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Service Option Investment Management Planning Support Tax Prep Price Best for
Retainer
✓
✓
✓
 $7,500 <$1.5M portfolios
Hybrid
✓
✓

$3,000–$5,000 + 0.35% AUM fee $1.5M+ portfolios
AUM
✓


0.75% on the first $1M, lower rates above $.5M+ portfolios investment only



How to Get Started
Your first 90 days toward a stronger retirement — with results you can see right away. You’ll leave this stage with a personalized retirement income plan, an aligned portfolio, and your first tax strategy already in motion. From there, you roll seamlessly into your chosen Retainer or Hybrid service for long-term guidance.


Comparing Service Options: AUM, Hybrid, and Retainer
Each service option is designed to meet different needs depending on how much support you want, how you prefer to pay, and whether you need tax preparation included. All three include investment management—what differs is the scope of planning and how the fees are structured.

AUM  
This is a traditional assets-under-management (AUM) structure, where fees are based solely on the value of the portfolio we manage for you. Planning services are limited to investment strategy and portfolio oversight.

Why choose AUM?

  • You want professional investment management
  • You prefer to handle other aspects of planning and taxes on your own
  • You’re looking for a straightforward, portfolio-focused relationship


Hybrid  
You pay a flat annual planning fee, plus a reduced AUM fee on the assets we manage. This model offers more planning depth while keeping investment costs low.

Why choose hybrid?

  • You want help with retirement income, tax strategy, and other planning needs
  • You prefer a flexible fee structure that adjusts with your portfolio
  • You already have a CPA or prefer to manage your tax filing
  • Includes Starter-to-Steady as the first step in your ongoing relationship


Retainer  
This is an all-inclusive, fixed-cost model. You pay one flat annual fee that covers everything—financial planning, investment management, tax planning, and tax preparation.

Why choose retainer?

  • You want a fully integrated financial relationship
  • You value simplicity and a single, predictable fee
  • You prefer one point of contact for planning, investments, and taxes
  • Your start includes the Starter-to-Steady Transition for foundational strategy building.


Frequently Asked Questions (for all services)
What is Starter-to-Steady, and why is it required?
It’s a focused 90-day onboarding where we build your retirement income plan, align your portfolio, and implement your first tax strategy—so you see tangible value right away. It then rolls seamlessly into your ongoing service.

How do fees work for Retainer and Hybrid?
  • Retainer is $7,500/year: $2,000 due at onboarding, with the remaining $5,500 billed quarterly from your managed accounts after transfer to our custodian.
  • Hybrid is $3,000–$5,000/year (based on assets/complexity): $1,000 due at onboarding, with the balance billed quarterly from your managed accounts after transfer.
What’s included in AUM?
Professional investment management and ongoing support (reviews, direct access, proactive outreach). Planning and tax prep are not included in AUM.

How do the Retainer and Hybrid options differ?
Both provide ongoing planning and investment management. Retainer includes tax preparation; Hybrid includes integrated tax planning but not tax prep, and its annual fee varies by asset level/complexity.

Who is a good fit for each service?
  • Retainer: clients wanting full-service planning, investment management, and tax prep in one flat annual fee.
  • Hybrid: clients wanting ongoing planning + investment management without tying all costs to AUM.
  • AUM: clients seeking investment management only, with optional add-ons for planning/tax work.
Do I have to re-do onboarding when I move from Starter-to-Steady to an ongoing tier?
No—your work from the first 90 days carries forward. There’s no repeat onboarding.

Do you work virtually with clients?
Yes—we serve clients nationwide via secure, digital-first meetings and a personal planning portal.


Summary
  • AUM is ideal if you just want investment management.
  • Hybrid is best if you want planning plus investment support, but already have tax prep covered.
  • Retainer is the most comprehensive—it’s all-in-one, for those who want everything handled under one roof.