FAQs

What kind of clients do you work with?

Our services are particularly well-suited for individuals nearing retirement or going through a significant life transition, such as a career change, widowhood, business ownership or international relocation. We are looking for clients who understand the value of working with a strategic team of advisors who can help you navigate your values, goals and wealth.

Do you have an ADV?

Yes – all independent advisors operating under a Registered Investment Advisory Firm are required to provide all clients with the ADV Part 2. This document covers how we work, our team’s background, what we charge and our commitment to the fiduciary duty, which means that we always act in your best interest. Clarity is officially registered with the SEC. If you’d like a copy of our Client Relationship Services form, please let us know and we’ll happily send it your way.

Where are my assets held?
Currently we use Charles Schwab as our custodian. Schwab is a member of SIPC, insurance coverage to protect client assets. Using a third party custodian protects a clients assets and ensures that the assets are owned by the client, not us. It does not protect your assets from the volatility of the stock market. Above and beyond SIPC coverage, both custodians maintain additional insurance coverage, currently through the Customer Asset Protection Company.
Do you schedule time outside the normal 8-to-5 time period?
This depends on the client’s situation and whether we can accommodate it. We can sometimes rearrange appointments if needed but prefer to keep appointments on the weekdays.
What are your hours? Do you allow drop-in appointments?
Business hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Friday is 8:30 am to 1 pm. This is when the office is staffed and can immediately answer your phone calls. We do encourage you to set appointments ahead of time. You are welcome to drop off items needed by us and if we’re not in an appointment we will try to visit. Again, always call first to find out if we’re available. Your phone call is important to us and we try to answer emails and phone calls within a 24 hour time-frame.
I have my investments with another advisor but want someone to look at them and tell me if it’s appropriate or if I’m paying too much. Do you do that?
We prefer to work with clients that are looking for more financial planning needs beyond the asset allocation. If you are looking for a long-term relationship with planning advice then we could be the advisor you are looking for. Basically we want to work with clients that value the advice as well as clients that appreciate the accountability and help.

If you are just looking for a second opinion or want to manage your own assets then we may not be a good fit.

What are your fees?

We are a financial planning firm, which means we are best suited for long-term relationships with clients looking for an ongoing financial partner. Most clients engage us for both comprehensive financial planning and investment management. Our fees are listed below:

Comprehensive Financial Planning and Investment Management

For clients with more than $1 million in assets under our management, our ongoing financial planning and investment management fee starts at 1% of assets managed and decreases as the value of the assets we manage increases. The fee is calculated and paid quarterly, in arrears.

The Clarity Guarantee: If you’re not satisfied within the first 90 days,
we will give you your money back and you can keep your plan.

Flat Fee Retainer

For clients seeking an ongoing financial planning relationship without asset-based investment management, we also offer a flat-fee retainer. The fee is determined by factors such as your net worth, planning needs, and financial complexity.

One-time Financial Plan

Although our firm is primarily designed for long-term engagements, we recognize that some clients may initially want a stand-alone financial plan. One-time planning engagements begin at $6,000 and require a $1,500 onboarding payment, which is applied toward the total planning fee.

If you decide during the initial planning process that an ongoing engagement is the right fit, the remaining planning fee will be waived.