Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
How do your fees work?
Our comprehensive fee is typically calculated as a percentage of the assets we manage (AUM) and is billed quarterly. This single fee covers all of our integrated services, including building your comprehensive retirement plan, ongoing investment management, and proactive tax planning. We will provide you with a specific fee quote when we prepare your proposal.
For clients who are still building their assets and do not yet meet our $800k minimum, we offer a flat quarterly retainer fee to provide the same level of comprehensive planning without the investment management.
What does “Fee-Only” mean?
“Fee-Only” is the most transparent and client-focused way to provide financial advice. It means we do not receive any commissions, sales incentives, or kickbacks for recommending specific investments or insurance products. This model eliminates the conflicts of interest that are common with “fee-based” or “commission-based” advisors, ensuring our advice is always objective and based on your best interests alone.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. We are proud to be a fiduciary at all times.
This is a legal and ethical standard that requires us to act in your best interest in all aspects of our relationship. As a Fee-Only firm and as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) professional, we are legally bound to put your interests ahead of our own in every recommendation we make. Not all financial advisors are held to this high standard.
What is your Investment Philosophy?
Our investment philosophy is grounded in financial science, not speculation. We follow a disciplined, evidence-based approach that is built on decades of academic research.
Instead of trying to time the market or pick individual winning stocks, we build globally diversified, low-cost portfolios designed to capture the market’s returns. We then strategically emphasize the “dimensions”—such as company size, relative price (value), and profitability—that academic evidence has shown to be sources of higher expected returns over the long term. We focus relentlessly on what we can control: diversification, costs, and tax efficiency.
What is unique about your firm?
What makes our firm distinct is our dual expertise in both financial planning and tax. Our advisors both hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designations.
This rare combination allows us to go beyond traditional financial planning. We are able to provide true, proactive tax planning that is woven into every aspect of your financial life—from your investment strategy to your retirement withdrawals. Most firms have to coordinate with an outside CPA, which can lead to missed opportunities. We build that expertise in-house, providing a level of coordinated, tax-efficient financial planning that is rare in the industry.
How often will I meet with you as a client?
We are here for you as your financial partner. During the first year, we typically meet several times to build your comprehensive financial plan and implement your investment strategy.
After that, we meet for at least two formal review meetings each year to go over your retirement plan, portfolio, and tax plan. That said, our service is not limited to scheduled meetings. We are available whenever you have a question, a concern, or a major life event you’d like to discuss.
Who is your ideal client?
We specialize in working with pre-retirees (typically within 10 years of retirement) and current retirees. Our clients are often diligent savers who have accumulated $1,000,000 or more in investable assets and are now facing the complex transition from accumulating wealth to generating tax-efficient retirement income. They value a proactive, long-term partnership and appreciate the high-touch, integrated advice that our dual CFP® and CPA expertise provides.
Since you are a CPA, do you prepare tax returns?
Yes, we do. We offer tax preparation services through Mark Young CPA, APC. This is a key part of our integrated service model.
This seamless approach is a significant benefit. It ensures that the tax strategies we plan during the year—like Roth conversions, managing capital gains, and optimizing withdrawals—are executed with perfect accuracy at tax time. Nothing gets lost in translation between a separate planner and preparer, giving you true, end-to-end management of your financial picture.
Where are my investment accounts held?
We never take direct custody of your assets. Your accounts are held at Charles Schwab, a large, independent, third-party custodian.
This means your money is in an account under your name, and you have 24/7 access and transparency. We are simply granted a limited power of attorney (LPOA) to manage the
investments and provide reporting on your behalf. The custodian provides its own independent statements and tax forms, ensuring a vital layer of security and accountability.
What is the first step?
The first step is a simple, no-obligation introductory call. This is a 15-20 minute chat where you can share what’s on your mind and we can learn more about your goals. It’s an opportunity for us to see if we’re a good fit for your needs. If we mutually agree that our services align with what you’re looking for, we will schedule a more in-depth discovery meeting. You can schedule your introductory call directly on our website.
Imagine. Build. Live Your Best Retirement.
Learn more about how we can help you make the most of your
journey to and through retirement.