FAQ

WHY DO YOU ONLY WORK WITH PHYSICIANS?

Four reasons. You are great at delegating. There is an appreciation of my flat fee. Follow-through is never a concern. And you focus on your big picture.

DO YOU REALLY ONLY CHARGE A FLAT FEE?

Yes! $2,500 a quarter with NO hidden fees. This number is based on my knowledge, experience and service model. I launched my own firm nearly a decade ago as it was the only way I could offer a flat fee.

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT

A physician who is established in their profession and wants to enjoy life while their wealth, health and time are at their peaks. They range from 40 years old to retirees, but all are seeking to better align everything for a better balance.

HOW DO YOU HELP WITH MY STRESS

Through what I describe as my Advanced Financial Planning process. This happens prior to us implementing your financial plan. To borrow a medical concept – I thoroughly diagnose before prescriptions are written.

HOW OFTEN DO WE MEET?

As the great philosopher Ferris Bueller said years ago – Life moves pretty fast. I operate under a 12-week year concept and meet with clients quarterly. While a “practice expert” in my world once said, “No credible advisor meets with clients more than twice a year,” my select clients expect and receive a better service model.

WHAT ARE YOUR CREDENTIALS?

I’ve been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER since 2012 (The CFP Board requires us to type it in all caps). I am also an Enrolled Agent, which is the highest credential awarded by the IRS.

WILL I ALWAYS WORK WITH YOU

There is no bait and switch here. While I have support staff working behind the scenes, you will always work with me. Heck, all my clients have my cell phone number.

WHAT’S YOUR INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY?

Boring with a heavy emphasis on low cost and tax minimization. I follow the indexes as year after year “professional” money managers underperform. Also, we focus on things within our control, such as expenses and being as tax smart as possible.

TALK TO ME ABOUT YOUR TAX PLANNING WORK

We have at least one meeting a year focused solely on your tax planning. And it isn’t at the end of the year because by then it may be too late. This then extends into everything from distribution planning to asset location. I see no reason to tip Uncle Sam and know Lowest Lifetime Tax Bill Wins! I feel like I should also say tax planning is a year round sport and it’s not what you make; it’s what you keep😊

ARE YOU A FIDUCIARY?

ABSOLUTELY! The client always comes first. This is part of the reason I created my flat fee firm – to eliminate as many conflicts as possible.

WHERE WILL MY ASSETS BE HELD?

Great question. My primary custodian is SEI out of Oaks, PA. They have been around for decades, but you may mot have heard of them as they don’t do things like name sports stadiums after themselves. I also use custodians such as Schwab.

DO I NEED TO CHANGE/SELL ALL MY CURRENT INVESTMENTS TO WORK WITH YOU?

Absolutely not! Any recommendations to make investment changes are made only after we do a thorough analysis of everything and make sure it is only in your best interest.

WHAT’S MY FIRST STEP TO BECOME A CLIENT?

You can email me directly at dan@forwardthinkingwm.com or call me at 330-835-6205. We will then set up a complimentary 30-minute call to see if we are even a fit.