How are you paid?
I only receive transparent planning fees invoiced directly from you for hourly work, or billed directly from accounts I manage on an ongoing basis for you.
No commissions or product sales here.
For ongoing clients, if we ever decide to part ways then we do so as friends and your accounts will not be billed for the quarter in which your accounts leave. Nothing is ever "locked in" and can always move.
What does it look like to work with you?
You can expect to meet with me in the Spring and in the Fall. This allows us to review your tax return in the Spring and strategize for the rest of the year. I prefer being proactive to prevent investment and tax-related mishaps from happening to you. In the fall, we can see where your income is at so far for the year and see what needs done before year's end to not miss any opportunities.
What is your Investment Philosophy?
Our investment philosophy is built on four pillars.
1. Safety First
Ensure your immediate financial needs are taken care of. Don't take unnecessary risks in the market. If you are living off your investments, are you prepared for when, not if, markets drop?
Following a safety-first methodology helps you with the two biggest problems people face in retirement:
- Not running out of money
- Not dying with a massive pile of unused money
2. Markets Eventually Recover
Remember, the "market" takes from the impatient and gives to the patient.
Master your emotions to take advantage of larger market downturns by maintaining a long-term focus.
3. Invest Efficiently
Avoid unwarranted fees
Don't pay excessive taxes (it doesn't make you more patriotic)
Prevent wasteful overlap (don't own the same companies ten times via ten "different" funds)
4. Strategies Backed by Financial Science
The investment process is based on an academically supported & market-tested framework.
This framework is built upon two key concepts:
- The price you pay for something ALWAYS matters
- Profitable companies are generally better than unprofitable companies (big surprise!)
Where will my money be held?
For ongoing service clients, your accounts will be held at Charles Schwab. You will have your own login to access the accounts so you can always see what is going on.
For project-based hourly clients, your accounts can stay wherever you prefer!
How will we communicate and meet?
Focal Point Financial Planning, LLC is a virtual-only firm.
We will communicate however you prefer between Zoom, email, or phone calls.
Will you act in my best interest?
Yes; as a Certified Financial Planner I will always act in your best interest when making recommendations for you in your current situation. I will also inform you of any conflicts of interest as they arise so you can make better-informed decisions.
Do I need to be in Utah in order to work with you?
Absolutely not. While I do encourage you to take a trip out to Utah and enjoy the great outdoors it has to offer, I work with clients all over the country.
What does your typical ongoing client look like?
I add the most value to those who are selling a business or property (i.e. have a large capital gain) or are preparing to retire.
You are a professional in what you do, value your time greatly, and are looking for a financial advocate.
You are looking for someone who can help you spot areas of opportunity, or risk, that you may not be aware of or have overlooked.