Frequently asked questions.
About Working With Us
What makes you different from other financial advisors?
Most advisors focus just on investments. We start with your life—your goals, your values, your “why”—then build a plan around that. Investments are important, but they’re only one part of your financial story.
How do you work with clients—virtually, in person, or both?
Both. Many clients meet with me over Zoom from the comfort of their home, but if you’re local to the DFW area, we can meet in person too. I want it to be convenient for you.
Who is your ideal client?
I work best with the “Millionaire Next Door” type—people who have worked hard, saved well, and want a partner to help them make the most of what they’ve built. Many of my clients are women who take the lead in financial decisions, or couples approaching retirement.
Do you specialize in working with women, couples, or certain professions?
Yes. I work with a lot of women navigating retirement on their own, and with couples where one spouse handles most of the planning. I also have deep experience with aerospace and defense professionals.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
No. I believe our relationship should continue because it’s valuable to you, not because you’re locked into a contract. If we’re working together on an ongoing basis, you can stop at any time. If at any time, the value we’re providing is not over and above the fee you are paying, I encourage us to part ways as friends.
How much does a financial advisor cost?
For ongoing relationships, my fee is 1.2% of the assets I manage for you on the first $2 million, then the percentage goes down for amounts above that. That fee covers all investment management, financial planning, retirement planning, tax planning and ongoing support.
What if I just want a one-time plan?
Most clients choose the percentage-of-assets model because it includes everything: investments, planning, and ongoing advice. If you prefer, we can work together on a one-time flat-fee basis for a standalone plan. The typical engagement costs around $600 / month, we meet once a month, and you decide how long we work together.
Services & Process
What services do you offer beyond investment management?
I provide comprehensive financial planning—retirement income strategies, tax planning, estate planning coordination, Social Security timing, and more. My job is to make sure all the moving parts of your financial life work together.
How does your retirement planning process work?
We start with a clear picture of where you are today and where you want to be. Then we create a written plan that covers income, taxes, investments, healthcare, long-term care and what-if scenarios. It’s built for you—and it’s flexible, because life changes.
What happens in the first meeting?
It’s a conversation, not a sales pitch. We’ll talk about what’s important to you, your current situation, and what you want life to look like in the future. I’ll share how I work and what it costs, so you can decide if it feels like a fit.
How often will we meet after becoming a client?
During the first year of working together, it’s common to meet once a month. After the first year, we meet as often as needed, or if something changes—retirement, a big purchase, a job change, or anything that affects your plan.
Retirement Planning
How much do I need to retire comfortably?
It depends on your lifestyle, goals, and resources. I can run projections to show what’s possible and help you adjust your plan so you feel confident about retiring.
When should I claim Social Security?
The answer is different for everyone. I analyze your options to help you maximize your lifetime benefit and coordinate it with your other income sources.
How do I make sure I don’t run out of money in retirement?
We build a plan that accounts for market ups and downs, inflation, healthcare, and unexpected expenses—so you can enjoy retirement without constantly worrying about your portfolio.
Can you help me create a tax-efficient retirement income plan?
Absolutely. Taxes are one of the biggest costs in retirement, so we structure your withdrawals to keep more of your money in your pocket.