Questions, answered
A few of the things people ask us most often. If you do not see your question here, reach out and we will answer it directly.
Do I need a certain amount of money to work with you?
We work primarily with clients who have between $250,000 and $2 million in investable assets, though that is not a hard rule. What matters more is whether we are the right fit for your situation and whether we can genuinely add value. If you are not sure, the easiest thing to do is have a conversation. We will be honest with you either way.
What is the difference between financial planning and just managing my investments?
Investment management is one piece of a much bigger picture. Financial planning means looking at your entire financial life: income, spending, taxes, insurance, retirement timeline, estate wishes, and how all of those pieces connect to each other. Investment management without a plan is guessing. We build the plan first and manage the investments around it.
What is cash flow planning and why does it matter?
Cash flow planning means mapping what comes in and what goes out, not just at retirement, but every year along the way. It is how we answer the questions that actually matter to our clients: Can I afford to cut back at work? Can we take that trip without feeling guilty about it? Am I saving the right amount, or too much? Most advisors skip this step. We think it is the most important one.
How do you charge for your services?
We charge a fee based on the assets we manage for you. There are no commissions, no hidden product fees, and no incentives for recommending one thing over another. Our interests are aligned with yours: we do well when you do well.
I have accounts in multiple places. Do I have to move everything to work with you?
Not necessarily. We will get a full picture of everything you have wherever it lives, and we will help you think through what makes sense to consolidate and what does not. Some clients bring everything over. Others keep certain accounts in place. We give you an honest recommendation and then support whatever you decide.
I already have a CPA and an estate attorney. Do you work with them?
Absolutely, and we strongly encourage it. We coordinate directly with your CPA and estate attorney to make sure your financial plan, tax strategy, and estate plan are all telling the same story. A lot of the value we provide comes from making sure those professionals are aligned and that nothing falls through the cracks between them.
How often will we meet?
At a minimum, twice a year for formal planning and investment reviews. Most clients connect with us more often than that, especially during years when life is changing. We also stay proactive: if something in the market, the tax code, or your situation is relevant to your plan, we will reach out. You should never feel like you are waiting to hear from us.
What does the first meeting actually look like?
It is a conversation. We will ask about your life, your goals, what is working, and what feels uncertain. We will tell you how we work and answer any questions you have. There is no paperwork, no pitch, and no pressure to do anything. At the end, we both decide whether it makes sense to keep going.
I have been managing my own finances pretty well. Do I really need a planner?
A lot of our best clients said exactly that before they came in. Managing your finances well and having a genuinely optimized financial plan are two different things. Most people are not fully leveraging the tax strategies available to them, do not have their cash flow mapped out year by year, and have not stress-tested what their retirement actually looks like in real numbers. We find something meaningful to improve for almost every new client. And most of them walk out wondering why they waited as long as they did.
I am a business owner. Is financial planning different for me?
Yes, in meaningful ways. Your personal and business finances are often intertwined in ways that create both complexity and real opportunity. Retirement plan options for business owners are significantly better than what employees typically have access to. Exit and succession planning can have a major impact on what you ultimately walk away with. And the daily stress of not having those things properly organized quietly costs you in time, focus, and peace of mind. We work with business owners regularly and understand both sides of the picture.
What if I just want a second opinion on something specific?
That is a completely reasonable place to start. Come in with your question. We will give you an honest answer. If it turns out there is more we can help with, we will let you know. If not, we will still make sure you leave with more clarity than when you arrived.
Still have questions?
The fastest way to get an answer is a real conversation. We are happy to talk through your situation, answer what you are wondering, and help you figure out if this is the right fit.