Useful Links & FAQ

FAQ's

Are you a fiduciary?

Yes, always! This means putting your needs and goals ahead of my own. I must give advice and make decisions that benefit you first and foremost.

Do I need a certain amount of money to invest to work with you?

No, you do not. I do not have investment minimums because I recognize that most people in their 20s–40s are still focusing on building a solid plan.

Can I work with you even if I live in another state?

Yes! I can serve clients nationwide, with the exception of Louisiana. All of our meetings are virtual.

What does "advice-only" mean? How is that different from a broker?

Most financial professionals make money by selling you something — an investment product, an insurance policy, an annuity. Their advice, intentionally or not, is shaped by what they earn from the sale. An advice-only advisor doesn't sell products and doesn't manage your money for a fee based on assets. I charge a flat fee for a plan, give you my honest recommendation, and then you decide what to do with it. A broker is licensed to sell securities and is paid by commission. I'm not. My only job is to give you objective advice.

What do I need to bring to our first meeting?

Nothing. The introductory call is just a conversation — no paperwork, no homework, no pressure. We'll talk about where you are, where you want to go, and whether working together makes sense. If we decide to move forward, I'll walk you through exactly what information I'll need to build your plan.

How long does the process take?

The full financial planning engagement runs about 12 weeks from start to finish. That includes our initial meetings to gather information, the time I spend building your plan, our plan delivery meeting, and a follow-up check-in to make sure you're on track. If you just need help with a specific question or decision, an hourly session can often be handled in a single meeting.

What if I'm in debt or embarrassed about my finances?

That's exactly who I'm here for. Most of the people I work with don't have it all figured out — they're dealing with student loans, credit card debt, not enough saved, or just a nagging feeling that they should be further ahead. There's no judgment here. I've seen it all, and I'd rather you come to me with a mess than keep avoiding it. The only bad move is doing nothing.

Have a question I didn't answer?  Feel free to send me an email at mike@onpoint-financial.com.