What does it mean 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?

Many advisors focus primarily on transactional elements like investments and insurance.

I take a wider lens approach, helping retirees coordinate all the moving pieces of their financial lives from retirement income withdrawal strategies, taxes, investments, estate planning, and more.

Think of me as your “personal CFO,” helping you make smart, tax-efficient decisions that support the life you want to live.

As a co-owner of an independent firm, I’m not tied to any big bank or brokerage house. That means I have the flexibility to provide advice that I believe is in your best interest, without the pressure of sales quotas or proprietary products.

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 to work with you?

No!

While many of my clients are in the Vancouver, Seattle and Portland area, 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.

How do you charge for your services?

Every client relationship begins with a full financial planning engagement.

This allows us to get to know each other, gives me a deep understanding of your unique situation, and helps clarify the future you envision. From there, we work together to map out your retirement, and I provide a detailed list of recommendations tailored to your objectives.

After completing this, you can choose one of two paths forward.

1) Ongoing Wealth Management:

I help to manage your investments and provide continuous planning support for a percentage of assets under management (AUM). I act as your “Personal CFO”.

2) Financial Planning–Only:

I provide advice and recommendations for a fixed fee, but you maintain in control of the investments and the execution of your financial affairs.

In either case, I explain my fees clearly and transparently up front so there are never any surprises.

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.