Frequently Asked Questions
Honest Answers Before You Ever Pick Up the Phone
If you’re thinking about reaching out but want a few questions answered first, that’s exactly what this page is for.
No sales pitch, no fine print. Just straight answers to what people usually ask before that first conversation.
Who do you actually work with?
Ordinary, everyday working people—working families, teachers, nurses, public employees, small business owners, recent college graduates, retirees, and small nonprofits and church funds. I built this practice for people the big firms don’t have time for. That said, I’ll always do my best to help anyone whose needs fall within what I do—including people further along in building their wealth.
Do I need to have a lot of money to work with you?
No. I don’t have a minimum balance requirement. I work with people regardless of how much they have—I care whether I can help you, not how much you’re bringing to the table.
Is the first conversation really free?
Yes. The first 30-minute conversation costs you nothing. We’ll talk about your goals, your situation, and your experience with investing so we can both figure out whether I’m the right fit—no obligation either way.
How much do your services cost after that?
Hourly advice is $130/hour, billed in half-hour increments at $65 each—many firms charge $250–$300 an hour for the same level of guidance. If I’m managing your investments under an Advisory Agreement, the fee is 0.5% of assets annually, and I don’t charge anything until your account exceeds $25,000. Most firms reserve that rate for accounts over $1 million; smaller accounts often pay 1.0–2.0%.
Do you sell investment products or earn commissions?
No. I’m fee-only, which means the only person who pays me is you. I don’t earn commissions, I don’t get kickbacks from product companies, and I don’t have a sales quota. My only incentive is giving you advice that actually works for your situation.
Are you a fiduciary, and what does that actually mean?
Yes. As a fiduciary, I’m legally and ethically required to act in your best interest—not mine, and not a product company’s. Most financial advisors aren’t held to this standard. They operate under a lower bar called the “suitability standard,” which lets them recommend products that are merely “good enough”—even if those products pay them a commission.
Will you ever have access to or control of my money?
No. I never take custody of your assets. Your accounts stay with a qualified custodian you choose (I generally recommend Fidelity Investments, though you’re free to use another). If we agree to discretionary management, I can make trades on your behalf, but I can never withdraw funds, change beneficiaries, borrow against your accounts, or take possession of your money.
How often will we be in contact?
Whenever you need me, I’m here—you can reach out anytime a question comes up. If your account is under an ongoing Advisory Agreement, I’ll also check in with you at least quarterly to review progress and talk through anything that’s changed. Quarterly meetings don’t mean quarterly attention, though—managed accounts are monitored daily.
How long am I committed to working with you?
As long as you’re comfortable continuing. You can end our working relationship at any time with a simple written notice—no penalty, no pressure. If you’ve prepaid for any services that haven’t been completed yet, that unearned portion is refunded.