What to Expect
Our Approach
You will inevitably have questions for our team and perhaps some hesitations and reluctance as well. This is natural, which is why it’s so important for you to know that the very foundation of our planning philosophy – and the entire process of how we help clients just like you plan for retirement – is one built on transparency and moves at a pace you are comfortable with. We also believe very strongly that the greatest decisions are the best-educated ones. We encourage you to use the many resources we have available prior to as well as in between our meetings. The more you understand your options and the pros and cons of each, the better prepared you will be and the more confidence you will have in being an active participant in your retirement planning in Wausau, WI.
First Meeting - Fact Finding
One of the first steps in planning for your retirement is choosing the right team of financial professionals. This meeting is an opportunity to talk about your retirement goals and for you to learn about our approach to retirement income planning. These insights can help us determine if we are comfortable working together.
Part of the process will include reviewing the information you will be asked to complete before our meeting and the documents you will be asked to bring with you (see below lists). The more information you have available, the more accurate our planning professionals can be in working with you, so please gather as many of those documents as you are able. Copies can be made at our office during your appointment.
Put your mind at ease: No matter where life has taken you, our approach is genuinely non-judgmental.
There is no cost or obligation for meeting with us and no decisions will be made at this meeting.
Information to Complete Prior to Your Arrival
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A Plan for Real Life Data Form
The information provided in this form will be used to run reports and evaluate your current retirement plans. -
Color of Money Risk Analysis (COMRA)
This 11-question self-assessment is a first step toward learning more about your risk preferences and will be the basis of our work together.
Information to Bring to Your Initial Consultation
- Completed “A Plan for Real Life” Data Form
- Annuity Statements
- Bank Statements
- Brokerage Statements
- Mutual Fund Statements
- Other Investment Account Statements
- Estate Plan Documents
- Insurance Policies
- Social Security Benefits Statements
- Last Year’s Tax Return
- Mortgage Information
- Pension Plan Documents
- Retirement Plan Documents
- Any Items You Have Questions About
Second Meeting - Presentation
From the information you provided, we will run a series of financial reports which will give you a complete roadmap of what steps to do and when to do them, including filing for Social Security and accessing your retirement accounts based on family longevity. We will review these reports and at the end of the meeting, our advisors will make recommendations for your consideration.
There is no cost or obligation for meeting with us and no decisions need to be made at this meeting.
Second Meeting -
Presentation
From the information you provided, we will run a series of financial reports which will give you a complete roadmap of what steps to do and when to do them, including filing for Social Security and accessing your retirement accounts based on family longevity. We will review these reports and at the end of the meeting, our advisors will make recommendations for your consideration.
There is no cost or obligation for meeting with us and no decisions need to be made at this meeting.
Third Meeting -
Implementation
Fourth Meeting -
Delivery
We will deliver policies, review accounts, and do a full Generational Vault walk-through.
On-Going Relations – Service & Follow-up
Communications with us do not end the day you become a client. We strive to stay in contact regularly to answer any questions you may have, make any requested policy updates, or simply check on how things are going.
Also, when you become a client, you become a part of our extended family. And like any other family member, we celebrate your birthdays and wedding anniversaries, we mourn your family deaths, we recognize you for your contributions, and we support you in times of need.
Meeting Options
We offer two options for your convenience.
In-Office – Schedule a meeting to discuss your goals and concerns in a relaxed setting.
Virtual – Prefer an online meeting? No problem. You can schedule a one-on-one video conference to meet from the comfort of your own home.
Retirement Reports
Not all client scenarios are the same – the proprietary software reports and financial analysis provided by our strategic partners, including CFPs, helps ensure we have the tools to craft a strategy that meets your specific needs while planning for retirement in Wausau, WI.
Social Security Maximization
The Social Security Maximization Report analyzes possible filing strategies, examines multiple opportunities, and helps determine an optimal solution. It provides a retirement roadmap with dates and instructions to help optimize your Social Security income.
View Sample Report
Financial Overview
The Financial Overview report is used to summarize your asset information, income sources, and goals. This report serves as a baseline to build many of the other reports offered.
View Sample Report
Color of Money
The Color of Money Report illustrates your risk exposure with your current assets, comparing your existing level of risk with your desired level of risk. Classifying assets based on level of risk is a component of your overall retirement strategy.
View Sample Report
Portfolio Analysis Review
Through our partnership with Gradient Investments, LLC, the proprietary Portfolio Analysis Review (PAR) process gives you a detailed breakdown and written analysis of your investment portfolio. The PAR process uses numerous tools to assess your investments and help you understand the possible risks and rewards of your current financial situation.
View Sample Report
Morningstar Report
Morningstar, one of the largest third-party rating agencies in the country, offers an unbiased analysis of your current investments.
View Sample Report
Retirement Compass
The Retirement Compass helps you chart your income planning destination. The report integrates multiple sources of income (including Social Security, pension and rental income) along with strategies to generate income from assets to help fulfill your goals throughout retirement.
View Sample Report
Custom Annuity Policy Review
The Custom Annuity Policy Review looks at your current annuity to see if it still meets your needs, or if there is something that might be a better fit.
View Sample Report
Custom Life Policy Review
The Custom Life Policy Review analyzes your current life insurance policy and helps determine if there may be a more suitable strategy available, and if so, provides possible options.
