What do you think about the Vanguard Financial Planners?

[Unionville]

Anyone had any experience with Vanguard Financial Planners? I just talked to one (I guess they usually charge $, but for my account they are free). I was trying to explain to him about retiring early and wanted to pick his brain on how I might  rebalance my funds, limit taxes, should I get Dividend investments, etc..He basically wanted to work up a plan for me for me to review, and meet again next week. I didn't get any sense he wanted to answer my specific questions. I'm unclear if they "teach" you  strategies, or if they just want to manage your account. Or are they just trying to sell services?  We didn't really get into the nuts and bolts.

Kate

[pbkmaine]

Always worth listening to another's opinion. You do not have to buy anything.

[vespito]

I thought my session was ok.  I had to fill out the online survey and then we met the following week.  The feedback was pretty good and all my specific questions were answered. My asset allocation was already pretty close to what they recommended so we didn't really go over "a plan".  My session was more of "have you thought about this scenario?".   

The adviser gave me some direction on paperwork to fill out so my Vanguard assets would be seamlessly transferred to my wife's Vanguard account if I get hit by a bus.

There was no push for me to move into a higher priced fund or to have Vanguard actively manage my account - it never came up.

[Workinghard]

I filled out the information and also spoke with a financial planner. The most valuable part to me was seeing best and worst case scenario of where we would be financially based on income, projected expenses, and current portfolio value.  Even if our expenses increased significantly, it looks like we'll have more than enough and some money left over to leave our son. I did not feel they were pushing funds by any means although they recommended a higher percentage of bonds in my portfolio.  Um, no thanks.

[Unionville]

Wow, I just got his 27 page report back from Vanguard. It said in big green letters on the front I had "100% likelihood of success to implement my plan (of retiring)" Unbelievable.  I've never seen any financial statement ever use 100% about anything!!!  Celebration time or what?