Frequently Asked Questions:
What does it mean when you say that you’re a “fee-only” financial planner?
Being fee-only means that I am compensated directly by my clients for the advice I provide.
I don’t earn commissions from selling products like insurance or investments.
This helps to ensure that my recommendations are always in your best interest, transparent, unbiased, and aligned with what’s actually important to you.
How are you different from other financial advisors?
Although our industry has progressed significantly in recent years, many advisors are still focused primarily on transactional elements like managing investments and selling insurance.
I take a wider-lens approach, helping retirees coordinate all the moving pieces of their financial lives, from retirement income planning, minimizing taxes, investment management, legacy planning, and more.
Think of me as your “personal CFO,” helping you make smart, tax-efficient decisions that support the life you wish to live.
I also intentionally keep my client base under 100 households so I can provide thoughtful, high-quality advice, go deeper into each client’s situation, and work closely with their CPA, estate attorney, and other professionals when needed.
Lastly, as a co-owner of an independent advisory firm, I have no ties or affiliation with any institutions, banks, or brokerages.
That gives me ultimate flexibility to provide advice that I believe is truly in your best interest, without the pressure of sales quotas or “proprietary” products or invesment offerings.
Who do you typically work with?
I primarily serve individuals and couples who are already retired or planning to retire within the next five years.
Most of my clients are over the age of 60 and have $1 million or more in investable assets.
They want to simplify their financial lives, reduce taxes, and feel confident about the retirement they’ve been envisioning for many years.
Do I have to live in Washington or Oregon to work with you?
No!
While many of my clients are in the Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland areas, I work virtually with clients across the country.
We can meet securely over Zoom, phone, or in-person if you’re local.
What does “tax-smart retirement planning” mean?
Taxes are arguably the biggest expenses retirees face.
Advisors who don’t prioritize tax planning are leaving their clients at a significant disadvantage.
I help people take advantage of strategies like Roth conversions, tax-efficient withdrawals, charitable giving, and estate planning techniques.
The goal is to minimize your lifetime taxes, not just this year’s bill.
What is your investment philosophy?
I believe in building diversified, cost-effective portfolios aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and retirement income needs.
I use a 'three-bucket' portfolio approach (short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term) designed to provide you with the predictable retirement income you need regardless of market ups and downs, while still keeping a portion of your money invested for long-term growth.
The portfolios that I utilize for my clients are comprised primarily of diversified, low-cost ETFs.
How do you charge for your services?
Thanks for asking!
I work with clients through an ongoing advisory relationship that combines investment management with comprehensive financial planning.
Our annual fee for ongoing financial planning and investment management is based on the assets we manage for you:
1.10% on assets up to $1,000,000
1.00% on assets from $1,000,001 to $2,000,000
0.80% on assets from $2,000,001 to $5,000,000
0.60% on assets from $5,000,001 to $10,000,000
0.40% on assets from $10,000,001 to $20,000,000
This is the only advisory fee paid to us and includes ongoing portfolio management, retirement planning, tax strategy, and support with the financial decisions that come up throughout retirement.
The fee is deducted directly from your investment accounts every quarter.
I explain the fee clearly up front so you know exactly what you’re paying and what’s included before we begin working together.
Do you sell insurance, annuities, or other financial products?
Nope!
As a fee-only advisor, I don’t sell products or accept commissions of any kind.
If you have an insurance or annuity need, I’ll help you assess your options and connect you with an independent insurance broker who can compare policies across many carriers to find the best fit.
What if I already have an accountant and/or attorney?
Perfect!
I frequently collaborate with my clients’ CPAs, estate attorneys, and other professionals to make sure everything is working in harmony.
I see my role as helping coordinate the bigger financial picture, ensuring all the pieces work together smoothly and nothing important slips through the cracks.