your future with clarity?

Book a planning session with us today and let’s build your personalised roadmap – one that’s about you, not just your money.