FAQs

Your results will be based on your definition of success.  The value will come from the on-going collaborative conversation we have that gives you an understanding that you are making progress toward your goals and averting issues that could de-rail your security.

Our fees are based on a client relationship, not an account relationship.  By that, we mean we charge an initial planning fee and then an annual retainer for  all areas of your planning — not just in investment management — but also taxes, estate planning, risk management, retirement planning, education funding, etc. It is a high level of planning not matched by advisors who focus primarily on investments at a brokerage firm.  Any financial services are paid for separately, which we believe is in the best interest of the client.  All fees are disclosed, discussed and understood in advance of movement.

The short answer is no.  Our clients are successful and complicated – even the ones who define themselves as “simple”.  Quick fixes don’t work with the types of issues that affect them.  We are not a quick fix diet, but a long term solution.

Initial fees range from $7,200 to $20,000, depending on the client complexity.  With the exception of certain business owners and a few legacy clients, we do not take clients who don’t meet the SEC definition of accredited investor. Our minimum of investable assets is usually $2,000,000.

The short answer to this is also no.  We view your financial life holistically, and think each part affects another.  Managing one piece puts us at a disadvantage and will not allow us to do our best work.

We see the client’s immediate family as frequently being an integral part of a comprehensive plan, so we welcome meetings with other family members at our clients’ discretion. We have many guides, resources and expertise in helping children of clients, as well as the parents of our clients. In some situations, these family members decide that they could benefit from comprehensive financial planning, and become clients themselves.

None of our planners work with more than 65 clients – allowing for maximum knowledge, service and a high quality personal relationship.

We meet with each of our clients at least three times per year in order to review their entire financial situation. In addition, we are always available to meet with clients regarding any issues that should arise in between those meetings. There is never any charge in addition to our annual retainer fee for any additional services that our clients request.

With an occasional rare exception, we only work with local clients.  It is too difficult for most people to get the full level of our service if they can not meet face to face.

Of course.  Just ask for references.

All of our client relationships are strictly confidential. Each employee signs a confidentiality agreement, and we do not share any information regarding clients with any outside source unless the client requests that we do so.

We welcome a working relationship with our clients’ existing advisors — attorneys, accountants and other professionals. Sometimes clients ask us for a referral to a new accountant or attorney and we are happy to make that referral as well.

No. We are not attorneys and cannot prepare legal documents, but we do provide estate planning analysis and advice so that our clients have a clear understanding of the estate plan they establish with their attorney. We do not prepare income tax returns; however, throughout the year we do focus on minimizing taxes and we review every tax return after it has been filed to determine whether any changes need to be made.

Absolutely not.