If you recognize the illustration above, you have a good memory of the small front conference room in our office, as it is framed there. This sketch is from one of our favorite books on financial advice: The Behavior Gap by Carl Richards. Over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on a few of Carl’s sketches that illustrate various concepts on financial planning.

The idea of “Real Financial Advice” shown above cuts to the core of what we believe about financial planning; that it is personal and centered on you, our clients. Master’s was founded 27 years ago because of the environment our original partners found themselves in at another firm. That firm had a culture that focused on sales, individualism and was built to serve the parent company. Master’s was the antidote to that culture; one focused on helping clients for their benefit first and foremost and personalizing advice to each induvial need.

Most weekends, my 3-year-old son Cam and I make a run to a local butcher shop. When we walk in, they know who we are, greet us enthusiastically, and usually give Cam a treat to take with him. He has now gotten in the habit of asking me if we are going to the butcher on Saturday mornings. How can such a simple errand carry meaning to a toddler? Perhaps I overthink these things, but I think it speaks to our deep-seeded human desire to be ‘known’.

Of course, giving you financial advice is much more consequential than me deciding which flavor of beef jerky I am going to order each Saturday, but the core concept is the same. We believe that knowing the core of who you are and what is most important to you is where real financial advice begins. Our continual planning processes and team environment are all centered around the experience with Master’s is one that keeps the client at the center.

When is the last time you have felt ‘known’? Do we provide a personalized experience to you on a consistent basis?