This article is part three in our three-part series on “The Foundation FORMula,” Paul Axberg’s exclusive wealth management process.
- Discovery
- Design
- Deployment
Step 1: Discovery
Discovery centers on clarifying what is most meaningful in your life. This step focuses on:
Identifying personal priorities across Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Money
Reflecting on both short- and long-term goals
Understanding how individual values influence financial decision-making
Step 2: Design
Design builds on the insights gathered during Discovery by outlining a structured financial direction. Areas of focus commonly include:
Wealth management
Risk management
Tax planning
Legacy considerations
Philanthropy
Cash management
Value-added services, where applicable
By the conclusion of Design, the relationship among these areas becomes clearer, setting the stage for the next step.
How Deployment Builds on Discovery and Design
Deployment does not represent a guarantee of outcomes. Instead, it is a systematic process of putting the agreed-upon strategy into motion, reviewing how different planning components relate to each other, and identifying where coordination may be appropriate as circumstances evolve.
The following sections outline how Deployment works and how ongoing monitoring supports continuity.
Putting Strategy Into Action
Confirming Direction Prior to Implementation
Deployment begins with a brief review of the conclusions reached during Discovery and Design. This is a final alignment check to confirm that the direction still reflects current priorities and personal circumstances. During this stage, the conversation focuses on clarity before proceeding with implementation.
Common review points include:
- Revisiting priorities and time horizons
- Discussing risk preferences and planning assumptions
- Noting any recent personal or financial updates
Establishing Accounts and Organizational Structure
Once alignment is confirmed, attention shifts to administrative and structural setup. This may involve establishing accounts, coordinating transfers, and organizing financial information so components of the strategy can function cohesively. Our role is to assist in coordinating these steps and facilitating communication among relevant parties.
Typical implementation tasks may include:
- Opening or consolidating accounts
- Updating beneficiary designations
- Coordinating with custodians or employer benefit providers
- Reviewing title alignment where appropriate
Coordination and Ongoing Review
Deployment also outlines how progress will be monitored moving forward. Financial circumstances change over time, so periodic review is incorporated to revisit the strategy as needed.
Ongoing review discussions commonly include:
- Whether priorities have shifted
- Account activity and plan coordination
- Whether adjustments may be appropriate based on new circumstances
- Coordination with tax or legal professionals, when relevant
What Follow-Up May Look Like
Hypothetical Example #1: Career Transition
Consider a hypothetical client who decides to move from a corporate role into independent consulting. This shift introduces a different income rhythm and may require a reconsideration of how day-to-day and long-term financial decisions are coordinated.
During a review meeting, the conversation might focus on how the existing financial strategy aligns with the new work structure. The discussion is not about replacing the plan, but rather about examining whether changes in income timing or work arrangements suggest possible adjustments.
Areas that could be reviewed include:
Aligning savings contributions with irregular income intervals
Considering disability or income protection options appropriate for self-employment
Reviewing how retirement contributions are made now that employer-sponsored plans are no longer the primary vehicle
These steps describe ways the client and advisor might revisit planning components to reflect the new context. The planning framework remains in place, but the focus shifts to exploring potential adjustments that could be relevant to the client’s current circumstances.
Hypothetical Example #2: Growing Family
Another hypothetical scenario involves a couple preparing to welcome their first child. Even though their initial financial strategy already incorporates long-term planning, the upcoming addition introduces new considerations and responsibilities.
During a review conversation, the discussion could cover how daily expenses and future objectives might evolve. The intent is to explore whether changes in household composition suggest updates to specific areas of the plan.
Topics that may be reviewed include:
- Insurance coverage to determine whether changes are relevant to the growing family
- Savings approaches for potential future educational or care-related needs
- Evaluating the adequacy of liquid reserves given anticipated changes in household expenses
The overall planning structure remains intact. The discussion focuses on considering how current priorities and timelines may be reflected in adjustments to planning components, without implying any guaranteed results or outcomes.
Disclosures
Content provided through a collaboration with Paul Axberg and Schnebly Hill Digital Marketing. This content was generated using the help of AI research, and is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized advice. For specific estate planning advice, please consult a qualified estate planning attorney.