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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes you different from other financial advisors?

Most advisors stick to a cookie-cutter plan and call it a day. We don’t. We take a planning-first approach and combine market-based strategies with solutions that actually shield your retirement strategy from unnecessary risk—whether that's around income, investments, taxes, or legacy goals. You get a plan that’s as focused on protection as it is on growth—and it's tailored to your actual goals, not ours.

How are you compensated?

We’re transparent about how we get paid. Depending on the solution, we’re either paid through a small management fee or a commission paid directly by an insurance company. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges. We’ll show you exactly how it works before you commit to anything.

Do I have to move all my accounts to work with you?

Not at all. Many of our clients start by moving just part of their savings to us—sometimes for investment management, sometimes for tax planning, sometimes for income solutions. We’ll walk through what makes sense and explain why. No pressure. No “all or nothing.”

Are you a fiduciary?

Yes. We have our Series 65 license and are held to a fiduciary standard—meaning we’re legally and ethically obligated to put your interests first. We only recommend what we’d use for our own families.

Is this going to be a sales pitch?

Nope. Our first meeting is just a conversation. We want to understand where you’re at and what you’re trying to accomplish. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll tell you. And if we are, we’ll walk you through exactly how we can help and what it looks like to work together.

What types of clients do you work with?

Most of our clients are either retired or planning to retire within the next 5–10 years. They’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and are looking for clarity on how to invest wisely, minimize risk, and use what they’ve built to support their goals—whether that’s income, legacy, travel, or peace of mind.

How do you invest client money?

We use a mix of actively managed portfolios and structured solutions designed to protect downside and fit within your overall financial plan. For some clients, that means building a diversified investment strategy. For others, it means using hybrid tools that replace the role of bonds but offer more protection. It all depends on your goals and risk tolerance.

Do you sell annuities?

Yes—and no. We don’t sell anything. But if a portion of your plan calls for protection, guaranteed income, or bond replacement, we may use annuity-based solutions. We focus on hybrid income vehicles that shield your principal while still giving you a lifetime paycheck. We’ll walk through when it makes sense, and when it doesn’t.

What happens after I become a client?

You’ll get a step-by-step plan. We start by confirming your priorities—whether that’s income, investment performance, tax efficiency, or all of the above. Then we help you get your accounts in place. From there, we continue to monitor your plan, update you regularly, and make sure you’re on track. You’ll always know what’s happening—and what’s coming next.

What if I already have an advisor?

That’s totally fine. Many clients come to us for a second opinion. If your current plan is strong, we’ll say so. If we see gaps or inefficiencies, we’ll show you exactly where—and how to fix them. Either way, you walk away with more clarity.

Planning Toolkit

Complimentary tools to help you take the next step toward a confident retirement.

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Replace My Paycheck

Turn your savings into a reliable stream of retirement income.
Know exactly how you’ll pay yourself, even after you stop working.

 
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SmartShield Analyzer

Take a closer look at how much of your portfolio may be exposed to major market swings. This tool helps you evaluate downside risk and explore safer growth options.