FAQs
Your first meeting is a conversation, not a commitment. We’ll talk about your goals, priorities, and concerns, and share how our planning process works. You’ll walk away with clarity — whether that’s next steps with us or questions to take back and consider.
We use secure, encrypted systems for all document sharing, and our communications follow strict compliance and confidentiality standards. Your information is protected as carefully as our own. In fact, our clients enjoy free identity theft protection coverage should they choose to enroll in it.
We’re happy to offer a planning review or portfolio assessment without long-term commitment. Many clients first come to us for an unbiased second opinion and later continue planning once they see the value of coordinated advice.
Not at all. While our home base is in Rochester, we work with clients all over the country (even some outside the U.S.) through secure virtual meetings, electronic document sharing, and digital signature tools. Many of our long-term client relationships began entirely online. We still value personal connection — and if you’re ever in the area, we’d love to meet in person — but geography will never limit the quality or depth of your planning experience.
Our planning process typically includes four to five meetings in the first year as we design and implement your plan. After that, we stay proactive — reaching out throughout the year or anytime life changes and new decisions arise. Meeting frequency is tailored to your preferences. Most clients find that one or two meetings per year keep them on track once their plan is established, while more frequent check-ins are helpful during times of transition or major life events.
Not at all — in fact, this is often the most important time to ensure you're making the right financial decisions. The choices you make in retirement (or just before it) have a lasting impact — not only on your own lifestyle and tax picture, but also on the wealth you’ll transfer to the next generation. Strategic planning at this stage allows us to make the biggest difference through coordinated tax, cash flow, and estate strategies. It’s about making your hard work last longer, keeping more of what you’ve earned, and ensuring your legacy is protected for the people and causes that matter most.
Not at all. It means you have key relationships in place with people who know your history and goals — and we can work collaboratively with them to ensure your tax, estate, and investment strategies are fully aligned.
If you don’t currently have an attorney or CPA, or are looking to make a change, we’re happy to connect you with professionals we know and trust who may be a good fit for your needs.
We are a fiduciary firm, meaning we’re legally obligated to act in your best interest. Depending on your needs, our fees may be hourly, project-based, or as a percentage of assets under management. Transparency is key — we provide a full explanation before any work begins.
If, during our initial consultation, it seems that our cost may not provide enough value for your specific situation, we’ll be upfront about that. In those cases, we’ll still leave you with a few key steps or recommendations you can implement on your own to move forward confidently.
If you’re asking these questions, you’re probably ready. You don’t need every account or document in perfect order — that’s what we help with. The right time is when you’re ready to make confident, informed decisions about your financial future.