FIRST STEP CASH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM™
Why Cash Management?
The First Step Cash Management System enables clients to control their money, instead of allowing their money to
control them.
Difficulties managing money can cause severe stress, strain personal relationships, and place future security at risk. First
Step gives users power over their finances and the opportunity to live a life unencumbered by the negative effects of
financial worry.
What is the First Step Cash Management System?
The First Step Cash Management system is web-based software developed by Martin Kurtz, CFP®, AIFA, Founder and
President of The Planning Center, an independent, fee-only financial planning firm located in Moline, Illinois. First Step is
licensed through Money Quotient and provides clients with a simple and user-friendly method for managing cash flow,
reducing debt, and increasing savings.
How Does It Work?
First Step flows cash into three accounts or “buckets.” Each of the three buckets holds a specific type of money and
each type of money has a specific use or purpose. While the uses are all different, all three buckets are interrelated.
The Static Account™ bucket holds money that has been spent or has been agreed to be spent at some point in the
past. Static expenses include both long-term debt such as mortgage, home equity loans, student loans, and auto
loans, and short-term debt such as credit cards, insurance, taxes, and utilities. The Control Account™ bucket contains
money that will be spent within the next seven days. Control expenditures include things such as groceries,
entertainment, pet care, clothing, and personal maintenance. Lastly, the Dynamic Account™ bucket stores money
that will be spent in the future on things such as charitable giving, debt reduction, vacation, and gifts.
After licensing the First Step Cash Management System, you are able to establish personal online accounts for your
clients. The easy to use web account guides them through the process of entering their financial data into the
appropriate buckets and then provides a detailed summary of their cash flow.
Scenario Planning
First Step provides users the ability to develop multiple plans within their accounts and to run comparison reports. This
feature allows detailed “what if” scenario planning and creates a powerful decision making framework (i.e., “What
would our cash flow look like if we buy a vacation home?” or “How would it affect our cash flow if Sue moves from fulltime to part-time work?”).
Do Life Planning and Cash Flow Management Combine Successfully?
The in-depth self reflections stimulated by the M.Q. Financial Life Planning process
create a bridge from life management to asset management. The revelations
made while moving through the M.Q. tools will initiate broadened conversations
that will help you to explore what money represents to your clients, define both
the tangibles and intangibles that clients expect their assets to provide them,
assist clients in the process of establishing financial objectives that facilitate their
life goals, and allow you to move seamlessly into cash flow discussions.
The First Step Cash Management system will then help your clients to gain an
even better understanding of their current financial situation, be aware of the
resources they have available, and make plans for the future. In addition, the
system will assist them in communicating the purpose money serves in their
household. This discovery process will result in a financial plan that is true to your
client’s values and goals, inspires action, and creates commitment.
“Like many, we see cash flow
as the engine that drives the
financial plan. To say that we
are very fortunate to have a
resource like First Step Cash
Management is an
understatement. I am not
exaggerating when I say that
this is the most valuable
financial planning tool we use
with our clients.”
-J.J. Sessions, Investment Advisor
The Planning Center, Inc.
Maple Grove, MN
© 2013 Money Quotient, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
First Step Cash Management System™ is owned by The Planning Center, Inc.
and distributed via licensing arrangements with Money Quotient, NP.
FIRST STEP CASH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM™
Fees
Cost to license: One-time set-up fee of $400.00, plus a monthly payment of $50.00
Benefits
Set-Up Fee Includes:
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Set-up of Administrator Account
An electronic User’s Manual
30-minute Orientation Phone Meeting
Two 90-minute Training Webinars*
“First Step Introduction” PowerPoint presentation for use with clients (includes slides
and script)
*After the Training Webinars have been completed, Licensees may retake any of
the Training Webinars for free within the first year of their license.
Monthly Payment Covers:
 Administrator Account
 100 Client Sub-Accounts*
*Additional Client Sub-Accounts can be purchased in packages of 25 for an
additional $10.00 per month
Customization
First Step can be customized with the Licensee’s company logo, colors, and contact
information for a flat fee of $100.00.* This customization will display across all pages of the
Licensee’s First Step Cash Management System™ account. The reports generated in First
Step will also be branded with the Licensee’s company logo.
*Customization work that takes longer than 1 hour is subject to additional fees
© 2013 Money Quotient, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
First Step Cash Management System™ is owned by The Planning Center, Inc.
and distributed via licensing arrangements with Money Quotient, NP.