A Different Approach to Financial Planning & Wealth Management
My Flat-Fee Model: Transparent, Fair, and Aligned with Your Goals
At Dr. Jeff Finance, I’m committed to providing high-quality financial planning services at clear, reasonable, and transparent prices. As a fiduciary, I always prioritize your best interests, ensuring that my advice is free from conflicts of interest. If any potential conflicts arise, they are fully disclosed and managed to benefit you, my client.
As a solo, independent firm, I do not answer to a larger corporation or its internal policies. This allows me to offer a truly personalized experience, free from the constraints and biases that may affect larger firms. I have no incentive to recommend proprietary or commission-based products, nor do I receive commissions* from buying or selling equity products.
Instead of the traditional assets under management (AUM) model, which can result in unnecessarily high fees, I charge a flat fee based on the complexity of your financial needs—regardless of your portfolio size. This structure ensures that you get advice that’s fully aligned with your goals, without the incentive to maximize fees or discourage you from enjoying and spending your assets.
At Dr. Jeff Finance, the focus is always on what’s best for you, with no hidden incentives, no surprise fees—just clear, goal-oriented guidance.
Why Flat Fees Are the Best Option for You
1. Transparency and Predictability
With flat fees, you always know exactly what you're paying—no hidden percentages, no surprises. Unlike AUM fees, which fluctuate based on your account balance, my fees are clear, simple, and consistent. This ensures you can budget with confidence, knowing the cost won’t change as your portfolio grows or shrinks.
2. Alignment of Interests
I’m not paid based on how much money you have in investments. My advice is based on what’s truly best for you—whether that means investing, paying off debt, buying real estate, or making charitable gifts. You’ll receive objective guidance, free of any conflicts of interest related to asset management.
3. Comprehensive Financial Planning
My services go far beyond just managing your investments. I help you navigate all aspects of your financial life, including taxes, retirement, estate planning, insurance, education funding, and more. Flat fees allow me to provide a holistic, personalized approach to your entire financial picture, not just your portfolio.
4. Simplicity for All Net Worth Levels
Whether you're just starting to build wealth or managing a multi-million-dollar portfolio, my flat-fee structure ensures that you’re paying for the time, care, and expertise your situation requires—not the size of your assets. This approach ensures fairness and consistency for clients at all financial stages.
5. No Disincentive to Use Your Wealth Wisely
With flat fees, there’s no financial incentive for me to keep your assets under management. I can recommend paying off debt, buying real estate, or making charitable gifts without worrying about how it affects my compensation. My sole focus is on what's in your best interest, not maximizing my fees.
6. Budget-Friendly and Predictable
Flat fees are especially beneficial for professionals, retirees, and business owners who like to budget around fixed costs. The predictability of a flat fee makes it much easier to plan, compared to fluctuating AUM-based fees.
7. Fosters Long-Term Trust
By charging flat fees, I demonstrate that I’m committed to your best interests—not your portfolio size. This transparent pricing structure helps build long-term trust, ensuring that your financial plan is always aligned with your goals.
Why Assets Under Mangement (AUM) Fees Aren’t Ideal for Most Clients?
1. Costs Can Become Excessive as Assets Grow
As your portfolio grows, your AUM fees increase, even if the work involved doesn’t change. For example, 1% on $1 million is $10,000/year, but 1% on $5 million is $50,000/year—despite similar levels of service.
2. Misalignment of Value and Fees
The higher your assets, the more you pay—regardless of how much value the advisor is adding. Clients may start questioning whether their fees are justified if the advisor’s work isn’t proportional to the asset size.
3. Limited Flexibility and Encouraging Non-Investment Strategies
AUM fees can discourage advisors from suggesting paying off debt or investing in non-managed assets like real estate, as those strategies reduce assets under management. With flat fees, I have the flexibility to recommend the best solutions for your overall financial health.
4. Asset Size Becomes the Only Pricing Variable
AUM fees fail to consider the complexity of your financial situation. For example, someone with a straightforward $1.5 million portfolio may pay less than someone with $750,000 in assets but a much more complex financial situation (e.g., trusts, stock options, multi-generational planning).
5. Transparency Can Be Fuzzy
AUM fees are often quietly deducted from your account, making it difficult to track how much you're paying. Flat fees are clear and upfront—what you see is what you get.
6. Clients May Feel Trapped
With AUM fees, clients may feel reluctant to move assets or switch advisors due to the potential high exit costs. Flat fees eliminate this barrier, making it easier for you to make changes without worrying about how it will impact your fees.
Begin now with Dr. Jeff’s Flat-Fee Model
With a flat-fee structure, I can offer the most transparent, fair, and comprehensive financial planning services. There are no conflicts of interest, and no incentive to recommend solutions based on how they affect my compensation. My focus is always on what’s best for you, giving you confidence in your financial plan and ensuring that the advice you receive is truly in your best interest.
The Bottom Line: Flat Fees Lead to Better Financial Relationships
*Approach to sales commissions: To better serve my clients, I am licensed to offer life insurance products—typically straightforward term policies—but only when they are in a client’s best interest. This helps you avoid the hassle and potential conflicts of working with outside insurance agents who may not be protecting your best interests. I am fully transparent about any commissions received. I do not receive commissions or incentives on the purchase or sale of mutual funds, equities, or other investment products, and I avoid recommending complex or high-cost insurance solutions unless clearly justified by a client’s unique financial plan.