Is working with a financial planner expensive?
It depends on the type and complexity of help you need. Comprehensive financial planning is typically charged as a flat annual fee based on your situation. Ongoing investment management is generally charged as a percentage of assets managed. Insurance and annuity products may pay a commission from the insurance company if a product is implemented.
Before we begin, I will explain what services are being provided, how I am compensated, and what costs apply. The first conversation is intended to determine whether there is a good fit.
How do you get paid, and are there hidden fees?
There are three main ways I may be compensated: planning fees, investment management fees, and insurance or annuity commissions. Which one applies depends on the work we do together.
I believe compensation should be clear before you make a decision. If there are fees, commissions, product costs, surrender charges, or other important considerations, those will be discussed before moving forward. There should not be surprises.
Will you act in my best interest?
Yes. When providing investment advice, financial professionals are subject to best-interest and fiduciary obligations depending on the capacity in which they are acting. When recommending securities or insurance products, applicable suitability, best-interest, disclosure, and conflict-of-interest rules apply.
In plain language: my job is to help you understand your options, explain potential conflicts, and make recommendations that are appropriate for your situation.
What are your qualifications?
I began helping families and business owners in 2020, initially focused on insurance and risk management. In 2023, I expanded my work to include financial planning and investment services.
I hold the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7, and Series 66 registrations through LPL Enterprise. I also hold insurance licenses for life, accident, health, long-term care, property and casualty, variable life, and variable annuities. I also earned the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow designation.
How do I know I can trust you?
Trust should be verified, not assumed. You can review my professional background through FINRA BrokerCheck and applicable state insurance or securities resources.
Client investment assets are held with a separate custodian or clearing firm, not personally by me. You should always be able to see where your money is held, what you own, what fees apply, and what role I play in the relationship.
My goal is to explain financial decisions in plain language so you can understand the tradeoffs before you act.