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Financial Advisor FAQs

Your Questions About Planning, Investing, and Retirement


How do I choose a financial advisor?
Look for a fiduciary advisor with strong credentials, transparent fees, and a personalized planning approach. Both our advisors hold CFP designations, which requires completion of rigorous coursework covering multiple areas of financial planning and ongoing continuing education.
Where is my money invested and is it safe?

Our independent financial advisors use LPL Financial as their broker-dealer and custodian. LPL provides us with the trading platforms, reporting, cybersecurity, compliance and custody of the assets. That means there isn't any pressure to sell "house" products or specific stocks, bonds or mutual funds. Your money is protected by SIPC against fraud and bankruptcy, but not against losses from market fluctuations or investment risk.

How will I know the recommendations you are making are in my best interest?

As a fiduciary, we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest, and because we are fully independent, we’re able to recommend solutions from a wide range of investment options that best align with your goals; we work hard to avoid conflicts of interest, and if any potential conflict arises, we are transparent and discuss it with you openly.

Do you offer comprehensive financial planning, or will I need multiple advisors?

We provide truly comprehensive financial planning, which means our recommendations address all major areas of your financial life, including investments, retirement planning, tax considerations, insurance, estate planning, and more, so you don’t need to find multiple advisors for guidance. While we’re not CPAs or attorneys, we understand these areas well enough to educate you, help you make informed decisions, and coordinate with specialists when needed. If a situation calls for a dedicated professional, we’ll bring in the right professional to support you, ensuring your plan is complete, accurate, and aligned with your long‑term goals.

What does the financial planning process look like?

Our initial process from first contact to your decision to onboard typically takes a few weeks up to a month, depending on scheduling and the complexity of your financial situation. 

After your accounts are opened, our relationship may involve multiple action items, so the first three months to a year may require frequent communication and meetings.  After the initial period, we will continue with a regular meeting schedule based on your needs, and will monitor your progress, adjusting your plan as your life and goals evolve.

Do I have to commit to working with you after the first call?

No. Our process is designed to be completely pressure-free, and you can take time to decide if working together makes sense. See our process here.

How do you use technology in your firm?

We use technology to make your financial life easier, more organized, and more secure. Our financial planning platform allows us to gather and analyze your financial data, keep your information organized, and securely store important documents such as your tax and estate planning materials. You can also access your client portal anytime to view up‑to‑date balances, statements, tax documents, and shared files. During reviews, we use secure screen‑sharing and encrypted communication tools to walk through your plan in real time. With your permission, we also use compliant AI to capture and summarize meeting notes so you always have a clear record of action items and next steps. All technology we use is vetted and approved for security by our broker‑dealer, and while we embrace digital tools, we still believe in personal service, which is why a real person answers your phone call during business hours.

Do you work with clients outside San Diego?

Yes, we work with clients virtually across more than 20 states including California, New York and many other states.

How do your financial advisors get paid?

Our financial advisors are paid through a transparent, fee‑based structure, which means we are compensated directly by our clients, not through commissions on investment products. Most clients pay an annual advisory fee based on the assets we manage on their behalf, which aligns our incentives with your long‑term success. These fees are competitive and consistent with standard industry rates, and we clearly outline all costs before you begin working with us. For financial planning or specialized services, we may charge a flat or hourly planning fee depending on your needs. Because we operate as fiduciaries, we are legally obligated to act in your best interest, and our compensation model is designed to eliminate hidden incentives and keep our advice transparent, and aligned with your goals.

Is it worth paying a financial advisor when I can manage my money myself?

Many people can manage their money on their own, but what we consistently see is that most don’t have the time, discipline, or expertise to actively monitor their finances, adjust their investments, or stay on top of tax and planning opportunities. A financial advisor provides accountability, helps you avoid costly mistakes, and ensures your plan stays aligned with your long‑term goals. For many clients, the value of professional guidance through tax‑efficient strategies, disciplined investment management, and long‑term planning often pays for itself . We help safeguard your family’s financial well‑being should anything happen to you, and we work to minimize the anxiety many people feel when markets fluctuate. In short, a financial advisor adds structure, clarity, and confidence to your financial life in ways that are difficult to replicate on your own.

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