The first step is an initial inquiry from you. Call us at (503) 579-9744. We offer an initial no-cost, no-obligation meeting, either on the phone or in our offices. Most clients find the financial planning process to be stimulating and enlightening. The end result, of course, is greater peace of mind. We look forward to helping YOU build a brighter financial future!

Yes. Section 212 of the Internal Revenue Code permits an itemized deduction for tax and/or investment advice in the miscellaneous section of Schedule A. It is subject to a 2% floor of the adjusted gross income on a personal tax return.

Hourly rates are $250 per hour for services rendered by a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP). Ongoing retainer clients pay a fee which is based either on a percentage of assets under management or a minimum quarterly fee. Comprehensive financial plans will be billed at $250 per hour or billed at a fixed dollar amount (but only as agreed to in advance.) This information can also be viewed in the ADV Part II which is posted on our web site under Client Resources.

As fiduciaries for our clients, we strive to obtain the most appropriate investment vehicles to meet your objectives, while being very conscious of total expenses and risk exposure.

As independent financial planners and investment consultants, we believe in the following fundamental principles with regard to designing an investment portfolio and making specific recommendations: The purpose of a client’s investment portfolio is to fund current and/or future financial objectives. The design of the portfolio must take into account the client’s financial objectives, tolerance for risk, needs for current income or liquidity, and special considerations such as income and estate taxes. The important thing to remember is that no one can predict the future. Often investment and economic “experts” provided with exactly the same information often come to different conclusions. We do not suggest that we can, or that any of the money or mutual fund managers that we recommend, will make the correct decision every time. We do believe, however, that studying the historic trends and relationships of investment classes can provide valuable insight. The appropriate allocation of investment assets for your goals and risk tolerance is the most important component in developing an investment portfolio. We believe that having a diversified, well-balanced portfolio, following long-term buy-and-hold strategies, and having patience, will increase the likelihood that one will achieve their long-term financial objectives.

Absolutely not. We will offer recommendations which in our professional opinion will meet your needs and objectives, but you are under no obligation to purchase them.

We provide advice for many types of securities, including mutual funds, stocks (as they relate to your portfolio holdings), bonds, and bank deposits. We also provide advice on mortgages, 401(k), and other retirement programs, stock options, AMT, tax planning, life and disability insurance, etc. If it has to do with money and finances, we can provide counseling, guidance and/or resources for you. Clients are encouraged to call us when they have a major life event, such as a new job, a baby, a marriage or divorce, or if they are planning to buy a new home or start their own business.

Yes. People who need more sophisticated financial planning or advice will find our services appealing and beneficial. If you have a desire to simplify your financial affairs, our Ongoing Retainer Client Program may be right for you.

As an independent financial advisory firm, we do not sell financial products. We will offer specific recommendations and opinions regarding the purchase of the various financial products that may be appropriate for you. So, if you need to obtain an insurance policy or a new mortgage or find an estate planning attorney, we can direct you to the resources you need to help you obtain these products and services.

Because we are Fee-Only financial planners, we do not accept sales commissions, bonuses, or other third-party compensation. We work solely for the benefit of our clients. Because we do not sell financial products such as investments and/or insurance, there are no third-party relationships or outside influences to color our thinking or our financial recommendations. For more information on Fee-Only financial planning, including our Code of Ethics, Fiduciary Code and member requirements, please visit www.NAPFA.org.

In addition, our firm is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA); as such, we must comply with a host of regulations designed to protect the consumer. One important question you should always ask when considering a financial planner’s services: ”May I please have a copy of your ADV Part II?” This document contains important information about the planner’s qualifications, fiduciary duties, history of any past violations, etc. Our ADV Part II is posted on our web site under Client Resources.