Please click on the relevant box below to see the typical steps involved when engaging my services. Please send me a message if your situation does not fit into the scenarios outlined.
PERSONAL CFO
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Are you looking for an advisor to become your personal CFO?
- Comprehensive, ongoing financial planning
- Income and cash flow needs
- Portfolio management
- Risk management
- Legacy planning
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Would you like an advisor with the following attributes?
- 100% fiduciary
- Expertise focused on research and performance – not sales
- Truly personalized planning
- Long-term relationship and planning focus
If you answered YES and YES, then please review the six steps listed below as they describe my typical engagement process.
TYPICAL ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
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1
Exploratory meeting [30-60 min]
We learn about each other, ask/answer questions, assess mutual compatibility, and explore capacities in which we could work together.
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2
Due diligence meeting [1-3 hrs]
We discuss your goals and their feasibility in the context of your assets and risk profile. Note: I ask that you provide me with relevant statements and documents in advance.
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3
Deliver proposal
I conduct my due diligence, determine the primary ingredients for your financial plan, and put together a proposal. This document will describe my recommended strategy for achieving your goals, my role in the process, and my fees.
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4
Discussion [30-60 min]
We meet to go over my proposal (provided to you in advance) and answer any questions you might have. You may decide to engage during this meeting or take some time to deliberate.
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5
Engagement
I am delighted and honored when people choose to work with me. We both sign an advisory agreement and then we get started.
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6
Execution [2-4 weeks]
I remove as much of the administrative burden as I can for setting up accounts, asset transfers, etc. So you would typically end up with a handful of digital or wet signatures. Then we start executing your financial plan.
Fees: When I serve as your personal CFO, my fees are charged as a percentage of portfolio value according to a tiered schedule (see Percentage of Assets section here).
CONSULTING
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Are you looking for one-off guidance or consulting services?
- Construct a financial plan
- Portfolio audit (fees, benchmarks, taxes, etc.)
- Due diligence on potential investments or products
- Expert witness services
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Would you like an advisor with the following attributes?
- Analytical background (e.g., math PhD)
- Objective opinion
- Deep expertise across a variety of investment products and strategies
If you answered YES and YES, then please review the five steps listed below as they describe my typical engagement process.
TYPICAL ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
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1
Exploratory meeting [15 min]
We learn about each other, ask/answer questions, assess mutual compatibility, and explore capacities in which we could work together.
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2
Fact-finding and information gathering [client dependent]
You share any additional data or information required for me to fully understand this engagement.
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3
Proposal [1-2 weeks]
I estimate the scope and provide a proposal. This document will describe my deliverables, an estimated timeline, and my fees.
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4
Engagement [client dependent]
I am delighted and honored when people choose to work with me. Depending upon the magnitude of work, I may request an email expressing your wish to proceed, your signature on my standard advisory agreement, and/or an upfront retainer before starting work.
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5
Delivery [scope dependent]
I share my deliverables with you, ensure you understand what I am providing and that you are satisfied.
Fees: My fees are based on my estimated scope of the engagement and can be billed on an hourly or fixed-fee basis. My fees are due once you are satisfied with the deliverable(s) though I do require an upfront retainer in some cases.
ANNUITIES & LIFE INSURANCE
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Are you interested in purchasing an annuity or life insurance product?
- Evaluate personal need – if any – and determine the best product
- Quote multiple high-quality carriers to find the best terms
- Optimize products for performance & tax efficiency
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Would you like an advisor with the following attributes?
- Math PhD, actuarial background, and risk management experience
- Deep expertise with both annuities and life insurance products
- Independent agent not aligned with any specific carrier
If you answered YES and YES, then please review the six steps listed below as they describe my typical engagement process.
TYPICAL ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
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1
Exploratory meeting [15 min]
You explain what you are looking for at a high level and I determine if I am able to assist you.
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2
Financial profile and product compatibility [0-2 weeks]
I learn more about your financial situation, assess your needs/wants, and determine the type of annuity or insurance products that would make sense.
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3
Product selection [0-1 week]
Once we have a type of product in mind, I will investigate offerings from a range of carriers, obtain quotes, and present the options I believe are best for your situation.
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4
Product refinement [0-2 weeks]
In some cases, multiple iterations may be required to modify various options and zero in on the best solution.
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5
Application & funds transfer [4-6 weeks]
Once we have agreed on a specific product, I help you remove as much of the administrative burden as I can while helping you submit an application and transfer funds to the carrier.
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6
Annual reviews [0-2 hours]
I conduct periodic reviews to monitor performance and make suggestions regarding any products you purchase.
Fees: Unless otherwise agreed (e.g., for constructing a broader financial plan), I do not charge advisory fees. However, I will receive a commission from the insurance company when I help you purchase a product from them.
If you would like to discuss your investment or planning needs, please book a free consultation with me using the button below:
