Financial planning is not a single decision. It is a process. Whether the context is personal wealth management or institutional portfolio design, planning follows a logical sequence.

Exams test this sequence because skipping a step often leads to incorrect conclusions.

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Step 1: Establish Objectives

Every plan begins with clarity about goals.

Objectives define:

• required return
• income needs
• time horizon
• risk preferences

Without this step, any portfolio recommendation becomes arbitrary. Objectives anchor the entire process.

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Step 2: Identify Constraints

After objectives come constraints.

Constraints typically include:

• liquidity needs
• time horizon
• tax considerations
• legal and regulatory limits
• unique circumstances

In CFA terminology, this forms the IPS framework. Ignoring constraints is one of the most common exam mistakes.

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Step 3: Develop the Plan

Once objectives and constraints are clear, a strategy is constructed.

This includes:

• asset allocation decisions
• risk management approach
• diversification structure

At this stage, theory meets practicality. The allocation must reflect both return requirements and acceptable risk levels.

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Step 4: Implement the Plan

Implementation translates strategy into action.

This involves:

• selecting securities
• choosing managers
• determining execution methods

Transaction costs, liquidity, and market conditions begin to matter here.

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Step 5: Monitor and Rebalance

Planning is not static.

Markets change. Personal circumstances evolve. Performance deviates from expectations.

Monitoring ensures the portfolio remains aligned with objectives. Rebalancing restores the intended risk profile when asset weights drift.

Exams frequently test whether candidates recognise the need for periodic review.

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Why the Order Matters

The sequence is deliberate.

You do not select investments before defining objectives.
You do not monitor before implementing.

Each step builds on the previous one. Changing the order breaks the logic of the process.

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Common Student Errors

Students often:

• jump directly to asset allocation
• ignore constraints
• treat monitoring as optional

These errors typically appear in case-based questions.

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Final Perspective

Planning steps provide structure to financial decision-making. Establish objectives, define constraints, design strategy, implement, and monitor. For exam preparation, focus on understanding why each step exists and how they connect. Once the process is internalised, portfolio management questions become systematic rather than confusing.