Frequently Asked Questions

How much on average does it cost to work with your firm?

All fees are outlined in the ADV Part II under disclosures. The fees are based on which service or services you feel that you need.

Comprehensive Financial Planning is generally a fixed fee based on the number of hours of work estimated for the year. The rate is calculated based on $150 per hour or less. Annual fixed retainer rates are generally a set dollar amount and usually average between $500 and $4,000 annually depending on the complexity of the planning and time needed. This usually covers having both the Comprehensive Plan and having your Financial Advisor available throughout the entire year.

Asset Management starts at 1% per year, billed quarterly, with a $400 per year minimum fee. The may be lower than 1% depending on the amount of assets that you decide to put under professional management.

Hourly Service is given at a rate of $150 per hour for individuals who do not wish to or need to engage in either of two contracts listed above.

What geographical area do you serve?

The firm is licensed only in the state of Virginia. All initial consultations in Hampton Roads must be made at the office in Newport News, VA. Clients who live or move outside of Virginia are eligible on a case by case basis through the di-minimus rule if they agree to correspondence through technological communication.

Is the initial consultation free?

The initial consultation is free if the client wants a general idea of how we can help them and how we work.

How much time do you have for your existing clients?

The firm is committed to keeping our client load small and will never take on more clients than service, appointment times, and calls will allow.

Do you help people with IRAs or lump sum rollovers?

Yes. The firm can open an IRA for a client through its custodian or through a fund company of the client's choosing. It may be a ROTH IRA, SEP IRA, rollover IRA, contributory Traditional IRA, or SIMPLE IRA. The investments that you receive from a company when you terminate employment are usually sent to a Rollover IRA. Investments are chosen within the IRA as well.

What is a no-load fund?

A no-load fund is a mutual fund or insurance product that does not have a sales charge associated with it. A loaded fund typically has an "A" "B" or "C" associated with the fund name. The sales charge may be upfront or deferred. Some fees may be as high as 5% per purchase. A no-load fund has 0% for the sales charge and typically has lower fund expenses as well. Often this is expressed as an "F" share or no letter listed after it at all. See your fund prospectus for more details.

Do you help people with Real Estate Investment property?

The firm will help you build a firm foundation for any investment in real estate you may already own or wish to purchase in the future. It does not sell real estate, but will work diligently with a team of realtors, loan agents, attorneys, and tax advisors to help bring a sound plan and different options together to include with your Comprehensive Financial Plan.

Do you help with college savings plans?

Yes. We can help you estimate college costs in the future, choose between many different options, and manage any investments for college. A plan may include a 529 plan, a Virginia 529 plan, tax-free muni mutual funds, college savings plans, an educational IRA, or other type of account. The Virginia CollegeAmerica 529 plan is through American Funds. Many people do not know there is no-load investment option available through American Funds through the 529-F share.

If I am in the military can you still help me with retirement planning?

Many of our clients are military personnel. We help plan for retirement by using pension calculations, household expenses, cost of living increases, spousal benefits, and current investment savings to paint a picture of and estimate what needs to be done to plan for retirement.

What strategy do you use for investment management?

The investment management strategy is outlined in the ADV Part II under "disclosures". We use a fundamental approach with detailed asset allocation as opposed to "timing" the market.

Will you try to sell me mutual funds or life insurance?

No. The firm is a fee-only firm, which means that it is committed to not selling any products that would generate a commission. If your comprehensive plan recommends that you purchase insurance, loaded annuities, or any other commission generating product, we will work with any agent or company that you choose.

Can you help me with annuities or variable universal life insurance?

Yes. We will work with your current agent if you have one, or help you find a no-load or low cost insurance product on your own. Many people do not realize that there are annuities and life insurance products available that do not have time constraints on their money. If you need the investments in these products professionally managed on an ongoing basis, or just need help choosing one, we can help.

Do you meet in the evenings or weekends?

Can you come to my house?

How do I know you are in good standing with the community?

Katherine is a member of Peninsula Woman's Network, Junior League of Hampton Roads, a certified member of the National Association of Personal Financial Planners, a member of the Financial Planning Association, an advisor with Wiser Advisor, a member of the Society of Certified Senior Advisors, and a Lifetime Member of the Stanford University Alumni Association. She has also been five star recommended advisor through the Paladin Registry. Potential clients are welcome to contact any of these organizations or chapter members for current ethical standing.