Our featured professional this month for The Living Planner Advisory Perspective Series is Dean Finkenberg, the Founder and CEO of Plans In Place.
He is a business leader, innovator and dynamic mentor with an impressive history as a senior executive in companies ranging from ground-level startups to businesses with over $500 million in annual revenues. His corporate consumer products experience spans such industries as alternative energy, environmental endeavors, wireless communications, and action sports industries. Dean has served as President of both the Western and Southwestern divisions of Paging Network, Inc., where he led the largest company division through a $116 million initial public offering (IPO) and several strategic acquisitions with 600 employees, 19 offices and was personally responsible for over $100 million in revenue.
Dean has been the President and Executive Board Member of the Estate Planning Council of South Orange County for the past two years and is a member of several technology based organizations in Southern California. Welcome Dean!
Question 1. What do you enjoy about working with your clients?
I really enjoy being able to help my clients and their loved ones be better prepared for life’s events. Whether it is an unexpected diagnosis of a critical illness, disease, disability or simply future planning.
Question 2. How would you suggest a potential new client prepare for a 1st meeting?
There is no need for a first meeting… We have an simple interactive online platform that is easy to use and access. Simply go to www.plansinplace.com, review “who we are” and “what we offer” and then sign up for a plan that best fits your needs between $60 – $300.
Question 3. When someone agrees to become a client, what can they expect immediately? Over time?
We start with asking you some simple “Yes/No” questions to help build your plan. You have the option of adding your important documents into our “encrypted” vault and choosing which members of your “private group” have access to each document. Or you don’t have to give anyone access if you choose. You also have the ability to add videos or photos of your treasures into an organized portal where you can assign assets to anyone you choose, add their value or simply use it for insurance tracking. Plans In Place also offers the ability to list your health care insurance plans, medications, allergies, surgeries and your emergency contacts in case you need it for your loved ones. All of this along with a “private” communications platform to share your life’s stories, final road map or your kid’s favorite vacation spot.
Question 4. What is your service philosophy?
We believe that the more you know about the planning process the more informed you will be to make better decision for your loved ones.
Question 5. What resources do you provide to assist “laypeople” with understanding what is being discussed?
We understand that “You don’t know what you don’t know” so we offer you easy to understand guidance and education throughout our platform. As a result we believe that you will be a more informed client. We believe that you should talk to professionals about your plans so we offer a nationwide list of professionals to help you with questions about financial, health, insurance, legal, real estate, tax, retirement and military issues. We also have a comprehensive list of resources and state-by-state health forms to help you with your plan
Bonus Question! If you were to relay one piece of advice to anyone reading this, what would it be?
Take the time to talk to your loved ones about your wishes so they can feel comfortable and have some peace of mind in case unexpected events take place.
Thank you Dean for providing the IT systems for those who desire secure storage and access to documents for themselves and their loved ones. For anyone interested in learning more about Plans in Place, visit the website: Plans in Place
To receive a 10% discount off the price of an Annual or Lifetime Plan from Plans in Place, add the code LP10 for the Annual Plan and LPL10 for the Lifetime Plan to the order in the Promo Code area before you checkout!
Are your family members, employees and company ready for anything life hands them? Advanced planning at home and work serves people in measurable and profound ways.
The Living Planner supports proactive resources and quality one-on-one comprehensive individual and business planning. Contact us to learn more about how we work with individuals, business owners and employees via Email or online @ The Living Planner