FAQ

As an independent financial firm, we are free to explore, compare and choose from among multiple financial products companies when looking for ideas, strategies or investments for our clients. Often cited as very important is our ability to shop for what makes the most sense for clients and their needs and goals.

After more than 20 years of helping clients with their financial planning and investments, I’m often told by new clients that they were disappointed by how rarely they heard from their previous advisor. I also hear frustration that their previous advisor was unwilling—or simply unable—to have broader conversations about financial topics beyond their investment account.

No. We offer flat fee financial planning and hourly consulting. You can leave everything right where it is today. You are free to engage with us on your terms, in a way you feel is best aligned with your situation, needs and goals.

Typically, we work with clients with at least $500,000 for investment management. However, we do have flexibility for the right client who may still be growing their wealth. Honestly, we would rather work with a client we get along with and enjoy who has $500,000 and turn away a client we don't connect with who has $25 million. Working together is about finding the right fit.

We prefer a fee-based model for investment management. Working as a fiduciary under LPL Financial's advisory platform, the cost-of-service ranges between 0.60% to 1.50% annually. Billed each quarter and printed on your statement, the cost is transparent and based on the value of your account. This means our compensation goes up or down based on the value of your account. This helps align our financial interests with yours. Please visit our Investment Management Service to learn more.

Our fee is based on the complexity of your plan with a minimum of $3,200 per plan. We will provide a written summary for you to review before moving forward. We also offer limited or project planning such as just retirement or how to pay for college for more limited needs. Please visit our Financial Planning Service to learn more.

Hourly consulting is for people who want experience and perspective on a specific financial question. This might include getting a second opinion, working through a major financial decision, reviewing an existing plan, or simply getting organized when you’re not sure what to do next. There is no requirement to move your accounts or sign up for ongoing investment management. You pay for the time and experience you need. My fee is $400 per hour, with a two-hour minimum for the initial engagement. After that, you can schedule additional time as needed.

We do it for you. With your approval, we will open an account for you at LPL Financial. LPL Financial will then request a transfer from your current financial firm. We have an experienced team so you do not need to handle checks or worry about the mail. We will track the process and update you regularly. In some cases, your current firm may require their unique form to process a transfer.

For investments held with LPL Financial, you can view online through LPL Financial's web portal AccountView. You can access LPL's AccountView through our website or download the LPL AccountView app available for Android, Apple, tablet and desktops. In addition, LPL Financial prepares and sends your statements and related account documents such as annual 1099 tax forms and other confirmations directly to you. We have paperless options too so you can save some trees and ease the amount of mail you receive. You can learn more about LPL Financial services by visiting www.lpl.com to learn more.