FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your qualifications?
Our team includes a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, certified by CFP Board. We also have advanced training including a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Finance.
What kind of people do you normally work with?
We specialize in providing comprehensive financial planning for individuals who are nearing retirement or are already retired. Many clients have more complex finances, but we don’t have minimums, and you can engage on an as-needed basis.
What’s your definition of a financial planner?
We define a financial planner as someone who provides comprehensive financial planning which includes creating a custom retirement plan, offering tax planning strategies, income and retirement planning, providing Social Security guidance, developing an investment strategy, advising on insurance planning, and assisting with estate and charitable planning.
Essentially, we review anything that involves numbers.
How often should we speak to each other?
It depends on what you want and what’s going on in your life. Many clients choose to check in two to four times per year, and others reach out only when a decision comes up. After the initial planning project, support is available hourly as needed.
How do you get paid, and will you put it in writing?
We are a “fee-only” and “hourly only” firm, which means we are paid solely for our time, strategy, and investment advice services. We provide these details in writing. Other firms may charge a percentage of assets under management.
We do not receive commissions or other payments from third parties for the products we recommend. This means we do not receive any fees from mutual funds in the form of 12b-1 fees, trailing commissions, or other payouts. We also do not receive referral fees from attorneys, accountants, insurance professionals, mortgage brokers, or others.
We are members of fee-only financial associations, including The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and the XY Planning Network.
Will you sign a fiduciary oath?
Yes, and our financial planners will gladly commit to the following fiduciary principles in writing:
- I will always put your best interests first.
- I will act with prudence; that is, with the skill, care, diligence, and good judgment of a professional.
- I will not mislead you, and I will provide conspicuous, full, and fair disclosure of all important facts.
- I will avoid conflicts of interest.
- I will fully disclose and fairly manage, in your favor, any unavoidable conflicts.
What standards should I look for when choosing a financial advisor?
When choosing a financial advisor, look for fiduciary duty, transparent fees, and strong ethical standards. Some hold credentials like the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification (CFP®) designation, which requires education, experience, and a commitment to putting clients first. It’s also worth asking how they’re paid and whether they sell products or offer advice-only services. You can find more information about our qualifications on the About page.
Have you ever been disciplined for unlawful or unethical actions in your professional career?
No, none of our financial planners have ever been disciplined for any unlawful or unethical actions throughout their careers.
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