H1 Gather Before Act
Certified Financial Planner glossary · Certified Financial Planner
Definition
Do not recommend until the file is complete, except when an imminent statutory deadline (RMD, estimated tax, 60-day rollover) forces a time-boxed act.
H1 Gather Before Act in plain English
The client wants a Roth conversion recommendation today, but last year's return and the beneficiary form are still missing. H1 Gather Before Act says do not recommend until the file is complete, except when an imminent statutory deadline (RMD, estimated tax, 60-day rollover) forces a time-boxed act. If tax returns or beneficiary forms are missing, the first move is obtain them. The exception is narrow: a deadline that expires before the next meeting. Gathering is the default; deadline triage is the only licensed shortcut.
Related Certified Financial Planner terms
Certified Financial Planner practice questions · Certified Financial Planner flashcards · Certified Financial Planner study guide