Frequently Asked Questions

About You and About Us

  • We work with a wide range of clients but specialize in serving mid-career professionals and families in their 30s and 40s.

    We can help many different types of clients get their financial lives organized with our One-Time Comprehensive Financial Plans.

    Our Ongoing Planning and Wealth Management clients tend to be earning strong incomes (~$300k+ household), have accumulated over $1M in assets, OR are simply facing financial complexity that warrants trusted guidance.

    We also help those feeling “stuck” or navigate career transitions to find new direction and confidence in their financial decisions.

  • Not at all. While many of our clients are in that stage of life, our planning process is built to deliver value at any age. Whether you’re early in your career, mid-journey, or nearing retirement, we’ll tailor your plan to fit your specific goals and situation.

  • There is no portfolio minimum to work with us.

    While many clients have significant income or assets, our planning process is designed to add value regardless of where you are financially. We’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • We’re based in Southern California, but we’re able to serve clients nationwide through virtual meetings.

    Most clients prefer to meet virtually for efficiency, though in-person meetings may be arranged in select instances for those in the Greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas.

  • We may not be the best fit for those who are primarily focused on timing the market or chasing returns. Similarly, we are not the right fit if you’re particularly interested in niche or speculative investments or prefer to completely disengage from managing your finances.

    Our life-centered planning approach works best with clients who are actively engaged in their financial journey and are seeking a trusted partner to guide them toward long-term success.

  • Yes, we are fiduciaries, legally and ethically committed to acting in your best interest at all times.

    We owe a “fiduciary duty” to all of our clients which means we always act with loyalty, care, and good faith, putting the client’s needs before our own.

  • We are a “fee-only” advisory firm, which means we are compensated exclusively by the fees paid by our clients. We do not receive commissions or incentives from product sales.

    We believe this structure helps to minimize the potential for conflicts of interest in serving our clients.

  • Unlike many firms, our structure as “fee-only” and fiduciary advisors ensures that we are providing advice based on what’s best for you.

    We prioritize understanding your unique goals, values, and life circumstances. We will consider your entire financial picture in building a financial plan that supports the life you want to create.

    Additionally, we collaborate with trusted experts like CPAs, attorneys, and insurance professionals to provide comprehensive, expert guidance in every area of your financial life.

About Services & Fees

  • Anything in your life with a dollar sign attached to it. From cash flow and tax planning to retirement, education, insurance, and estate planning. We’ll make sure everything is aligned and working in concert toward your goals.

  • Yes, we offer investment management services as part of our comprehensive financial planning approach. Our philosophy emphasizes “time in the market” over “timing the market” and we utilize primarily low-cost and tax-efficient ETFs in our diversified portfolios.

  • All investments are held at either Schwab or Altruist. Both are reputable custodians that ensure the safety of your assets and provide you with an additional layer of security and transparency.

  • While we don’t file taxes directly, we provide tax planning services as part of our service. We can work closely with your tax professional and/or recommend one if needed to prepare your return.

  • We are not attorneys and are not authorized to practice law. However, we can discuss many of the financial aspects of estate planning and provide general guidance for you to consider. For complex legal matters, we are happy to collaborate with legal professionals.

  • As a fee-only advisor, we don't sell insurance products. However, we will analyze your situation and provide recommendations around the coverages needed to protect you and your family.

  • Our fee structure is designed to fit clients at every stage of their financial journey. Early on, clients pay a planning fee that includes investment management to help them get organized and start building toward their goals. Eventually, as financial complexity and managed assets increase, fees are charged entirely based on a percentage of assets under management (AUM).

    Given the complexity and moving parts, along with the value we believe we deliver, we charge a very competitive rate in line with the industry and other professionals providing this level of service.

  • You can cancel our services at any time; there is no long-term commitment required and there are no punitive cancellation fees. We will help you in transitioning your accounts as needed.