FAQ

Before we start working together, most clients want to understand how our process works, what to expect, and how we can help simplify their financial lives. Here are some of the most common questions we hear:

1. How do I know if I’m ready to work with a financial advisor?
If you’re earning well but unsure whether your money is working as hard as you are and/or juggling multiple goals, it may be time to build a comprehensive plan. Whether your goals include retiring early, funding college, reducing taxes, or organizing your estate, an advisor can help you coordinate everything into a clear strategy.

2. What makes your approach different from other firms?
We start with your values and goals, not your investments. Our holistic wealth management approach looks at every part of your financial life, investments, taxes, estate planning, and more, to ensure your decisions align with what matters most. Our purpose is to help you make the best use of your resources so you can live the best life possible with the years and health you have.

3. How do fees work?
Our fees are transparent and commonly based on the assets under management, or the planning services you choose. You’ll always know what you’re paying and what you’re receiving. Ask us to send you our Fee Schedule.

4. Can you work with my existing accountant or attorney?
Yes we encourage it. We believe your best results come from teamwork, so we encourage open communication with your CPA, estate attorney, and other trusted professionals. That way, your investment, tax, and estate strategies all stay aligned and working toward the same goals.

5. What’s the first step to getting started?
We start with a short introductory call to learn about your goals and share how our planning process works, there’s no cost or obligation. The purpose is simply to see if there’s a good fit between what you need and the services we provide. If it makes sense to move forward, we’ll create a complimentary wealth plan tailored to your goals and expectations.

6. How often will we meet or communicate?
That depends on your needs. Most clients meet with us at least twice a year and stay connected through periodic check-ins, updates, and reviews.

7. Do you only work with clients in Michigan?
While many of our clients are based in Michigan, we serve families and professionals across multiple states through secure virtual meetings and advisor visits to clients’ home states.

8. Can you help with estate or legacy planning?
Yes. Through our partnership with FastWill, we’re able to help you design and implement your personal estate plan — including essential documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. We also coordinate with estate attorneys as needed to ensure your plan reflects your wishes and protects the people and causes that matter most to you.

9.  What does “holistic wealth management” mean?
It means looking at your entire financial picture.  Investments, taxes, retirement income, protection, estate plans, and making sure every piece supports your long-term goals. It’s not just about market returns; it’s about creating confidence in every financial decision.

10. How can I reduce my tax bill while I’m still working?
Through tax-efficient investing and income planning. We help you identify opportunities like strategic Roth conversions, tax-smart portfolio management, and maximizing deductions that can lower your tax burden today while setting you up for a stronger future.

11. What happens when I retire? How will my income be structured?
Retirement isn’t about stopping work, it’s about making work optional. We design income strategies that balance security and flexibility while minimizing taxes on withdrawals, Social Security, and investment income.

12. What should I bring to an introductory meeting?
Just your questions and your goals. We’ll start with a conversation about where you are, where you’d like to go, and what matters most to you. From there, we’ll outline a plan and next steps, no cost, no obligation.

13. I’m in the automotive industry, does that make a difference?
Yes. Many of our clients work in or around the automotive field, and we understand the unique pay structures, stock plans, and retirement benefits that come with that. We help you optimize these opportunities for long-term wealth and tax efficiency.

14. What’s the biggest mistake people make in their 40s and 50s?
Waiting too long to coordinate their financial, tax, and estate plans. By planning holistically now, you can reduce future tax exposure, grow wealth more efficiently, and protect your family’s legacy.

15. What’s the biggest mistake people make in their 70s and 80s?
Overlooking how taxes, healthcare costs, retirement income, and estate decisions intersect later in life. Without a coordinated plan for RMDs, tax-efficient income withdrawals, long-term care, and transferring wealth, people often pay more in taxes than necessary and risk leaving their families with a complicated financial situation.