Who do you work with?
We specialize in working with business owners who want to develop a personal financial plan that includes their business.
Common questions I help business owners answer are: How do I retire? What is the best company retirement plan for my situation? How do I plan for the eventual sale of my business? What is my business worth? How much do I need from the sale to fund my desired retirement lifestyle or my next business idea? If the business is not currently worth the desired value: what the things I can do to make it more valuable to reach a higher value?
I don't live in the Portland, OR area can I still work with you?
Yes. I serve clients throughout the Northwestern United States. All our meetings can be done virtually. In fact, I have a number of clients locally that prefer to meet virtually because its convenient.
How are virtual meetings conducted?
We use software called Zoom. You just need to have a computer or iPad that has a camera. The software will allow us to both see each other and share our screen so we can work together. We will help you set it up and show you how to use it if you're not familiar with it.
What does it mean to be a fiduciary?
It means that I will always place the best interest of my client first. This is different from most other advisors who are not bound by requirements to put their client's interests before their own. For example, an advisor (salesperson) that is not a fiduciary may recommend a financial product to a client based on the size of the commission they receive as long as the product is not wholly unsuitable for that client. A fiduciary advisor (such as myself) will look at a client's situation and recommend the investment that we feel best fits a clients needs - period. In fact, since I'm fee-only I do not receive any commissions at all for the sale of any product. The only income I receive is what I charge my client for my advice. That way my clients can feel confident that I am offering them advice that is unbiased by sales commissions.
Anyone can say that he or she is a financial planner or advisor. That’s why it’s essential to be sure of the qualifications and credentials of any “planner” or “advisor” before you pay anything or entrust them with your financial present or future.
What is “fee-only” vs “fee-based” financial planning?
"Fee-Only" (which is what I am) means that the only income I receive is from the fee that I charge to my clients for my advice. "Fee-Based" is a term used purposely to confuse the public because it sounds similar. That means that the advisor may charge clients by a range of fees including advisory fees charged to the client and commissions they charge for selling investment or insurance products or other similar referral fees.
How do we get paid?
We only get paid by the fee that we charge for our advice. That fee is calculated based on the complexity of your situation and is charged either monthly or quarterly whichever you prefer.
Fee-only financial planning means the advisor is compensated solely by the client. Other “fee-based” financial advisors may receive a commission if they recommend a specific investment, mutual fund, or insurance product.
How do I get started?
You can provide us a little bit of information here and we will get in touch with you to arrange an introductory phone call.
Our first step is an initial inquiry. Reach out to us by visiting our contact page and we’ll discuss your financial needs and how we can assist you.