Q: Why should I consider an independent advisor instead of a large firm?

As an independent firm and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, we are legally bound to place the interests of our clients ahead of our own at all times. This may or may not be the case at some of the larger, well-known institutions. Being a fee-only fiduciary firm allows us to use whichever solutions are best for you, without the need to meet any sales goals, hit commission targets, increase new client counts, use in-house products, etc.  In addition, we are purposefully limiting the number of families we serve. 

Q: Are my accounts held inside Flowrate or by someone else?

For added transparency and security, all client accounts are held at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.  By using this well-established 3rd party custodian you will always have full control and access to your assets.  By giving us discretionary authority, we're able to monitor & manage your accounts based on the goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance we jointly determined during our initial onboarding and goal-setting discussions.

Q: Do I have to live in South Carolina for us to work together?

You do not.  We offer virtual meetings (Zoom) to everyone for added convenience and flexibility.

Q: Is there a cost for any of our phone calls or meetings?

There is not. As outlined in our Four Step Process, our interactions are free of charge.  If at the end of our process you decide to become a client, we'll then determine what fee structure is right for you.

Q: Is there a minimum amount of assets needed to work with you?

We do not have a minimum.  While many firms require some floor-level of investable assets, we've learned that approach can be very limiting when it comes to the types of households we're able to serve.  We offer multiple compensation structures based on what is the most appropriate choice for your situation.  This could be either a one-time payment to create a comprehensive financial plan, an ongoing monthly planning fee based on your level of complexity, or the more traditional fee percentage based on the amount of assets under management (AUM). We will clearly articulate and define these details prior our engagement - no surprises or hidden fees.

Q: How do I know if I'm the right fit for Flowrate Financial?

If you've read other parts of the website, surely you've picked up on a few of the 'fun' HVAC references sprinkled throughout.  Our job is to take the burden off your shoulders when it comes to implementing your financial plan and managing your assets. In addition, our time together will be much more impactful (and sustainable) if you wholeheartedly believe in our investment philosophy. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, if you are genuinely a good person who is easy to work and communicate with, you are absolutely in the right place.