Frequently Asked Questions

Your financial planner should check three key boxes:

• Fee-only – They’re paid only by you (not commissions or kickbacks).
• Fiduciary – They’re legally required to put your best interests first.
• CFP® professional – They’ve met the highest standards of education, ethics, and expertise.

Beyond the credentials, look for someone who really listens, communicates clearly, has experience, and feels like a partner you can trust.

We’ll start with what led you to schedule the meeting.

From there, I’ll ask a few general questions so I can understand your situation and determine whether I’m the right fit. There’s no need to gather statements or documents unless you want to.

If I believe I can help, I’ll walk you through my process, what working together looks like, and exactly what you can expect to receive should you decide to move forward.

Yes. Planning Within Reach is a fee-only firm. This is different from being “fee-based.”

Fee-only advisors are compensated solely by the fees paid by their clients. We do not earn commissions for recommending financial products or insurance. I chose this model because, as a client myself, I would want advice that is free from product-sale incentives. It helps ensure that recommendations are based on what is best for you, not on what pays a commission.

Of course, fee-only is just one factor to consider when choosing an advisor. You should still make sure the person you hire has the right experience and is a good fit for your needs.

In contrast, fee-based advisors charge fees and may also receive commissions from product sales, creating potential conflicts of interest.

• Professionals navigating equity compensation, concentrated stock positions, and other high-stakes financial decisions.

• High earners balancing career growth, financial complexity, and the competing priorities that come with busy lives.

• Individuals and couples approaching retirement who want confidence in their long-term plan and investment strategy.

• Business owners and entrepreneurs navigating liquidity events, variable income, tax complexity, and growing wealth.

• People who have successfully managed things on their own for years — but no longer want the burden of making every financial decision alone.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both large and small firms. Larger firms often have broader internal teams, but advisors in those environments are commonly required to manage very large client loads (which can make it difficult to get to know each client deeply or give every situation the attention it deserves).

At Planning Within Reach, I intentionally keep my client base smaller so I can provide highly personalized, detail-rich service. I choose who I work with and carefully manage my workflow so nothing falls through the cracks. My clients value knowing exactly who they’ll speak with every time they reach out.

Although I’m a solo advisor, I’m far from working in isolation. I’m an active member of several advisor study groups including national groups, a local Virginia Beach group, and a group focused specifically on impact investing. These communities allow me to collaborate, stay cutting-edge, and bring the collective wisdom of many advisors to my clients, while still maintaining the control and personalization of a boutique firm.

The process for any of our services begins with a free 20-minute phone call. We discuss your goals and current situation and then conduct a thorough analysis of your finances and investments based on the service that is the best fit for your needs. Each of our service pages goes into depth on the process for that service.

Our pricing is transparent – we charge a percentage of assets for investment management, and a project fee for financial planning.

For financial planning clients, there is no charge for questions clarifying advice already given. Occasionally, someone might need an update before their annual review. For example, if you receive an unexpected inheritance, change jobs or sell a rental property, you will likely want an update. In that case, we will charge hourly and notify you of the cost before beginning the work. For investment management clients, ongoing financial planning is included at no charge.

You can expect a comfortable, confidential space where your questions and concerns are taken seriously. Every meeting is led by a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with years of experience helping clients make smart, confident decisions.

We keep the process simple, supportive, and focused on what matters most to you.

You’ll walk away with a sense of clarity and control over your financial life. We’ll break everything down into a plan that feels doable, not overwhelming.

Along the way, you’ll learn why each recommendation matters, so you feel informed and confident.

Yes, but they need to be committed to the process and should contact us directly (since the contract and engagement will be with them).

If you leave out important details, we are not going to be able to do our best job. Having the full picture helps us give you the best guidance.

PWR is only able to provide Investment Management services to adult U.S. citizens due to jurisdiction requirements. In most states, people 18 years and older are considered adults. In AL and NE, the minimum legal age is 19.

PWR can, however, provide Financial Planning services to adult non-US citizens if they reside and earn income in the U.S.