Why Use a Financial Advisor?

Financial Advisors Provide Added Value

The services we provide are straightforward and exactly what you could expect from a financial planner. However, much of our value comes in the form of things that are hard to measure.

We bring clarity to financial decision making.

Sure, you may receive advice from your employer about which funds are best, or whether to invest in a Roth 401(k) or traditional 401(k). But do they understand everything going on in your financial life that might aid in that decision?

We optimize your financial decision making by taking a holistic approach.

We help align your saving, investing, and spending with what you value.

We help you focus.

If you want to purchase a home, were recently married, or have old 401(k)s, we will help prioritize your goals. As life gets more complicated it's easy to procrastinate. We focus on your finances so you can focus on your life!

We help identify when your stated values and goals are not reflecting your financial behavior.

If you tell us you want to retire early, but continue to spend above your means, your behavior does not align with your goals.

We will help identify areas to improve behavior.

We hold you accountable to the plan we develop together. When you have a coach holding you accountable, you are more likely to succeed, and it will result in true behavioral changes.

We help you learn about and gain confidence in your own finances.

Imagine how you would feel if you knew you had a plan in place that would enable you to become financially independent one day? That everything was under control and there was a clear path forward to living the life you envision.

We help you adapt.

Life is not always straight-forward, and things will change. For better or for worse, we are always here for you to help you make the best financial decisions as opportunities or risks arise.

We listen.

We are trusted experts that listen to all your financial issues or concerns. Getting to the root of what you hope to accomplish is at the core of what we do.

Value Added Services

Investment Planning

How to invest
Manage investments for you - rebalancing, tax efficiency, improving behavior, and managing emotions
Figure out how much to contribute to a retirement plan
Determine which retirement plan to contribute to (Roth versus Traditional IRA)
Review other investments and allocation changes if necessary
Align your investments in a systematic way towards your goals
Set up college savings plans such as 529 plans

Benefits & Insurance Evaluation

We evaluate your work retirement plan, the fees it involves, and what match program is being offered
Identify a need for life, long term care, and/or disability insurance
Help you choose the best health insurance plan
Evaluate ALL employee benefits
Evaluate a job offer

Goal & Lifestyle Planning

Save for a vehicle and decide on rent vs. buy vs. lease
Blend finances as a couple
Improve financial decision making by understanding the impact of bad behavior and habits
Make the “rent vs. own” decision
Figure out how to save for a home down payment
Create a plan that makes progress towards and balances multiple goals

Cash & Debt Management

Determine the amount of cash you should hold in an “emergency fund”
Determine what to do with extra idle cash
Figure out the best strategy to pay down debt (student loans, credit cards, mortgage, etc.)
Evaluate the best student loan pay off strategy (teacher loan forgiveness, public loan forgiveness, refinance, etc.)
Make goals around your budget and spending decisions
Automate your cash flow to put your plan on autopilot

Estate Planning

Identify a need for estate planning documents (a will, health care power of attorney, etc.)
Maximize state and local programs such as college savings plans (Maryland 529, Student Loan Tax Credit, etc.)
Evaluate efficient strategies to support charitable giving
Discuss succession planning strategies for business owners, farmers, ranchers, and landowners
Discuss proper account titling and annual beneficiary reviews