EIG Behind the Scenes: What Makes Our Approach Unique

Financial planning is about more than choosing investments. A thoughtful financial plan considers where you are today, where you want to go, and the many pieces of your financial life that need to work together to help you get there. In the first installment of a new *Money Sense* series, **Behind the Scenes at EIG**, Brett Engelking, Director of Systems, Operations and Investments at Ellenbecker Investment Group, is joined by Christina Schnuckel, Wealth Advisor and Director of Client Experience. Together, they pull back the curtain on the EIG client experience, from determining whether a client and advisor are the right fit to developing a holistic financial plan before investment recommendations are made. The conversation explores EIG's planning process, team-based approach, estate and tax planning, and investment philosophy. Brett and Christina also discuss the importance of diversification, risk management, transparent fees and building an investment strategy designed for both strong and challenging markets. Along the way, they share some of the "aha moments" clients experience when they begin to see how investments, taxes, estate planning and other financial decisions work together as part of a bigger picture. ### Episode Highlights: **0:30 |** Introducing *Behind the Scenes at EIG*, a new *Money Sense* series exploring the people, processes and philosophy behind Ellenbecker Investment Group **1:24 |** What makes someone an ideal EIG client and why the right fit is about more than investable assets **2:41 |** Why financial planning isn't only for people who already have significant wealth **3:15 |** The Wealth Seed and helping people build a strong financial foundation at the beginning of their financial journey **4:10 |** Why emergency savings, estate planning and financial protection come before investing **6:15 |** What prospective clients can expect from EIG's multi-meeting financial planning process **6:48 |** Why understanding a client's full financial picture is essential to making recommendations in their best interest **7:13 |** The discovery meeting and the questions that help shape an individualized financial plan **8:34 |** Why EIG builds the financial plan before focusing on investment management **9:36 |** Estate planning as a foundational part of a comprehensive financial plan **11:23 |** EIG's team approach and the roles of wealth advisors, advisor associates and operations associates **12:57 |** Creating continuity so clients don't have to tell their financial story over and over again **14:39 |** Shifting behind the scenes to EIG's approach to investing **15:02 |** What diversification really means and why owning different stocks doesn't necessarily mean you're diversified **16:59 |** Diversification as a core component of EIG's investment philosophy **17:13 |** The risk of choosing investments based primarily on past performance **17:57 |** Why investors may unknowingly own more of the same companies they already hold through mutual funds **18:42 |** Chasing market performance and the danger of moving toward the latest "hot" investment **19:57 |** How investment models help create diversified portfolios based on risk and return objectives **20:29 |** Balancing the desire for growth with protection during down markets **22:11 |** EIG's five pillars of investment philosophy: high-quality dividend-paying stocks, diversification, efficient and transparent fees, income protection and tax planning **23:46 |** How newer investors can still achieve broad diversification through mutual funds and ETFs **24:36 |** Going further behind the scenes: the financial planning "aha moments" clients often experience **25:12 |** Integrating tax planning into the broader financial planning process **26:40 |** Comparing current investments with recommendations and making sure risk aligns with the client's goals **27:47 |** Helping clients move through the estate planning process with greater clarity and confidence **28:49 |** A preview of the next *Behind the Scenes at EIG* conversation, including reporting, technology and AI ### ELLENBECKER INVESTMENT GROUP Presenter of the *Money Sense Podcast*. Ellenbecker Investment Group (EIG), a registered investment advisor, provides comprehensive financial planning and fiduciary wealth management services for individuals, families, businesses, and charitable organizations. EIG's planning-first approach helps clients align their financial decisions with their values, goals, and long-term vision for the future. **Website:** ellenbecker.com *This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Guest opinions represent the views of the individuals speaking, and references to specific products, services, legislation, or organizations do not imply endorsement by Ellenbecker Investment Group. Before making financial, tax, or estate planning decisions, consult with qualified professionals familiar with your individual circumstances.*