Using Technology to Make Financial Planning Accessible

A guest post written by Bonnie Maize of Maize Financial

My best moments as an advisor are when a client tells me, “I feel so much better after talking to you.” Whether struggling with debt or excited to embark on a new chapter in life, money can be a source of stress and difficult to talk about. But I’ve seen time after time that having a plan to tackle challenges and accomplish goals is a powerful tool to lessen anxiety and regain a sense of control. I can’t automatically fix everyone’s financial problems, but I can help create a roadmap to get where they want, providing a sense of peace in the present and confidence in the future.

Everyone wants to feel in control of their lives and know they can reach their goals. I started Maize Financial because I believe everyone should have affordable access to quality financial planning services traditionally reserved for the affluent. I want to be an advocate and source of support for marginalized communities and hardworking individuals trying to secure a better future for themselves and their loved ones.

I receive access to RightCapital as a member of the ONYX Advisor Network that supports underrepresented financial professionals and offers additional tools such as Wealthbox, 500 free accounts at Altruist, MessageWatcher, Synergy RIA Compliance Solutions, and discounts at many more partners like NAPFA and Holistiplan.

Here are the top reasons why I recommend RightCapital to other advisors looking for a financial planning solution:

Flexibility

RightCapital provides the tools to serve my clients, no matter their net worth. Setting and tracking financial goals can seem daunting for young adults and many in underserved communities. RightCapital simplifies the process by providing intuitive goal-setting features and progress-tracking tools. I can assist clients in defining achievable goals, whether they are saving for a home, funding education, or building an emergency fund. As RightCapital tracks their progress, they’re able to view their achievements in real-time and feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going. The mobile app and Snapshot feature make it easy to quickly check in, see their progress, and complete tasks.

For those with more assets and complex planning needs, RightCapital provides powerful solutions to analyze investments, income taxes, investment properties, retirement income strategies, and much more. It covers the spectrum from beginning budgeting and debt paydown to more complex scenarios and advanced planning, allowing me to serve clients in any position and stage of life. RightCapital's flexibility ensures that clients receive advice that is both relevant and achievable, further increasing the likelihood of long-term success.

Affordability

One barrier to providing affordable planning is the high cost of software, especially for solo financial planners like myself. Thankfully, RightCapital and other modern solutions have entered the market and are available for an affordable price directly or through various networks, ensuring a quality user experience and robust functionality without destroying my bottom line. Financial planning no longer has to be only for the affluent, because these tools allow me to profitably serve a much larger segment of the population.

Ease-of-use and collaboration

Most of my clients have never utilized the services of a financial planner or planning software before, but it’s so easy to get started with RightCapital that they aren’t intimidated and immediately pick it up. Clients love how simply they can experiment with different scenarios and see the results in clear, easy-to-understand charts and graphics. Its interactive interface allows me to actively engage them in the financial planning process, creating a sense of ownership and giving them the ability to make informed decisions. This collaborative approach builds trust and helps educate about important financial concepts, empowering clients to take control of their financial futures.

RightCapital is one of the tools giving planners like me the ability to start bridging the gap between underserved communities and affordable financial planning services. Democratizing access to comprehensive financial planning tools can bring financial stability within reach for those who most need it. As our profession moves forward, embracing technological advancements like RightCapital will be crucial to create a more inclusive and equitable financial planning profession, ultimately empowering underserved communities to achieve their financial goals and build a brighter future.

Try RightCapital for yourself with a 14-day free trial after a 1:1 demo with one of our product specialists.