What You Need Before Starting

Financial planning isn't about making quick decisions. Before we work together, there are a few things worth thinking through. This page exists because starting financial planning without the right mindset is like building a house without checking the foundation first.

Financial Readiness Means More Than Numbers

Most people come to us thinking they just need someone to crunch numbers and give advice. And sure, that's part of it. But the clients who actually see progress? They're the ones who show up ready to be honest about where they are.

You don't need to be rich to start planning. You don't need perfect credit or a massive savings account. What you do need is a willingness to look at your situation clearly and commit to making changes over time.

We've worked with people earning 15 million VND monthly and people earning 80 million. The income level matters less than the mindset you bring to the table.

Be Ready to Share Real Numbers

We can't help if you're hiding debt or pretending expenses don't exist. Financial planning only works when we're looking at the full picture together.

Understand This Takes Time

Building financial stability doesn't happen in a month. Most clients see meaningful changes after 6-12 months of consistent work. Quick fixes aren't our thing.

Accept You'll Need to Change Habits

If spending patterns got you into trouble, the same patterns won't get you out. Be prepared to adjust how you handle money daily.

Bring Questions and Concerns

The best planning sessions happen when clients ask tough questions. We'd rather spend time addressing your real worries than pretending everything's simple.

Roland Kemp

Lead Financial Planning Advisor

I've been doing this work since 2017, and one thing hasn't changed: the clients who succeed are the ones who stop avoiding reality. I'm not here to judge your past financial decisions or lecture you about what you should have done differently.

My approach is straightforward. We sit down, look at your income and expenses, identify what's working and what isn't, then build a plan that fits your actual life. Not some theoretical perfect budget, but something you can actually stick to.

I grew up in a family that didn't talk about money, which meant I learned most financial lessons the hard way. That experience taught me that shame and guilt don't help anyone build better habits. What does help is creating systems that work with your behavior instead of against it.

"Most financial advice tells you what to do. I focus on helping you understand why you're doing it, so the changes actually stick beyond our meetings."

Questions People Ask Before Enrolling

Before You Sign Up

Do I need to have a certain income level to work with you?

No minimum income requirement exists. We've helped people across the income spectrum because financial planning principles work at any level. What matters more is whether you're committed to making changes.

How much time will this actually take each week?

Initial setup takes about 3-4 hours total to gather information and create your first plan. After that, expect 30-60 minutes weekly to track expenses and adjust as needed. Monthly check-ins with us run about 45 minutes.

What if I've tried budgeting before and failed?

Most people have. Traditional budgeting often fails because it doesn't account for real life. We build flexibility into plans and focus on patterns rather than perfect adherence to rigid categories.

During the Program

What happens if my financial situation changes mid-program?

We adjust the plan. Job loss, medical expenses, family changes—these happen. Plans need to flex with reality, and we revise strategy based on your current circumstances, not what we originally projected.

Can I contact you between our scheduled meetings?

Yes, through email. Response time is typically within 2 business days. For urgent situations affecting major financial decisions, we can schedule additional short consultations as needed.

After Program Completion

Will I need ongoing support or is this a one-time thing?

Most clients complete the initial 6-month program, then transition to quarterly check-ins. Some prefer to handle things independently after initial setup. We offer ongoing support but don't require long-term commitments.

What resources do I get to keep using after we finish?

All planning templates, tracking spreadsheets, and educational materials remain yours. We also provide a written financial strategy document you can reference and update independently going forward.

Professional financial planning consultation session showing advisor reviewing documents with client

What Happens in Your First Session

The first meeting runs about 90 minutes and it's mostly us listening. You'll walk through your current financial situation—income sources, regular expenses, debt obligations, savings goals. We take notes and ask clarifying questions, but we're not making judgments or offering solutions yet.

After that session, we spend time analyzing what you shared and building an initial strategy. Second meeting is where we present that strategy, explain our reasoning, and adjust based on your feedback. Nothing gets finalized until you feel like the plan actually fits your life.

Some people want to start implementing immediately. Others prefer to think it over for a week or two. Both approaches work. The important thing is that you feel confident about the direction before committing to changes.