FAQ

How long have you been a financial advisor?

I have been advising clients since 2013.

Are you a fiduciary?

Yes! I am ethically and legally required to act in your best interest. A fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care in financial services.

What does fee-only mean?

It means I don’t sell any products, and I don’t earn any commissions. I only do what is in the best interest of my client. You are the only one who pays me and as such, I work for you. Here is a helpful link from NAPFA explaining different compensation models.

Where is my money held if I work with you?

I work with Betterment as my investment custodian of choice. You will have full online access & a mobile app to access your accounts. 

Will you manage my investment accounts?

Yes! Managing your investments is one of my main services and a key component of wealth management.

How much does it cost to work with you?

I charge 1% of assets under management. If I am managing less than $300k, then I will charge a monthly planning fee.

What if I’m not happy with your service?

There are no long-term commitments, so you are free to terminate the relationship at any time.

How will my money be invested?

I will carefully consider your goals, needs, preferences, and feelings around risk to choose a portfolio that makes sense for you. I use low-cost ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) in my portfolios.

What’s your investment philosophy?

In one word: Passive.

In a few words: We focus on capturing market returns through high-quality, low-cost passive/index funds rather than attempting to beat the market, which is inefficient and costly. Portfolio allocations will balance equities (stocks) for growth and fixed income (bonds) for stability, tailored to individual goals and risk tolerance, with systematic rebalancing and broad diversification. It's essential to minimize costs and taxes by using low-cost investments and tax-advantaged accounts strategically. Ultimately, simplicity and ignoring market noise are key principles to a successful investing experience. 

What level of communication can I expect when working with you?

We will communicate via video meetings, phone calls, emails, texts, and in-person meetings.

We’ll hold a Spring meeting and a Fall meeting each year to review your finances. In between those meetings, you have access to me whenever you have questions or need assistance.

What services do you provide?

I help clients with many topics, including:

  1. Comprehensive Financial and Retirement Planning (including coordinating income sources like Social Security, pensions, & other retirement assets)
  2. Tailored Investment Strategies and Portfolio Management
  3. Tax Reduction Strategies and Planning
  4. Charitable Giving and Legacy Planning
  5. Risk Management and Insurance Solutions
  6. Estate and Incapacity Planning
  7. Education Funding and Family Support