Frequently Asked Questions

Who do you work with the best?

People who work best with us tend to have a sense that they probably have “enough,” but aren’t quite sure. As they approach a sense of financial freedom, pulling a plan together can feel like solving an eight-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. Most consider themselves good savers. And yet the transition from being a good saver to actually living off of those savings feels a bit daunting. They might only want a second opinion look at their existing plan. Or, they might want a full plan from scratch that addresses all the moving parts at once. Regardless, our clients want to stay in control of their money. Committing to an ongoing subscription or relationship and the attendant fees may feel like overkill. Our clients would prefer a financial navigator to a chauffeur.

How do you ensure that your advice is in my best interest?

All CFP® certificants are required to adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards of conduct. This includes always acting in the best interest of clients and providing unbiased advice. I have also signed a Fiduciary Oath, pledging to put clients’ interests first at all times. Finally, as noted in the ADV disclosure brochure (see “Disclosure Brochure” at the bottom of each page of this website), compensation in any form is not accepted from third parties.

What information will you require?

Actually we like to say nothing is required, but the more information we have, the more productive our work together will be. We can be especially extra productive if submissions include big fat documents with lots of fine print. Think, tax returns, insurance policies, annuity contracts, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, and employee benefits manuals, to name several. We are fast readers and we LOVE fine print!! Our suggested list of documents to submit can be found at: https://bit.ly/3mNNhEK.

What services do you offer as a financial planner?

Advice and financial plans are offered on an as-needed, fee-for-service basis. For new clients, services are broken down into project types. A new client project usually begins either with a financial checkup, second opinion project, or a full retirement plan. Fees for new clients range from $1250 – $6000 depending upon scope and complexity. From there established clients may engage as-needed in brief hourly consultations all the way up to full plan updates. The hourly rate for 2023 is $375. Flat-fee updates generally range from $795 – $2700 depending upon scope and complexity. There is no ongoing commitment requirement or expectation. Some clients return every year; others return whenever there is a change in life circumstances such as pre-retirement, retirement, death in the family, health issue, or birth of a child or grandchild.An ADV disclosure brochure with more details on the scope of services and fees for each project type can also be found at the bottom of each page of this website. For a more specific fee quote, it’s recommended to schedule a 30-40 minute call so I can better understand the main questions you are hoping a financial planner can answer. That call can be scheduled by clicking the “Contact Us” tab. Select the day and time most convenient for you, and you will receive a call at the number you provide.

How do you charge for your services?

Services are provided either on an hourly or flat fee basis, depending on the scope and complexity of work involved. A new client project usually begins either with a financial checkup, second opinion project, or a full retirement plan. Fees for new clients range from $1250 – $6000 depending upon scope and complexity. From there established clients may engage as-needed in brief hourly consultations all the way up to full plan updates. The hourly rate for 2023 is $375. Flat-fee updates for established clients generally range from $795 – $2700 depending upon scope and complexity. For a more specific fee quote, it’s recommended to schedule a 30-40 minute call so I can better understand the main questions you are hoping a financial planner can answer. Click on the Schedule a Call button to select the day and time most convenient for you. You will receive a call then at the number you provide.

How do you keep my information secure?

For full financial plans we use MoneyGuide financial planning software, which does not hold any account-level personal information or tax returns. We use encrypted upload links and encrypted email to communicate sensitive information. We will never request nor accept account passwords or credentials.

What’s it like to work with you virtually?

The intake process begins by scheduling a meeting date and time. Once a meeting date is scheduled, clients receive a questionnaire which allows for easy secure uploading of documents. We ask for 2 weeks’ lead time before the scheduled meeting to receive documents, sort, analyze, ask questions and prepare. We use the Zoom platform to conduct virtual meetings with screen sharing.

I don’t live in your area. Can I still work with you?

Although we primarily serve the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas, we work with anyone in the United States who is a good fit. Exceptions are residents of Texas and Louisiana (Nothing personal! Regulatory requirements.)