How We Work Together

You shouldn't have to
figure this out alone.

Not just a plan. A relationship with someone who knows your life and shows up when it gets complicated.

The process

Simple to start.
Built to last.

01

Start with a conversation

A free 30-minute intro call to share where you are, where you'd like to go, and see if we're a good fit.

02

Build your financial picture

Every relationship starts with a Comprehensive Financial Plan. We gather everything in your life with a dollar sign attached. Once we clearly understand where we are, we'll work together on the path forward with recommendations that fit your life.

03

Stay partnered as life changes

Some clients implement their plan independently from here. Others want an ongoing partner where we settle into a rhythm of two structured check-ins a year, proactive planning as things shift, and I'm always a quick message away when something comes up.

One-Time Financial Plan

Where every relationship starts

$6,000–$7,500
one-time fee

Everyone starts with a comprehensive plan. Together over the course of several meetings, we'll examine where your finances are today, and plan for how we can use money to support your best life. Clients often will say what a relief it is to finally see their financial picture in one place, and to know they have a plan for the future.

Typical fee
$6,000 individuals
$7,500 couples & chosen family
Half due upfront, half after your plan is complete. Plans typically take 3-6 months, depending on your desired meeting cadence.

Sometimes I'll quote a different price based on the number of investment accounts, meetings, and less common financial planning areas we cover — things like college planning, consumer and student debt, employer stock options, large individual stock positions, plans to move, buy, or sell a home, and multiple pension systems.

What we'll cover

Retirement Planning
PensionsCalPERS, CalSTRS, and other public sector benefits
ProjectionsWhen can you retire, and what will it look like?
Accounts401(k), 403(b), 457 & IRA strategy
Social SecurityOptimizing when you begin taking payments
Investment Strategy
Asset LocationWhat goes where for maximum tax efficiency
Tax-Efficient InvestingKeep more of what you earn
RebalancingStaying on track as markets shift
Cash Flow & Budgeting
Emergency FundHow much is actually enough
Debt StrategyPayoff sequencing that makes sense
Guilt-Free SpendingA system that works with your brain
Risk Management
Insurance ReviewHealth, property, life & disability
Liability CoverageUmbrella and beyond
Coverage ChangesKnowing when to add, adjust, or drop coverage
Estate Planning
Wills & TrustsHow to support the people and causes you care about with less hassle
Beneficiary ReviewMaking sure what you have goes to the right people
Complicated SituationsChosen family, blended families, and estranged relatives
Tax Planning
Tax Return ReviewCatch what TurboTax misses
Roth vs. TraditionalThe right answer for your situation
Long-Term Tax PlanningKeeping more of your money over time
Goals & Life Planning
Life TransitionsCareer changes, chosen family, sabbaticals
GenerosityGiving without sacrificing your own security
Values AlignmentSpending and investing that reflects who you are

Ongoing Support

Optional, after your plan

$5,400–$10,000/yr
based on your needs and complexity

Ongoing support means you have a thought partner for the decisions that come up after we've completed your initial plan — a new job, combining finances with a new partner, a growing family, or a move across the country. You're never figuring it out alone.

Billed monthly. Investment management is included, not required, in your annual fee. If you're happy with where your current investments are or enjoy managing them yourself, you'll still get my full planning advice.

For larger portfolios, investment management shifts to a tiered rate above your flat fee — details in the FAQ below.

What our check-ins look like
Fall / Winter Meeting
  • End-of-year tax planning
  • Benefits enrollment
  • Year-end review
  • Setting intentions for the year ahead
Spring Meeting
  • Goal check-in
  • Tax check-in
  • Insurance and beneficiary review

Life doesn't wait for scheduled meetings. Feel free to reach out anytime about a new job, if you're thinking of buying a house, going through a breakup, or considering growing your family. I'll be here.

Common questions

Before you reach out.

When should I hire a financial planner?

When you have a question you can't Google your way out of.

Maybe you're facing a major decision and want to see the actual numbers before you commit — can I afford to downshift? Should I leave my CalPERS job? Maybe you've been saving responsibly but have no real strategy, and you want confirmation you're on track, not just hoping you are. Or maybe your financial life has gotten complex enough — rental property, side income, pension decisions — that you want expert guidance.

You don't need to wait until you're stressed. And you definitely don't need to be a millionaire. But you should be ready to invest in planning — both financially and in terms of implementing recommendations together.

Not sure if you're ready? I wrote about this. →

Do I need a certain net worth to work with you?

No specific net worth required. My clients range from young professionals just getting started to folks with seven-figure investment portfolios. What they have in common isn't their account balance, it's a desire to sleep better at night knowing that their money is on track.

Who is ongoing planning for?

Ongoing planning is for people who want a thought partner on money. This can be especially beneficial for those who are experiencing life changes, or treading new ground when it comes to their finances.

How do you charge for investment management?

$0k–$1M: 1.00% - Please note, depending on what your annual financial planning fee is, this tier may be partially or fully covered by that fee.

Over $1M: 0.75%

Over $3M: 0.50%

Over $5M: 0.35%

Billing is quarterly in arrears.

And a quick note on my investment philosophy: I focus on what we can control: costs, diversification, risk, and behavior — not beating the market through stock picking.

Is financial planning worth the cost?

For most people navigating financial complexity — a growing family, a career transition, competing goals, or just a lot of moving pieces — financial planning is absolutely worth it. Think of it like therapy or coaching: a thought partner who helps you work through questions that don't have a clear right answer. It's not for everyone, but if your financial life feels complicated or overwhelming, that's usually a sign it's time.

Oftentimes, the cost of not planning can be much higher: missed opportunities (like delaying retirement contributions while markets grow), analysis paralysis that keeps you stuck researching instead of acting, costly financial mistakes, and the ongoing stress of uncertainty. A financial planner helps you avoid these hidden costs while freeing up mental energy for everything else in your life.

Do you work with clients nationwide?
Yes. All my meetings are virtual, so I can work with clients anywhere in the US. I'm based in San Jose, California and licensed to provide investment advice nationwide.

Unsure but curious?

Not sure where to start?

We'll figure out together what makes sense for your situation, and you can decide from there.

Let's chat