how we're different
simple, transparent, flat fees
My fee structure is simple - all new clients pay an annual flat fee of $10,000. And while some clients with "more complex" circumstances might pay more, my fees will always be flat, transparent, and easy to understand.
a comprehensive approach
Most advisors do one thing for their clients: investments. And while they might give lip service to the other key areas of financial planning, they don't truly do anything about them. Together, we'll explore every facet of your financial life including your tax plan, estate plan, cash flow, insurance, investments, and retirement plan.
No portfolio management fees
Consider the following: A $1,000,000 portfolio being charged a fee of 1.00% annually will have lost about 25% of its earnings after 20 years*. That’s about $700,000. I believe this model of charging clients based on their "assets under management" is antiquated and can often result in the amount charged being far out of linle with the amount of value being provided. This is why my fees are always quoted in dollars-and-cents. You will always know whether or not my services are "worth the cost".
fee-only model
The only compensation I recieve are from fees paid to me by my clients. I receive no commissions, kickbacks, referral fees, or anything else that would introduce a conflict of interest.
niche clientele
I primarily work with two types of people: current and aspiring retirees, and business owners. Due to this, I've become very adept at understanding and solving the very specific set of problems that these types of people face.
no hidden investment fees
The financial services industry is notorious for tucking away costs in the fine print and failing to disclose them to consumers. With me, all investment costs, if any, are always disclosed and kept to a bare minimum.
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How are you compensated?I am a fee-only advisor, so the only compensation I receive are the flat fees paid by my clients. I receive no commissions, kickbacks, or referral fees to any other professionals I refer clients to.
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Are you a “fee-only” financial planner?Yes! I am also a member of the XY Planning Network and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, two nationwide organizations of fee-only financial planners. To be a member of both, I have to uphold my fee-only status.
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What’s the difference between “fee-only” and “fee-based”?A fee-only advisor is paid from one source: client fees. A fee-based advisor is compensated through client fees in addition to commissions, presenting them with incentives to sell products or funds that you probably don't need.
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What’s the difference between comprehensive financial planning and portfolio management?Portfolio management is exactly what it sounds like: management of one’s investment portfolio by a professional. If it doesn’t involve investments, portfolio management doesn’t deal with it. Comprehensive financial planning, on the other hand, seeks to help you get clear on what you want out of life and what needs to happen to achieve it. In pursuit of this, investments are only one part of what must be taken into consideration. You also need to evaluate and plan around your insurance, taxes, estate, retirement, employer benefits, cash flow… everything! Your portfolio should never be managed in isolation from these other key areas.
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What makes you different from other advisors?I believe I stand out in a number of ways, the most important of which are my approach and my fees. My Approach – My planning process is far more comprehensive than the typical advisor’s. Most advisors will not do the following, even if they claim to provide comprehensive financial planning: Review your tax return Review your estate documents Review your insurance policies Review your employer benefits Communicate and coordinate with your other financial professionals, such as your CPA and estate plannign attorney And much more But a financial plan that is truly comprehensive in nature cannot be constructed without thorough understanding of all of this! My Fees – most advisors will charge you an asset-based fee that’s always quoted in percentages, never in dollars. I charge my clients a flat fee quoted in dollars, never in percentages. My clients always know exactly what they are paying me and exactly what they are receiving in return.
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Are you a fiduciary?Yes! In fact, I'm a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™️ and am held to the following Code of Ethics by the CFP Board: Act with honesty, integrity, competence, and diligence. Act in the client's best interests. Exercise due care. Avoid or disclose and manage conflicts of interest. Maintain the confidentiality and protect the privacy of client information. Act in a manner that reflects positively on the financial planning profession and CFP®️ certification.
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Do you have ties to any other companies?Nope – I’m an independent financial advisor. I have no affiliation with or ties to any broker dealer or wire house and am free to march to the tune of my own drum.