Our Process

From first call to
a plan that works.

Every client relationship at DeMull Financial follows the same four-phase process. Clear, straightforward, and built around your situation.

1
Phase One
Discover

A free 30-minute introductory call to understand your situation, your goals, and what’s currently missing from your financial picture. This is a conversation, not a pitch. We’ll ask about your business, your income, your family, and what’s keeping you up at night financially. At the end, we’ll tell you honestly whether we think we can help — and if not, we’ll tell you that too.

Free 30-Minute CallNo obligation. No agenda except understanding your situation.
Fit AssessmentWe’re selective about who we work with. This helps both parties decide.
No Prep NeededJust show up and talk. We’ll ask the right questions.
Honest FeedbackIf we’re not the right fit, we’ll say so and point you in the right direction.
2
Phase Two
Analyze

If we decide to move forward, we dig into your full financial picture. Income, assets, liabilities, tax returns, business structure, retirement accounts, insurance, estate documents — everything. We use RightCapital to model your current trajectory and identify the gaps, opportunities, and priorities. This is where we do the work that most advisors skip.

Full Financial ReviewBusiness and personal. We look at the complete picture, not just the investment account.
Tax AnalysisWe review your last 1–2 years of returns to identify missed opportunities and structural issues.
RightCapital ModelingYour current trajectory modeled in detail — retirement projections, cash flow, net worth over time.
Gap IdentificationWhere are you leaving money on the table? We document it before we build anything.
3
Phase Three
Propose & Build

We present a written financial plan with specific, prioritized recommendations. Not a generic template — a plan built around your actual situation, your business structure, your tax picture, and your goals. We walk through it with you, answer every question, and revise until it’s something you fully understand and own. Then we implement it together.

Written Financial PlanDocumented, comprehensive, and reviewed together line by line.
Prioritized Action ItemsNot a 40-page document you never read. A clear list of what to do first, second, and third.
Implementation SupportWe don’t hand you a plan and disappear. We help you execute it.
Coordinated with Your CPAWe communicate with your tax professional so everyone is working from the same plan.
4
Phase Four
Implement & Review

This is where the work actually happens. We implement the strategy, monitor progress, and stay ahead of changes in your income, tax law, and goals. We meet at least annually to review the full plan — more often if your situation warrants it. We’re also available throughout the year for questions, decisions, and life events that affect your financial picture.

Annual Plan ReviewsFull review of goals, projections, and strategy every year. Updated in RightCapital.
Year-Round Tax CoordinationNot just at filing time. We’re watching for opportunities and flagging issues all year.
Portfolio MonitoringOngoing rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and contribution optimization.
Always AvailablePhone and email access to Sage directly — not an assistant, not a call center.
Common Questions

What to expect when working with us.

How long does the onboarding process take?
From the initial call to a completed financial plan is typically 4–6 weeks, depending on how quickly we can gather your documents and how much complexity is involved. We don’t rush it — getting the analysis right matters more than getting it done fast.
What do I need to bring to the first meeting?
Nothing for the initial call — just yourself and 30 minutes. If we move forward, we’ll ask for tax returns, retirement account statements, business documents, and insurance policies. We’ll send a clear list at the right time.
Do you work with clients outside Michigan?
Yes. While we’re based in Alma, Michigan, we serve clients across the state and nationwide. Most of our ongoing client work happens over video call and phone — geography isn’t a barrier.
What if I already have a CPA or attorney?
Even better. We work alongside your existing professionals — we don’t replace them. We provide the financial planning strategy and year-round tax coordination; your CPA handles accurate compliance and filing. We communicate directly with your CPA when it matters.
Is there a minimum asset requirement?
No minimum for financial planning retainer clients. For investment management, our AUM schedule starts at $100,000 in investable assets. If you’re not there yet, a planning retainer is often the right starting point — and we’ll help you build toward it.

Step one is a conversation.

30 minutes. Free. No obligation. Just an honest look at your situation and whether we’re the right fit for each other.

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