How We are Compensated
We typically work with clients in the following ways: Transactional, Investment Management Only, Full Service Planning, or Pay-By-The-Hour Consulting. Regardless of the model you’re interested in, the initial 20 minute consultation is always at our expense and without obligation.
Transactional
You have a need and want to buy a product to meet that need. We are typically compensated by a commission from the company that offers the product. Examples are an investment account under $50,000 or a life insurance policy. In the future we will gladly review the account or policy at your request. Consulting services can be added at a discounted hourly rate of $150.
Investment Management Only
You want us to manage your investments with your goals and tolerance for volatility in mind. You want an ongoing relationship and future meetings with an advisor. We charge an advisory fee that is a flat annual percentage of those assets. These are typically accounts under $100,000. Consulting services can be added at a discounted hourly rate of $150.
Full Service Planning
You want to prioritize your goals, come up with a plan on paper to reach those goals, and maintain a long-term relationship with an advisor to help you stick to the plan and make any necessary adjustments along the way. We manage both your planning and investments for an advisory fee that is a flat annual percentage of the assets we manage ($100,000 household minimum). There are no additional consultation fees.
Pay-By-The-Hour Consulting
You want consulting and/or research on any number of topics. This is popular with “DIY” investors that want a second opinion on their portfolio or investment clients that do not meet the $100,000 minimum for full service planning. The hourly rate is $200 ($150 for current investment clients). Prior to the engagement, we agree on a time cap to avoid surprises!
Typical engagements (with estimated total hours, including meeting time) are shown below:
- Comprehensive Big Picture Analysis – 4-6 hours initially, 2 hours for an update
- Retirement Consultation– 3 hours initially, 2 hours for an update
- Insurance Consultation– 2 hours
- Saving for College Consultation - 2 hours
- Debt Management Consultation– 3-5 hours depending on complexity
- Portfolio Research/Advice(on assets we do not manage) – 2-4 hours initially, 1-2 hours for an update
- Equity Compensation/Stock Option Analysis– 3-5 hours depending on complexity
- Group 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) Plan Analysis/Design – 3-5 hours depending on complexity
Our first priority is helping you take care of you and your family's needs. We look forward to learning more about your unique situation and addressing your goals. Long-term relationships that encourage open and honest communication have been the cornerstone of our organization.