Don’t you hate it when you go to a website and they won’t tell you how much the thing you’re interested in costs? Me, too.
It makes me feel like…
- …that person or company is not confident enough in the value they provide to be up front about the price.
- …they think the only way they’re going to sell that thing is if they get me on the phone and talk me into it.
- …they might offer wildly different prices to different customers, and I’m going to get taken advantage of if I don’t know what the thing is supposed to cost or how to negotiate a deal.
transparent, flat-fee financial planning
You shouldn’t have to wonder how much it will cost to work with me or what you’ll get for your money. Here are the different financial planning services I offer, how much they cost, and how to determine which one is right for you.
the Saguaro (Sah – WAH – roh)
Saguaros are the largest cacti in the United States. They grow slowly and can be as tall as 12 Shoehei Ohtanis. They typically live to be 150 to 175 years old.
- What you get: Someone who looks out for your best financial interests in all aspects of your life, year in and year out.
- Who this service is right for: People who want a long-term relationship with someone who will get to know their finances and their lives extremely well and who can be their first call when they have a big or small question about money or a life change.
- What you pay: Our base plan costs $6,000 annually, billed as $1,500 quarterly or $500 monthly. We may adjust this price down for simplicity or up for complexity. (See FAQs below re: what makes a plan simple/complex.)
- Our minimum fee is $3,000 annually, billed as $750 quarterly or $250 monthly.
- Our maximum fee is $12,000 annually, billed as $3,000 quarterly or $1,000 monthly.
You will know exactly what your fee is and what is included in that fee before you commit to paying me a penny.
The Echeveria
Echeverias* are succulents whose leaves form intricate rosettes. Each one is different, and like most succulents, they are resilient and adaptable when you give them the right soil, light, and moisture. They can even change color when their environment shifts.
- What you get: A one-time, comprehensive financial plan. We’ll tend to every aspect of your finances so you can see what you might need to adjust so you can thrive.
- Who this service is right for: Anyone who wants the financial resiliency to enjoy a vibrant life.
- What you pay: $3,000 to $8,000 based on complexity, billed as 50% up front and 50% after I deliver your plan. (See FAQs below re: what makes a plan simple/complex.)
(*What marketing consultant allowed me to give one of my core service offerings a name people might not even be able to pronounce? Well, that was me, and I love echeverias, so I couldn’t help myself. No one can seem to agree on the pronunciation, anyway, so you can say it however you want.)
the Prickly Pear
You’ve got one thorny problem you aren’t sure how to handle. We’ll carefully peel it away so you can get back to the sweeter things in life.
- What you get: Answers to your questions on one financial planning topic. Billable hours include meeting preparation, meeting time, and meeting follow-up.
- Who this service is right for: You’re willing to complete a detailed questionnaire and upload my requested documents before our meeting. You value professional advice but you’re not ready for a larger commitment. (And it’s okay if you never are.) You understand that because every aspect of your finances is interrelated and we’re not doing a deep dive, my answers will only be as good as the information you give me and the time you choose to pay for.
- What you pay: $300 per hour, with the number of hours agreed upon up front.
Pricing FAQs
What makes someone’s financial planning needs simple?
Examples include:
- a single source of income as someone else’s employee
- not married or partnered
- no kids
- no one else relies on your financial support
- no student loans
- no real estate
- no investments or only VTI-and-chill-type investments
- no company stock
What makes someone’s financial planning needs complex?
Examples include:
- multiple sources of income (freelancing, side hustling, small business, real estate)
- kids
- special needs kids
- home ownership
- investment properties
- trusts
- NSOs, RSUs, or an ESPP
- approaching retirement
- pensions
- annuities
- life insurance policies other than term
- long-term disability
If your situation is especially complex, we’ll likely refer you to other planners with the specific expertise you need.
What if I can’t afford your services?
I get it. Here are some alternatives.