Questions Before We Work Together

Who do you typically work with?

I primarily work with professionals, business owners, families, and people approaching or already in retirement. Most have reached a point where there is enough going on financially that managing everything on their own has become more difficult.

That might mean higher income, growing investments, equity compensation, a business, retirement getting closer, or simply more financial decisions that need to work together.

What does wealth management actually include?

My goal is to help look after your family's entire financial picture, not just the investment accounts I manage. That can mean helping with investments, retirement, taxes, cash flow, employer benefits, insurance, equity compensation, estate planning, and the financial decisions that come up along the way.

Not every area needs attention all the time. Part of my job is knowing what matters now, what can wait, and how a decision in one area affects everything else.

If all you are looking for is investment management and you do not want help with the bigger financial picture, the honest truth is that my service is probably not worth the cost.

How do you charge?

Most ongoing relationships are priced using a tiered assets-under-management fee. The standard schedule starts at 1.00% and declines as the amount managed increases, eventually reaching 0.25%.

Before you decide to work with me, we will go through exactly what your relationship would cost. Your fee will also be clearly outlined in your Wealth Management Agreement.

How do I know if we're a good fit?

I don't think there is one income or net-worth number that automatically makes someone a good fit. It has more to do with whether there is enough happening financially that having someone coordinate the different pieces can make a meaningful difference.

If you're making decisions around taxes, investments, retirement, a business, equity compensation, or growing wealth and would rather have someone helping you think through those decisions together, it is probably worth having a conversation.

Are you a fiduciary and fee-only?

Yes. Brooks Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser and has a fiduciary duty to its advisory clients.

I am also fee-only. I am paid directly by clients and do not receive commissions for selling investments, insurance, annuities, or other financial products.

Do you help with tax planning?

Yes. Taxes are a major part of financial planning, particularly for higher-income households and people approaching retirement.

Depending on your situation, we may look at retirement contributions, Roth conversions, charitable giving, investment taxes, equity compensation, withdrawal strategies, and other decisions where taxes matter. I can also coordinate with your CPA or tax professional when appropriate.

Do you help with retirement planning?

Yes. Retirement planning is about much more than getting to a certain account balance. We can work through when you can reasonably retire, how much you can spend, Social Security, healthcare, taxes, Roth conversions, investment strategy, and where your income should come from once the paycheck stops.

The goal is to have a plan for how retirement actually works, not just a number you're trying to reach.

Do you help with RSUs, stock options, and company stock?

Yes. Equity compensation can affect your taxes, investments, cash flow, and overall risk at the same time.

I can help evaluate RSUs, stock options, ESPPs, and concentrated company stock in the context of the rest of your financial life. That can include when to sell, potential tax consequences, concentration risk, and what to do with the proceeds.

How do you approach investing?

I believe in diversified, long-term investing based on evidence rather than trying to predict what the market will do next.

The investment portfolio should support the financial plan, not the other way around. What the money is for, when you may need it, taxes, and how much risk actually makes sense all influence how it should be invested.

What happens if I decide to work with you?

We start by getting organized and understanding your financial life. From there, we identify the decisions that matter most, build the plan, and begin implementing it.

I don't believe in handing someone a large financial plan and disappearing. The relationship is ongoing. As your life changes and new decisions come up, we revisit the plan and adjust where needed.