Description of the firm:
Financial Planning and Information Services, Inc. (firm) is a fee-only investment adviser and financial
planning firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm was incorporated in
Wisconsin in 1986. The principal owners, directors and officers of the firm include Ryan B. Wempe,
CFP®; Daniel J. Budinger, CFP®; and Rachel D. Brown, CFP®.
As of December 31, 2023, Financial Planning and Information Services manages $1,080,097,204 on a
discretionary basis. The firm does not have any non-discretionary assets under management. Clients
may request more current information at any time by contacting the Advisor.
Services provided to clients:
The firm helps clients manage investments and assists them with a variety of financial planning issues,
e.g., cash flow, insurance, investments, retirement planning, college funding, and estate planning,
among others. When clients require more sophisticated planning for taxes, estates, and other issues, we
will refer them to professional providers of these services, and/or work with their existing specialists.
The firm does not sell products or accept commissions. Our advice is tailored to each individual based on
the information they provide us about their goals, their family, and their financial assets.
Types of investments:
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Financial Planning and Information Services, Inc. primarily uses no-load mutual funds, and exchange-
traded-index funds for investments. In addition, clients may wish to hold investments in individual
stocks, annuities, corporate bonds, government bonds, and other investment vehicles. The firm’s
investment criteria include:
1.) Diversification
2.) Reasonable on-going costs and expense ratios
3.) Reasonable risk measures
4.) Good dividend or interest income
5.) No commissions or sales charges
6.) Reasonable transaction fees, among others.
Clients are informed of any changes in their investments and are given an opportunity to prevent any
investment from occurring and/or provide additional instructions. Financial Planning and Information
Services, Inc. does not participate in any Wrap Fee Programs.
Classification of client types and services:
The firm provides asset management services for a fee. Asset management clients receive a quarterly
update with a portfolio analysis, various written reports and recommendations from our firm if we
manage more than $200,000 for the client. If a client portfolio total is less than $200,000, the firm will
provide updates and portfolio reviews on a semi-annual or annual basis instead of providing quarterly
updates. There is no minimum investment required to become a client, but Financial Planning and
Information Services reserves the right to accept new clients at their discretion. Asset management
clients are charged a fee based on the size of the investment account(s) being managed.
Financial Planning and Information Services provides tax preparation services to its clients with
$600,000 or more in assets at no charge. Clients with less
than $600,000 in assets under management
will incur an additional charge for tax preparation based on the tax forms required to prepare the tax
return.
New client routine:
A brief discussion with an advisor is preferred to make sure that engaging in a relationship would be in
the best interest of both parties. Then, upon request, a prospective client is provided an information
package containing a Data Survey Form, a blank contract, Brochure and Brochure Supplement, Code of
Ethics, Privacy Policy, Form CRS and other information about the firm's staff and services. After receiving
a completed Data Survey Form, statements and tax returns among other documents and a signed
contract, the firm staff prepares a variety of reports and projections to discuss with the client during a
subsequent meeting. The firm also assists in the consolidation of accounts, if appropriate, with a
brokerage custodian. The initial data gathering and analysis will normally involve 6-12 hours. More time
could be required to research questions, evaluate investments the client already holds, and address
other concerns.
Subsequent updates and meetings:
Asset management clients will automatically receive, by mail, email or client portal, a portfolio update
and recommendations on a pre-determined basis, typically every quarter. Asset management clients are
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invited to arrange a meeting at any point in time. There are no limitations on the number or duration of
meetings. A letter is sent with each update that suggests changes in the portfolio and typically closes
with an indication that the firm will proceed with the changes unless the client contacts the firm shortly.
Flourish:
Flourish is a high yield cash management option that Financial Planning and Information Services, Inc.
refers clients to for cash management. The client can choose to use Flourish or consider other cash
management options such as money markets or Certificate of Deposits with other institutions. Clients
are in control of transferring funds back and forth to and from Flourish. Financial Planning and
Information Services, Inc. does not have access to client funds in Flourish and can only view activity
through the advisor dashboard. Clients bare all risk of engaging with Flourish for cash management
offering and the transferring of funds.
Estate Plan with Encor Estate Plans:
Encor Estate Plans is a software-based platform that can help clients create their own basic estate
planning documents. Financial Planning and Information Services, Inc. is not an estate planner and is not
in the business of practicing law. It is recommended clients have their estate planning documents
reviewed by an authorized attorney.
The Encore Estate Planning solution could include:
• Trust Agreement Certified Extract of Trust General Transfer
• Property Agreement – for community property states only Durable POA
• Advances Health Care Directives/Health Care POA HIPAA Release
• Will
• Deed work for an additional fee, fee varies per state.