Your Financial Questions, Answered

Managing your finances comes with a lot of questions — and that’s a good thing. We’ve gathered some of the most common questions clients ask us, along with clear answers, to help you feel more confident about your financial decisions and what it’s like to work with an advisor.

  • Do I really need a financial advisor

    A financial advisor helps you see the bigger picture, not just investments. We look at retirement, taxes, estate planning, insurance, and cash flow to make sure everything works together. Some people can manage on their own, but most benefit from a professional who can spot risks and opportunities they might overlook.

  • Why is building a personal relationship with an advisor necessary?

    An advisor who wants to get to know you personally will inquire about more than just your financial goals. They’ll dive into your lifestyle, family dynamics, risk tolerance, and the deeper values that you hold close. This will allow them to tailor strategies that don’t just grow your wealth but align with your long-term plans.

    During your initial meeting, get an understanding of their communication style, how often they meet with clients, and their approach to building long-term relationships. Choose an advisor who doesn’t see you as just a portfolio but as a partner in your financial journey.
     

  • How do you get paid?

    We believe in transparency. Some advisors charge a fee (flat fee, hourly, or a percentage of assets managed), while others earn commissions from products. We’ll explain exactly how our compensation works so you can feel confident our advice is in your best interest.

  • How much should I save for retirement?

    There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question — it will be different for everyone based on a number of factors: time horizon until retirement, anticipated income in retirement, longevity and desired retirement lifestyle.

  • What should I invest in right now?

    There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” answer. The right investments depend on your goals, timeline, and comfort with risk. We focus on building a diversified strategy that’s designed for you — not on chasing trends or “timing the market.”

  • How can I pay less in taxes?

    We use strategies like tax-efficient investing, retirement contributions, charitable giving, and account planning. The goal is to lower your taxes not just this year, but over the long term.

  • Can you help me with budgeting or debt?

    Yes. A financial plan isn’t just about investments — it includes day-to-day money management. We help set up realistic budgets, pay down high-interest debt, and create cash flow strategies so you can balance living today with saving for the future.

  • What happens to my money if something happens to me?

    Estate planning is part of financial planning. We make sure beneficiaries are updated, accounts are titled properly, and wills/trusts are in place. The goal is to ensure your assets are passed smoothly, with as little cost, delay, and tax as possible.

  • Do I need to have a lot of money to work with a financial advisor?

    Not at all. Financial planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone who wants to make smarter decisions about money. Whether you’re starting to build savings, managing debt, planning for retirement, or looking to grow your investments, an advisor can help you create a plan that fits your situation.

  • How do I get started?

    Getting started is simple. The first step is a conversation — we’ll talk about your goals, challenges, and questions to see how we can help. From there, we’ll outline the next steps and create a plan that works for you. There’s no pressure or obligation, just a chance to see if we’re the right fit for you.