How we work together
1. Free Intro Call
On this thirty-minute Zoom call, we will simply find out a little bit more about you and the issues that you're facing. Together, we’ll figure out if we’re a fit for each other. If we both agree, we’ll schedule a Presentation Meeting. While we’ll ask you about your finances, our conversations and your information is private and confidential.
2. Presentation Meeting
After our intro call, we'll request additional information so we can conduct a 360 degree review of your finances. Then, in the Presentation Meeting we'll present our findings and discuss if we're a good fit to work together on an open retainer.
3. Standard Open Retainer
When we work together on an open retainer, we systematically go through every area of your finances. For one sometimes tax-deductible fee, we develop a comprehensive plan and mental vision of your financial future.
With most clients, in the first year we meet 2-3 times either in person, or on the phone and Internet. We go over every area of your finances. When we work together on an Open Retainer, we cover the following topics:
Retirement + education funding
We believe that it’s important to make this as simple as possible so that you understand the assumptions, variables and results of this planning. We return to this yearly. As you understand the methodology, your peace of mind grows because you know that your long-term goals are being attended to.
Investment strategy
Our philosophy is to invest for the long term and take risk that is appropriate given your life situation, attitude, and time frame. Together we do a personal risk assessment to help you understand the true risks you face. Next, we create an investment strategy together. Then, we periodically review your situation to make sure you stay on track.
Principal residence / real estate analysis
For most clients, their principal residence is the single biggest investment that they make. We look at how your principal residence is working with your entire investment strategy. We analyze real estate investments. So, if you own a two flat or an apartment building, we go over the rent you should be charging, the return you should be getting, and the pluses and minuses of selling. We give unbiased advice because we're not selling real estate or stocks.
Tax preparation
Taxes are often your biggest expenses. Our goal is to make sure you're taking every deduction legally available so that you pay the least amount of tax possible. We look at your previous 3 years returns and can file amended returns to correct errors on previous returns and to claim overlooked deductions. We believe that competent tax preparation is an integral part of your finances, so we make sure that they're done right.
Tax planning
Together we look at your tax situation during the year, not after the year is over. We help you plan for deductions and investments while there is still time to implement the strategies. Because we work with both with tax and investments, we can provide integrated tax investment strategies to help you make more on your investments and pay less in taxes.
Insurance review
For many people, working with us is the first time they have gotten any insurance advice from someone not trying to sell them products. Together we look at each of your insurance policies and answer questions to help you save money while reducing your risk exposure.
Goal setting
Financial peace of mind is an emotional and, for some, a spiritual state. Together we address progress needed to reach your goals. This helps you:
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Understand your financial goals
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Test them against reality
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Engage your imagination and visualize what you want.
Estate planning
We explain the tax consequences of dying and help you plan your will and your legacy. We review wills, powers of attorney and other estate documents to make sure they work with the other elements of your financial plan. If you don't have an attorney to draft a will, we can recommend one.
In addition to our meetings, working with us also includes:
Open retainer
You can call or email whenever you have financial questions, and if necessary, we can set up additional appointments at no additional cost to you. We want to make sure that all of your questions are answered and all of your concerns are resolved.
Audit protection
If a tax return we prepared gets audited, we will represent you in front of the IRS at no additional fee. You can rest assured that we stand behind our work and you won’t have to go face-to-face with the IRS.
How our fees work
We Are Only Paid by You. No One Else.
This means that everything we suggest serves to benefit you, and you only. Our sole motivation is your success — not a commission.
What It Costs:
We charge an annual advisory fee based on your marketable net worth, the amount of work required, and our ability to provide value. The minimum fee is $5,500 which is for basic situations and people just starting out. Most fees are higher. Before engaging work with any client, we fully explain the costs and potential benefits of working together.
The annual fee covers all meetings, phone calls, and other communication. This is an open-ended agreement that you may terminate at any time.