HOW WE WORK
Financial planning is a relationship, not a transaction.
The first conversation is about fit — whether we're right for you and whether you're right for us. There is no obligation and no pitch.
If we're not the right fit, we'll say so directly and, where we can, point you toward someone who might be.
The Planning Process
Step
Description
1
Initial conversation
30 minutes. No forms, no data gathering — just a direct conversation about your situation, your goals, and your questions. We discuss what the engagement would cover, what it costs, and what you can expect.
2
Engagement letter
If we proceed, an engagement letter confirms scope, fees, and the planning relationship. No work begins before this is signed.
3
Discovery
Comprehensive data gathering — income, expenses, assets, liabilities, insurance, estate documents, tax returns, and benefits packages. The plan is only as good as the information it's built on.
4
Analysis and plan development
We build the plan. Four to six weeks is typical for a comprehensive engagement. Every plan is specific to your situation. We don't use templates.
5
Plan presentation
A dedicated meeting to walk through the plan — what we found, what we recommend, and why. Every recommendation is documented. Questions are expected and encouraged.
6
Implementation support
The plan is a starting point. We help implement the recommendations, coordinate with your CPA and attorney where appropriate, and track what's been done.
7
Ongoing review
An annual review meeting updates the plan for changes in your life, your finances, and the external environment. More frequent check-ins as needed.
Ongoing Partnership & Guidance
Portfolio Strategy & Management
We don't just build a portfolio; we manage the strategy behind it. This includes evidence-based asset allocation, systematic rebalancing, and tax-efficient location of assets across your accounts.
Direct Collaboration
We serve as the lead coordinator for your financial life, working directly with your CPA, estate attorney, and insurance agents to ensure every piece of your plan is implemented correctly and remains cohesive.
Decision Support
Life changes. Careers pivot. Markets shift. We provide ongoing, objective analysis for the major financial decisions you face—from home purchases and contract negotiations to retirement timing and legacy planning.
Fees
Étalon Financial is fee-based. Fees are paid directly by clients — not by financial products, insurance companies, or referral arrangements. Fee structures are confirmed in the engagement letter before any work begins.
Service
Fee Structure
Comprehensive financial plan — initial
Flat fee confirmed at engagement. Scope and complexity determine the fee, quoted in writing before signing.
Ongoing planning relationship
Annual retainer covering plan maintenance, annual review meeting, and interim questions. Quoted at engagement.
Hourly advisory
Available for specific questions, targeted analysis, or clients who don't need a full planning relationship. Hourly rate for Financial Planning Services is $425.
Investment management
Fee-based on assets under management once RIA registration is complete. Structure and rate disclosed in Form ADV at that time.
What We Don't Do
- Sell financial products of any kind
- Earn commissions — from insurance, annuities, mutual funds, or anything else
- Accept referral fees from attorneys, CPAs, or other professionals
- Provide legal advice — we work alongside your attorney, not in place of them
- Provide tax preparation — we work alongside your CPA, not in place of them
- Manage investments on a discretionary basis until RIA registration is complete
A Note on RIA Registration
Étalon Financial is formalizing as a Registered Investment Adviser. Until registration is complete, investment management is provided on a non-discretionary advisory basis. All fee structures and service descriptions will be updated at registration, with full disclosure in Form ADV.
INDEPENDENT • FEE-ONLY • FIDUCIARY
Our Commitment to Independence
We don’t just say we’re independent; we’ve built our entire firm to ensure it. Étalon Financial doesn’t sell products, doesn’t accept commissions, and doesn’t have quotas. Our only benchmark is the success of your financial plan.