Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be in your area to work with you?

No, we are a virtual financial planning office and meet all of our clients via screen sharing or phone. We work with clients all over the world. We created our business this way because most of our clients work late, have kids, manage busy schedules and/or move often.

What should I look for in a financial planner?

You need someone who’s qualified to help you plan for the future, someone you trust and someone who is a fiduciary. You have a million questions about what you should be doing and don’t know where or how to get started.

What is a “Fiduciary” financial planner?

A fiduciary is a person or organization that owes to another the duties of good faith and trust. It is the highest legal duty of one party to another. Fiduciaries are bound ethically to act in the other’s best interests. Planning Within Reach advisors have taken a Fiduciary Oath.

Is Planning Within Reach a fee-only financial planning firm?

Planning Within Reach is a fee-only firm. This is an important distinction in how we get paid. Fee-only financial planners do not get paid commissions for selling financial products or insurance policies. As such, fee-only planners can give objective, unbiased financial advice that is right for your family.

How do I know if I need a financial planner?

Feeling anxious about the future, being disorganized about your finances or wanting a professional second opinion are pretty good indicators.

What makes Planning Within Reach different than other financial planners?

We take pride in being a woman-owned and military spouse-owned firm. Our passion is guiding clients towards smart decisions that help them achieve their life’s goals and protect their loved ones. The planning process focuses first on the goals of the entire family, secondly on the individuals in the family and then on the financial pieces — investment advice, retirement planning, and family financial planning. We work with our clients in their own time and at their own pace. We do not outsource any of our financial planning work to others.

What is the typical process for working with Planning Within Reach?

The process for any of our services begins with a free 15-minute phone call. We discuss your goals and current situation and then conduct a thorough analysis of your finances and investments based on the service that is the best fit for your needs. Each of our service pages goes into depth on the process for that service.

Our pricing is transparent – we charge a percentage of assets for investment management, and a project or hourly fee for financial planning. We are building a business of doing right by our clients as fee-only fiduciaries.

For the One-Time Financial Plan Package, how do you handle questions that come up during the year, before the annual checkup?

For financial planning clients, there is no charge for questions clarifying advice already given. Occasionally, someone might need an update before their annual review. For example, if you receive an unexpected inheritance, change jobs or sell a rental property, you will likely want an update. In that case, we will charge hourly and notify you of the cost before beginning the work. For investment management clients, ongoing financial planning is included at no charge.

What should I expect when meeting with Planning Within Reach?

You can expect a trusting, confidential environment, as well as sound advice from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional with many years of experience.

What can I expect to get out of your services?

You can expect a new sense of confidence around your financial picture. Not only will you find value in the delivery and execution of a comprehensive financial plan, you’ll understand each step of the process getting there.

Can we hire you for someone else (family, friend)?

Yes, but they need to be committed to the process and should contact us directly (since the contract and engagement will be with them).

Do I have to share all of my private financial details? What if I have a lot of debt and feel embarrassed?

Withholding financial information from your financial planner would be like going to the doctor when you’re sick and not sharing all of your symptoms or medical history. Without all of the details, diagnosis and treatment could suffer or fail. We have worked with many clients to get their debt under control. We have also helped people find the best ways to manage their wealth. We don’t judge your situation, but guide you through the best course of action.

Aren’t financial planners for really rich people?

No. Planning Within Reach offers affordable alternatives for young professionals and families to get the personalized financial advice they need. With our One-Time Comprehensive Financial Plan Project, we are truly able to work with individuals of all wealth.

Who can be a PWR client?

PWR is only able to provide Investment Management services to adult U.S. citizens due to jurisdiction requirements. In most states, people 18 years and older are considered adults. In AL and NE, the minimum legal age is 19.

PWR can, however, provide Financial Planning services to adult non-US citizens if they reside and earn income in the U.S.

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