Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I work with a fee-only, advice-only financial advisor?
As a fee-only, advice-only financial advisor with a focus on retirement planning, I never receive any fees from anyone other than the client, so I am always working for the client. Advice-only advisors don’t get paid based on the size of your investment portfolio, so you can always know the advice you receive will be based only on what the advisor believes is best for you.
As an advice-only advisor, will you leave me on my own to implement the plan?
While I won’t implement the recommendations in the financial plan, I will advise clients through every step of the implementation process. In most cases, it is not at all difficult for the client to implement the strategies recommended. The value of the financial plan is to develop clear strategies to help clients meet their retirement goals.
How are you different from an AUM advisor?
I don’t get paid based on the size of your investment portfolio. I get paid based on the services I provide. I provide specific guidance on such things as cash flow planning and debt repayment, advanced tax planning, Social Security claiming strategies, retirement needs analysis, education funding, and I provide an evaluation of your current investment allocations and the types of accounts you hold. After detailed discussion of your goals, I will include all of the above areas that are relevant in your comprehensive financial plan.
Who are your ideal clients?
BRPs ideal clients will be within 10 years of retirement or already retired. They may have never used a financial advisor before, or have used an advisor that charged based on assets under management but would prefer to pay their financial advisor based on the services performed rather than based on the dollar amount of assets they have accumulated.
What is the cost of a one-time comprehensive financial plan?
A one-time comprehensive financial plan costs $4,500, with 50% due up-front and the remainder due on the date of delivery of the plan. The fee for a follow-up to the comprehensive plan is $3,375, with 50% due up-front and the remainder due on the date of delivery of the updated plan.
Where did the name Birdie Retirement Planning come from?
Since my sons were young, we have always enjoyed playing golf together. Both of my sons played competitive golf and my wife and I spent every summer traveling to golf tournaments to watch them play. I play golf with my sons whenever the opportunity arises. I view golf as a way of connecting with my sons, and I have many great memories with them on the golf course. For me, golf represents a sense of family and leisure time. My goal as a retirement planner is to help my clients be able to truly enjoy their retirement without worrying about the financial aspects of retirement.
