Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! And we take this obligation very seriously. Our entire business model—from our planning process to our transparent fee structure—is designed to place your best interest first.

We are a Fee-Only firm. This means:

• We do not sell products, such as insurance or annuities, that generate commissions.
• We do not accept referral fees or kickbacks from third-party professionals.
• Our only compensation comes directly from you, the client, ensuring our advice remains objective and aligned with your goals.

Yes. This is our specialty. We help Gen X and Gen Y professionals in Boulder County and all of Colorado navigate the financial pressure of caring for aging parents while simultaneously planning for their children’s education and their own retirement. We build strategies to protect your future without sacrificing family support.

Technically? No. Just like you can fix your own plumbing or change your own oil, you can manage your own wealth. There are millions of resources online to help you do it, and many of them are excellent.

To decide if you should do it yourself, we recommend using the "GWC" Test. Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Do I GET it? Do I understand the nuances of tax efficiency, asset location, and how global markets impact my specific goals? While these topics aren't impossible to learn, the financial landscape changes constantly. You have to ask if you are comfortable navigating those complexities alone.

2. Do I WANT it? Do I genuinely enjoy this? Is researching funds and rebalancing accounts how you want to spend your nights and weekends? If thinking about your finances brings you excitement, DIY might be for you. If it brings you dread, it’s just another chore on your list.

3. Do I have the CAPACITY to do it? Do I have the time? Even if you understand it and enjoy it, do you have the mental bandwidth to manage it consistently? We all live busy lives, and your time is a finite resource.

If you answered "NO" to any of these questions, it is likely time to outsource this part of your life to a fiduciary partner. This allows you to stop worrying about the mechanics of your money and start enjoying the results.

We are a fee only advisor paid only by you.  We use a hybrid model that focuses on a flat fee paid by you that can be supplemented by a small Asset Under Management fee from your investments if you choose to have us do that work for you.

We do not take custody of your money.  We use highly reputable and trustworthy custodians Charles Schwab and Altruist if you chose to have us manage assets.  You are also welcome to use any custodian of your choosing.

This is probably the #1 questions we receive.  We can help you calculate that and make a plan to put you on a path to meet this goal.

Our approach focuses on controlling what matters most: minimizing costs, staying disciplined, and reducing tax drag. By managing these variables, we aim to help you pursue long-term financial independence. We use cost-effective and tax-efficient ETFs and Mutual Funds from leading providers to build a custom portfolio tailored to your specific needs and goals.

We can help you manage this highly complicated and intricate part of your finances.  Success is measured by "tax-efficient sequencing"—knowing which account to pull from first to keep the client just below the next IRMAA cliff while maximizing Social Security's delayed credits.

Yes!  We are registered in the State of Colorado but can work with people in all but two states.  Contact us to find out details!

This call is a low-pressure, welcoming conversation. We simply discuss your current financial situation, your needs, and your goals. It is an opportunity to see if our partnership model is the right match for your needs without any obligation.