Which of the following is NOT a part of the financial planning process?

The financial planning process is designed to be structured and methodical, focusing on helping individuals or families achieve their financial objectives through comprehensive assessment and strategy development. One of the key aspects of this process is conducting a comprehensive financial assessment, which helps in understanding the current financial situation and identifying areas that need attention. Setting realistic financial goals is also integral, as it provides direction and motivation for the financial planning efforts. Evaluating investment options is essential, as it aligns investment strategies with the established goals and risk tolerance of the client.

Implementing a complex tax avoidance scheme, however, diverges from the foundational principles of ethical financial planning. Such schemes often focus on evasion rather than effective management, which can lead to legal implications and a lack of sustainability in the financial plan. A sound financial plan should emphasize compliance with tax laws while maximizing benefits through legitimate strategies rather than resorting to complex schemes that could pose risks to the client's financial well-being. Thus, this approach does not align with the goals of effective financial planning, making it the option that does not belong in the financial planning process.