Frequently Asked Questions

What type of client do you work with?

We are a fee-only, independent financial advisory firm serving clients primarily in Orange County and the greater California area.

Some of our clients come to us seeking guidance on how best to fund their future goals. Some want to retire with confidence, knowing they can enjoy retirement on their terms, and need a personalized financial plan. And others have accumulated substantial assets and need a coordinated investment strategy with personalized investment management.

Which financial planning services do you offer?

Based on your needs, we strive to help you build strategies for your desired lifestyle, retirement, investment management, protection of income, and where appropriate, estate planning and wealth transfer.

In our Financial Coaching program, we work with you to build an integrated financial plan, one that focuses on helping you make wise financial decisions as a faithful steward. Together we will work through the coaching segments that will give you a process for applying Biblical principles to your financial plan and guidance to make changes that can potentially lead to long-term success.

We are committed to equipping our clients with the tools to make wise financial decisions, helping them apply Biblical principles to their unique circumstance. We work with you to answer the important, life-changing questions; understand your options and help you make smart financial decisions that can potentially lead to achieving your long-term financial goals.

What is included in a typical financial plan?

A typical financial plan isn’t typical - it’s unique to every person and family. We seek to help you navigate your finances, balance your priorities and make wise financial decisions that can potentially lead to more financial confidence, stability, and contentment. Financial Planning includes a total wealth strategy customized for you and your specific needs. In our Financial Planning and Investment Management services, we focus on bringing clarity and confidence to your financial life. We work to understand where you are now; your situation and values, and provide you with a road-map and support intended to help you accomplish your unique goals.

What is your fee structure?

Fees are charged at a flat rate based on the service provided. Investment management and on-going planning fees are billed quarterly, as we intentionally do not charge an hourly rate. We do not want our clients to hesitate to contact us fearing incurring an hourly fee; our team is here to support you!

Investment management fees are a percentage of the assets we manage for you. Based on your assets, fees generally start at an annual rate of 1.2% decreasing at defined thresholds as assets increase.

Financial Planning/Coaching fees are determined by the complexity of your unique situation. This allow us to help a range of individuals who can benefit from our services, affordably. Our general Financial Coaching program offers regular sessions over several months with your advisor, provided through subscription-based pricing with an initial first quarter fee followed by an ongoing quarterly rate. Planning fees generally start at a minimum fee of $3,250 increasing up to several thousand dollars for those with significant assets. As assets grow the complexity of planning grows, and as a result, demands more time and resources.

Regardless of the service, ongoing access to our advisory team is an integral part of every relationship. All fees are determined and agreed upon prior to the start of our relationship, which may be terminated in accordance with the Cooke agreement.

What does it mean to be a fiduciary?

Being a fiduciary means it is our job to put your interests and needs first! As financial advisors and CFP® professionals, we are bound legally and ethically to always work in your best interest. We are held to this strict fiduciary standard in all the work we do for you.

How do you approach investment management?

We take a conservative approach focused on asset preservation while taking advantage of growth opportunities. Our goal is to preserve your lifestyle and protect your legacy for tomorrow. Our structured investing methodology is based on over 80 years of financial market data, academic research. in-depth studies of investor psychology and behavior, and Biblical Principles.