Frequently Asked Questions

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No. Some people come in with a prepared statement of net worth and a bullet list of questions, and others come in simply asking if they're on track and if there are things they could be doing better. We start by understanding your current situation and build from there. 

The first meeting is a relaxed 30-minute conversation, not a sales call. We'll talk about what's on your mind, what you're hoping to get out of working together, and how I work. I'll share my services and pricing so you have a clear picture of what to expect.

There's no preparation required and no obligation afterward. If it feels like a good fit for both of us, we'll talk about next steps. If it doesn't, that's okay — I'd rather you find the right person for your situation than commit to something that isn't the right match.

No. I don't receive commissions or compensation from any products, companies, or referrals. Every recommendation I make is based solely on what I think is right for your situation. This is what "fee-only" means in practice. You pay me directly for my time and expertise, and that's the only way I get paid.

If your plan has gaps that need outside professionals — an estate attorney, a life insurance agent for term insurance, a property and casualty insurer — I'll tell you what you need and help you find the right person. I don't benefit financially from any of those referrals.

Yes. I'm an advice-only planner, which means I provide guidance but don't take custody of or manage your assets. Your investments stay at your preferred brokerage, under your control.

My role is to make sure you have the knowledge you need to make good decisions and to reduce the chance of blind spots. I'll review your current investment approach, recommend an allocation strategy that fits your goals and risk tolerance, and help you understand how to implement it. If you're comfortable placing trades yourself, you keep placing them. If you'd like more help, we can screenshare and walk through it together.

For ongoing clients, I can provide support around rebalancing and help you think through implementation over time, including situations where simplifying a complicated position has tax consequences that are worth managing carefully.

No. I don't have asset or income minimums. My fees are based on the complexity of your situation and the work involved, not on how much you have invested. That said, if your situation is straightforward enough that a comprehensive financial plan isn't the right fit, I'll tell you honestly and point you toward resources that might serve you better.

Often, yes. The introductory call is the right place to find out. If there are elements of your situation that would be better served by a different planner, I'll tell you honestly. 

I have a strong bias toward simplicity and low costs. The finance industry often makes investing sound more complicated than it needs to be, and complexity has a real cost in both fees and time.

That said, what actually makes sense depends heavily on the tax consequences of getting there. Inherited assets often come with a step-up in basis that creates more flexibility than people realize. Other situations — gifted assets, long-held positions with significant gains — require a more careful approach. Understanding the actual tax implications before making any moves is always the first step.

If you come in with a concentrated position or a portfolio that doesn't reflect how you'd invest from scratch, we'll work through what simplifying could look like, what it would cost in taxes, and what timeline makes sense given your situation.