Frequently Asked Questions

  • I began my career in the financial services industry in 2006 and became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) in 2015.

  • As a Personal CFO, we see our role as a trusted partner, helping you navigate the financial decisions that shape your family’s future. Our approach is holistic and tailored to your unique goals, focusing on understanding your life priorities and financial vision. From investments to tax planning and retirement strategies, we integrate all aspects of your financial life into a cohesive plan. Unlike many traditional advisors, we work in a fiduciary capacity, which means we are legally and ethically committed to acting in your best interest, ensuring advice that is impartial and aligned with your financial goals. Whether you need a sounding board, feedback on your plans, or clarity amidst all the financial options, I’m here to guide you every step of the way so you can focus on what matters most.

  • A fiduciary is a financial professional who is legally obligated to act in your best interest, even ahead of their own. This contrasts with non-fiduciary advisors who may be incentivized to recommend products or services that may not align with your needs. Our fiduciary responsibility ensures that your financial decisions are based on what’s best for you, not what’s best for us.

  • We believe in complete transparency when it comes to our fees. We operate on a fee-only structure that is intended to align our interests with yours—ensuring that we’re focused on your financial growth. We do not receive commissions for recommending specific products, which means our advice is impartial. Our fees are clearly outlined, so you always know what you’re paying for and why.

    While our fee structure is designed to align our interests with yours, clients should be aware that this approach may incentivize us to recommend portfolio growth strategies. We are committed to transparency and acting in your best interest.

  • For Personal CFO Services, our fees are based on Assets Under Management (AUM):

    • For households with under $1M AUM, the fee is 0.95%.

    • For households with $1M-$3M AUM, the fee is 0.75%.

    • For households with over $3M AUM, the fee is 0.50%.

    For Personal CFO Consultation, our fees are based on the time spent developing and implementing your financial plan. Our hourly rate is $250, which is invoiced and due upon delivery of the financial plan.

    For more detailed information about our services and fees, please refer to our ADV.

  • In addition to the fees paid to Brown PCFO, you may incur fees from third-party service providers, which are billed directly to you. These include transaction costs, fund expense ratios, and money movement fees charged by custodians or fund managers, as well as fees for services from estate attorneys, accountants, insurance brokers, and other professionals. Brown PCFO does not receive any referral fees or compensation from these providers. We are committed to helping you minimize these additional costs, ensuring that you receive the necessary services at a fair price to achieve your financial goals. All third-party fees are separate from our advisory fees and are paid directly to the service providers.

  • We offer both comprehensive financial planning and investment management services. Our goal is to provide a full spectrum of financial advice that aligns with your life objectives. This includes wealth management, tax planning, retirement strategies, and much more. We work with you to create a roadmap that evolves with your changing needs and life stages.

  • Our investment philosophy is rooted in evidence-driven strategies that prioritize diversification, long-term growth, and tax efficiency. We focus on building portfolios that are tailored to your specific financial goals, risk capacity and risk tolerance, using low-cost, efficient strategies designed to reduce unnecessary risk while aligning with your objectives. We regularly review and adjust your portfolio to ensure it remains on track and adaptable to any changes in your life or financial situation.

    For further insights on the principles behind our approach to investing, we encourage you to explore Dimensional Fund Advisors’ Pursuing a Better Investment Experience here. Please note that the link is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement of Dimensional Fund Advisors products or strategies.

  • Success is measured by how well we help you achieve your financial goals. Whether it’s reaching retirement readiness, securing your children’s future, or transferring wealth to the next generation, we focus on measurable results. Our ongoing strategy reviews ensure we stay on track and adjust as your life and goals evolve.

  • Many of our clients work in industries like tech and have complex equity compensation, such as stock options, RSUs, and ESPP. We offer specialized guidance on how to manage these assets in the context of your overall financial plan, considering tax efficiency, diversification, and long-term wealth-building strategies.

  • Tax efficiency is central to our strategy. We help you understand how to minimize taxes on your investments, optimize retirement contributions (including advanced strategies like Mega Backdoor Roths), and plan for tax-efficient withdrawals in retirement. Our goal is to ensure that you are taking full advantage of the tax laws and retirement accounts available to you.

  • Absolutely. We believe that financial planning is a team effort, and we collaborate with your existing advisors to ensure all aspects of your financial life are aligned. Whether it’s your CPA, estate attorney, or insurance broker, we make sure that your financial plan incorporates their expertise as needed, creating a comprehensive approach that works for you.

  • We find that our meeting frequency is greater during the onboarding phase of our engagement, which might include weekly or bi-weekly meetings as we implement the strategies of your financial planning in alignment with your goals. Ultimately, we tailor our meeting frequency based on your needs—whether that’s quarterly check-ins, annual reviews, or ad-hoc conversations during significant life events. We aim to be available whenever you need us, keeping you informed and confident in your financial decisions.

  • Our onboarding process is designed to make you feel comfortable and informed. Initially, we’ll have a Discovery Meeting to understand your current situation and long-term goals. Then we’ll review your financial documents and create a comprehensive financial plan. Our goal is to give you clarity and confidence about where you stand and how we can help you achieve your goals.

    Please refer to the Our Process page for a more detailed understanding of what to expect in our financial planning process.

  • We are here to help you anytime. If you have questions between meetings, you can always reach out via email or phone. We aim to be proactive in our communication, ensuring that you feel supported at every step of your financial journey.

  • Yes! While we have a local presence, we are happy to work with clients nationwide. Through virtual meetings, digital document sharing, and secure communication channels, we provide personalized services to clients wherever they are located.