"Great results begin with great questions. Change begins with the person who wants the change"

Yes, I am a fiduciary. This means that I am legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interests at all times when providing financial advice and managing your assets. My role as a fiduciary requires me to prioritize your financial goals, needs, and interests above my own or those of any other party. I adhere to a standard of conduct that demands honesty, integrity, and transparency, ensuring that all advice and recommendations are made with your best interests in mind.

Our fee structure is designed to provide flexibility and transparency to best meet your individual financial needs and preferences. We offer three primary options:

1. Assets Under Management (AUM): This approach involves a fee that is a percentage of the total assets we manage for you. It aligns our compensation with the growth of your portfolio, as our fees increase only if your assets grow.
2. Flat Fee: For clients who prefer a predictable, set fee regardless of portfolio size, we offer a flat fee service. This option is typically best for those with specific financial planning or advisory needs that don't vary much over time.
3. Hourly Rate: If you need advice on a particular topic or for a specific project, our hourly rate option might be the most cost-effective. This is ideal for situations where you need expert guidance on demand without ongoing management services.

Each of these options is designed to suit different types of financial situations and preferences. We can discuss these in more detail to determine which structure aligns best with your financial goals and needs to this item.

 I firmly believe that success is achieved not by chasing market trends, but through meticulous planning and disciplined behavior. My philosophy is rooted in two fundamental principles:

1. Strategic Planning: The foundation of sound investing lies in a well-structured plan. This plan is tailored to individual financial goals and time horizons. It's not just about selecting the right assets, but about crafting a strategy that weathers market volatility and adheres to a long-term vision.
2. Behavioral Discipline: Market fluctuations often provoke emotional responses that can lead to impulsive decisions. My role is to maintain a steady course, guiding decisions based on rational analysis and long-term objectives rather than short-term market movements. This disciplined approach helps in avoiding common pitfalls like market timing or emotional investing.

In essence, my investment philosophy intertwines strategic foresight with the fortitude to remain steadfast in the face of market uncertainties, always keeping the client's ultimate financial goals at the forefront.

 As a financial planner, I hold all the necessary licenses required for offering comprehensive financial advice. This includes specialized certifications that demonstrate my expertise and commitment to the highest standards of financial planning.

In addition to these credentials, I have extensive hands-on experience in the field. Since 2020, I have been the owner and principal of my own Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of financial markets and investment strategies, but it has also honed my skills in personalized financial planning and client relationship management.

Owning and operating an RIA firm has given me unique insights into the complexities of financial management in various market conditions. It has allowed me to develop tailored strategies that align with each client's individual goals, whether it's wealth accumulation, retirement planning, risk management, or estate planning.

My approach is always client-centric, and I'm dedicated to providing ethical, informed, and transparent advice. The combination of my formal qualifications, practical experience running an RIA, and a strong commitment to my clients' best interests forms the cornerstone of my service as a financial planner.

How we work together is structured to ensure that you receive comprehensive, consistent, and accessible financial guidance. Our collaboration will be characterized by three key components:

1. Monthly Calls/Emails: Each month, we reachout via phone or email to check in and confirm that there is nothing urgent needing to be accompished.  This is more often than not just a call to see what's new in your life or to update you with our latest blog post.
2. Annual Comprehensive Review: Once a year, we'll conduct a thorough review of your financial plan. This comprehensive assessment will cover all aspects of your financial life, including investment performance, progress towards your goals, changes in your financial situation or objectives, and any updates needed in response to economic shifts or tax law changes. This annual review is crucial for ensuring that your financial plan remains aligned with your long-term objectives and adapts to any life changes.
3. Generally Unlimited Access: I understand that questions and needs can arise at any time, not just during our scheduled interactions. Therefore, you will have generally unlimited access to me for advice and support. Whether you have a quick question, need clarification on a financial matter, or face a new financial decision, I'm available to provide the guidance you need. You can reach out via phone, email, or other preferred methods of communication for prompt and personal assistance.

In summary, our working relationship is designed to be dynamic, responsive, and tailored to your needs. Through regular communication, comprehensive annual reviews, and readily available support, my goal is to ensure that you feel confident and informed about your financial journey.

 When it comes to asset allocation, our approach is highly personalized and tailored to each individual's unique financial situation. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all strategy. Instead, all our asset allocations are custom-built, grounded in a comprehensive financial plan that is specifically designed for you.

Here’s how we approach this:

1. Understanding Your Financial Profile: We start by getting a thorough understanding of your financial goals, time horizon, and any other personal considerations that might influence your investment strategy. This involves a detailed discussion about your current financial situation, future aspirations, and any concerns you might have.
2. Crafting a Customized Plan: Based on this understanding, we create a financial plan that guides the asset allocation process. This plan is not just about diversifying investments across different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and alternatives. It’s about finding the right mix that aligns with your specific goals.
3. Ongoing Review and Adjustment: Financial situations and market conditions change over time. So, our asset allocation strategy is not set in stone. We continually review and adjust your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and responsive to your life changes.

By focusing on a plan that is as unique as you are, we ensure that the asset allocation is a true reflection of your individual needs, providing a balanced approach to achieving your financial objectives

 When you change investment providers, there are several potential tax implications to consider, especially if you're moving investments between different types of accounts. Here's a general overview:

1. Transferring Assets in Kind:
   If you're able to transfer investment assets "in kind" (meaning the actual investments are moved without being sold) from one provider to another, there typically aren't immediate tax implications. This is often the case with transfers between similar types of accounts (e.g., IRA to IRA, or brokerage to brokerage).
2. Selling Assets Before Transfer:
   If assets need to be sold before they are transferred, capital gains taxes may apply. The tax rate depends on how long you've held the assets (short-term vs. long-term capital gains) and your income level.
   • Realized losses could potentially be used to offset gains or a portion of other income.

Before we sell any assets and incure any taxes, we consider the overall plan and try to limit the taxes paid in any particular year.

 In our investment approach, since every portfolio we manage is custom-built to meet each client’s unique financial goals and risk tolerance, we don't rely on a single, one-size-fits-all benchmark. Instead, each portfolio has its own custom benchmark, which is specifically chosen or designed to reflect the unique composition and objectives of that portfolio.

It's important to note that while benchmarks are useful for comparison and performance evaluation, our primary focus is on meeting your personal financial goals rather than merely outperforming a benchmark. We believe that a well-crafted, goal-oriented investment strategy, even when it diverges from the benchmark’s performance in the short term, is more important for long-term financial success.