Frequently asked questions and our candid answers

We are fee-based professionals who coordinate retirement, investment, tax, insurance and estate planning into one comprehensive plan. We then monitor the plan and make adjustments to it as necessary. Our process empowers our clients to make smart decisions with their money and avoid costly mistakes.

Our first meeting is always complimentary. The purpose of this meeting is to determine whether we are a good fit to work together and outline what costs may be involved. When you hire us and we outline the next steps, all fees are agreed upon in advance – so there are no surprises.

*In a fee-based account clients pay a quarterly fee, based on the level of assets in the account, for the services of a financial advisor as part of an advisory relationship. In deciding to pay a fee rather than commissions, clients should understand that the fee may be higher than a commission alternative during periods of lower trading. Advisory fees are in addition to the internal expenses charged by mutual funds and other investment company securities. To the extent that clients intend to hold these securities, the internal expenses should be included when evaluating the costs of a fee-based account. Clients should periodically re-evaluate whether the use of an asset-based fee continues to be appropriate in servicing their needs. A list of additional considerations, as well as the fee schedule, is available in the firm's Form ADV Part II as well as the client agreement.

We have specialized experience working with women, business owners and senior executives. Each individual has distinct needs that we can tailor to using our breadth of knowledge.

Investments are informed by the comprehensive financial plan we will create first. After we get to know you and develop an outline of your financial future, we will make recommendations to implement your plan. We delegate the day-to-day investment decisions to experienced managers.

Our investment philosophy is to customize investment allocation to the needs of our clients. Our goal is to develop a financial plan that will give our clients the highest likelihood of success. We generally use low-cost passive and active strategies along with managed hard assets (such as real estate).

Insurance, like any financial product, should be prescribed when it fits a specific need, such as to provide for family and loved ones, solve estate tax issues, or create a charitable legacy. We consult with our clients on their insurance needs and then either handle the transaction in-house or outsource it to specialists.

We work closely with our clients’ tax professionals and incorporate tax strategy into every aspect of our financial planning. We do not prepare tax returns or do accounting.

We work closely with our clients’ attorneys to establish estate plans that dovetail with their wishes to pass assets on to their children, grandchildren and favorite charities. We can help make recommendations regarding the need for trusts and charitable strategies, and then work with outside professionals to complete the documents.