View Sample Report
Action Plan
The Action Plan is a tool used to display your current accounts and can be used as a resource to provide additional feedback based on your risk tolerance.
View Sample Report
Retirement Tools
New Generation Retirement Planning System
A comprehensive approach to retirement planning
Our New Generation Retirement Planning System in Wausau, WI is designed to help you build a retirement plan that is clear, strategic, and easy to understand. Through a structured five-step process, we guide you through the key areas that matter most — asset allocation and risk management, income planning, asset maximization, legacy preparation, and tax strategies. Built on our core hallmarks of fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and technology, this process gives you confidence that every decision is thoughtful, coordinated, and aligned with your long-term goals.
Color of Money Risk Analysis (COMRA)
Green, Yellow, and Red Money
Before making informed decisions about your assets, it’s important to understand your personal relationship with risk. The Color of Money Risk Analysis (COMRA) is a short, interactive tool that evaluates how you respond to potential gains and losses, measures the predictability of your current assets, and identifies your overall risk preferences. The result is a personalized Color of Money risk score that helps guide your retirement strategy and ensures your investment approach reflects your comfort level and objectives.
Get Your Risk Score
Generational Vault
Preserving the past and securing a future
As a client, you’ll receive access to Generational Vault, a secure online portal designed to keep your financial life organized and accessible. From one central location, you can upload and store important documents, view a snapshot of your financial picture, and monitor your accounts through easy-to-read reports and dynamic charts. Generational Vault also maintains a record of our ongoing work together, providing transparency as your plan evolves. This secure system simplifies financial management today while ensuring your loved ones can quickly access critical documents when they need them most.
Beyond the Plan
At Buska, we believe in offering more than just a product or service – we’re dedicated to providing additional benefits that enhance your overall experience. From personalized solutions and professional guidance to exclusive benefits, we strive to go beyond meeting your basic requirements. Our aim is to exceed your expectations and ensure you feel truly valued throughout our entire partnership.
By choosing us, you’re investing in more than just a transaction; you’re investing in a relationship built on trust and care. We take the time to understand your unique needs and offer tailored solutions to help you work towards succeeding. With our focus on added value, you’ll also receive ongoing support, unique perks, and a commitment to your long-term success, helping ensure you always feel appreciated and confident in your decision to work with us.
More Than A Financial Plan
Social Club
Our Social Club is specifically designed for our clients, recognizing the vital role social engagement plays in enhancing well-being during retirement. This club offers a welcoming space for members to connect, build relationships, and share experiences with others in similar life stages. It’s about more than just financial security; it’s about fostering mental and physical health through meaningful connections and fun enjoyable activities that enrich the retirement experience.
Appreciation Events
We host appreciation events as a heartfelt way to show our gratitude for our clients’ ongoing trust and partnership. These gatherings provide a chance to connect, enjoy delicious food and entertainment, and celebrate our shared successes. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for being such a valued client and for helping strengthen our relationship as we look forward to future growth together.
Dinner For Life
We extend an invitation to our key clients to attend any of our dinner workshops, where they are welcome to bring a guest. This is an opportunity to gain valuable insights, enjoy a delicious meal on us, and introduce us to individuals in their network who may benefit from the services we offer.
Educational Events
Our continuing education events are designed to provide valuable insights and industry knowledge, helping our clients stay ahead of the curve. Through workshops, seminars, and webinars, we offer practical strategies, professional advice, and the latest trends to help ensure our clients are always informed and empowered to make appropriate decisions.
Referral Program
Our family-owned business has flourished thanks to the trust and support of our valued clients. We understand the power of word-of-mouth and, in appreciation, have developed a referral program designed to reward those who share their positive experiences with others who could benefit from our services. For each qualified referral*, we offer a $50 Visa gift card as a token of gratitude. From time to time, we run special promotions where the reward for each qualified referral is doubled, and those who submit multiple referrals during the promotion receive an exclusive gift as a thank-you for their continued support. Clients who submit referrals also have the potential to become an Advocate of our firm!
Advocate Status
Clients can achieve advocate status by actively sharing their positive experiences with others through word-of-mouth, social media, or community events, showcasing how our personalized solutions have made a meaningful impact. By doing so, they not only deepen their own relationship with us but also help amplify our brand to a broader audience. Advocates are rewarded with exclusive perks throughout the year as a token of appreciation for their support and advocacy.
Recognition & Support
We believe that clients are not just business partners—they’re an integral part of our extended family. As a valued member, we go beyond the transactional relationship, celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other special milestones. We take pride in recognizing achievements and the hard work that drives their success. In times of loss or difficulty, we offer our heartfelt support, standing by them when needed most. Whether it’s a moment of joy or a challenging time, we are committed to offering both care and unwavering support, ensuring our clients always feel valued and appreciated. Their success and well-being are personal to us, and we’re here to help them navigate life’s journey with compassion and dedication.
Women's Group
Empowered by Buska is a group designed to help women gain confidence and knowledge in managing their finances. Whether new to personal finance or looking to take their financial understanding to the next level, Empowered by Buska is here to guide women every step of the way.
Our mission is simple: to create a supportive environment where women can learn about budgeting, investing, saving for the future, and understanding the financial systems that specifically impact women’s lives. Through complimentary workshops, guest speakers, collaborative discussions, and social gatherings, we aim to break down the complexities of financial management and provide practical tools to help them take control of their financial future.