What to Expect From Your Financial Analysis

A Foundational Step in Your Retirement Planning Journey

At Childress Financial Consultants, our Discovery Session is designed to be thoughtful, efficient, and deeply personal. One of the most important tools we use during this initial conversation is your Financial Analysis—a structured overview of your current financial picture, your goals, and the opportunities available to you.

What Is the Financial Analysis?

The Financial Analysis is not a sales document—and it’s not about judgment. It’s a clarity tool.

It allows us to step back and look at your finances from a high level so we can have a more meaningful, productive conversation. Rather than guessing or relying on assumptions, we use real numbers and real goals to guide the discussion.

Our analysis follows a clear, four-part framework designed to move you from where you are today to where you want to be financially KC Financial Analysis 8.16:

  1. Household Information – Understanding who and what should be considered in your plan

  2. Current State – A clear snapshot of income, expenses, assets, and obligations

  3. End in Mind – Clarifying your goals, priorities, and vision for the future

  4. Bridge the Gap – Identifying strategies to close the gap between today and your ideal outcome

This structure helps ensure nothing important is overlooked—especially when it comes to retirement income, cash flow, protection, taxes, and legacy planning.

Why We Ask You to Complete the Income & Expense Worksheet

Before your Discovery Session, we’ll ask you to complete an Income & Expense Worksheet, which we’ll link for you directly.

This step is intentional.

Taking time to review your income sources and monthly expenses before we meet allows you to:

  • Reflect on your current cash flow without pressure

  • Gather accurate information at your own pace

  • Avoid feeling rushed or put on the spot during the meeting

  • Make the Discovery Session more focused and efficient

Many clients tell us this is the first time they’ve ever seen their finances laid out clearly in one place—and that alone can be incredibly empowering.

To access the Income & Expense Worksheet, click here.

How This Helps Our Conversation

Because you’ve already done the groundwork, our time together can be spent where it matters most:

  • Identifying potential gaps or risks you may not see yet

  • Understanding how your money is working (or not working) for you

  • Exploring retirement income strategies—not just account balances

  • Discussing Social Security, taxes, and long-term sustainability

  • Aligning financial decisions with your family and lifestyle goals

In short, the Financial Analysis allows us to move beyond surface-level conversations and into strategy.

Your Information Is 100% Confidential

We understand that sharing financial details requires trust—and we take that responsibility seriously.

All information you provide:

  • Is used solely for your planning conversation

  • Is kept confidential and handled securely

  • Is never shared without your explicit permission

Our role is to serve as a trusted guide, not to pressure or sell. The Discovery Session is about understanding, education, and alignment—nothing more, nothing less.

A Final Word

Completing the Financial Analysis and Income & Expense Worksheet is one of the most valuable steps you can take before beginning your retirement planning journey. It sets the tone for a thoughtful, collaborative conversation and allows us to truly meet you where you are.

We look forward to walking through it with you—and helping you gain clarity and confidence about what comes next.

If you have any questions while completing the worksheet, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help.

About Childress Financial Consultants

Kwesi and Cheri Childress are the husband-and-wife team behind Childress Financial Consultants, helping families and business owners plan for retirement with confidence. They specialize in maximizing Social Security benefits, protecting assets, and creating lasting legacies through safe-money strategies.

Together, they believe retirement planning isn’t just about money — it’s about family, freedom, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Schedule your complimentary Retirement Readiness Consultation today by calling (310) 256-7377 or sending an email to kchildress@cigbh.com

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