Virtual financial planning works the same way as in-person planning, except meetings happen by video and documents move through a secure portal. You share your financial picture, the planner builds and presents recommendations on screen, and your accounts stay with an independent custodian in your name. A virtual fee-only financial advisor can serve you wherever you live.
A short video or phone conversation to discuss goals, questions and fit. No documents are needed yet.
You upload statements, tax returns, benefits information and insurance policies to an encrypted portal. Many planners also use read-only account aggregation so balances stay current without you sending new statements.
The planner shares their screen to walk through projections, tax strategies and recommendations. You can ask questions in real time, and the meeting can be recorded for your notes if you prefer.
Account openings, transfers and beneficiary updates are handled with electronic signatures. Your assets are held at a third-party custodian, not by the advisor.
Regular check-ins happen on your schedule, and quick questions can be handled by email or a short call.
Virtual planning suits busy professionals, families with young children, people who relocate, and anyone who wants a specific type of advisor, such as a fee-only CFP® professional, that is not available nearby. If you prefer to meet face to face, a hybrid approach works too.
That is all. Most clients find the process faster than in-person planning because there is no travel and documents are shared in minutes.
The advice, the fiduciary standard and the planning process are identical. The differences are logistics: meeting by video, signing electronically and sharing documents through a portal. For many people, especially those outside a firm's home city, virtual access is what makes working with a fee-only CFP® professional possible.
It can be very safe when the firm uses encrypted portals, multi-factor authentication and an independent custodian, and verifies any money-movement instructions.
Yes. Investment management works the same way online, with accounts held at a third-party custodian.
No, though many firms offer in-person meetings for clients who are nearby and prefer them.
Want planning that fits your schedule? Meet with our virtual fee-only financial advisor by video.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not individualized investment, tax or legal advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your specific situation.
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