Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Work With Winston?
We believe financial planning should be straightforward, transparent, and tailored to your stage of life.
Every client's situation is different. Some people are just beginning to build wealth, while others are preparing for retirement or managing significant assets. Because of this, our fee structure is designed to align with the level of planning and guidance needed.
Early Career Professionals (Typically Ages 20-30)
For individuals focused on building healthy financial habits, paying off debt, increasing savings, making career decisions, or creating a long-term financial strategy, planning services are available through a monthly subscription.
$75 per month
Growing Wealth & Accumulation Years (Typically Ages 30-35)
As income, investments, and financial complexity increase, many clients transition to an asset-based advisory relationship.
$300 one-time fee; 1.0% annual advisory fee on assets managed
Managed Assets Under $500,000
Costs are determined based on the complexity of the engagement and may include a combination of planning, hourly consulting, retainer arrangements, and investment management.
Customized on a case-by-case basis
Managed Assets Between $500,000 and $1 Million
Many clients in this range are balancing career growth, retirement planning, tax considerations, family responsibilities, and wealth accumulation.
$3,000 planning retainer
1.00% annual advisory fee after six months
Managed Assets Over $1 Million
Clients with larger portfolios often require ongoing coordination across investments, retirement planning, tax efficiency, estate considerations, and wealth transfer strategies.
1.00% annual advisory fee
Comprehensive financial planning included
Managed Assets Over $5 Million
As complexity increases, fee adjustments may be available based on the scope of planning, family needs, and required advisory services.
Fee discounts may be available depending on complexity and servicing requirements.
Do you work with clients in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona?
Yes. We proudly serve individuals, families, business owners, and retirees throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the surrounding Arizona communities. We offer both in-person meetings and virtual planning services.
What types of financial challenges can you help with?
Most people don't come to us looking for a specific financial product. They come to us because something in their financial life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or too important to navigate alone.
We often help people who are wondering:
- Am I saving enough for retirement?
- Can I retire when I want to, and will my money last?
- What should I do with old 401(k)s and retirement accounts?
- How much risk should I really be taking with my investments?
- Am I paying more taxes than I need to?
- How do I make smart financial decisions during a career change?
- What's the best way to prepare for a major life event like marriage, a new child, or retirement?
- How can I balance enjoying life today while planning for the future?
- What financial steps should I take after receiving an inheritance?
- How do I create a plan for my family if something happens to me?
- As a business owner, how do I balance growing my business with planning for my own future?
- How do I turn years of hard work and savings into a sustainable retirement income?
At the core of what we do, we help people make confident financial decisions. Our goal is to help you align your money with what's most important to you and create a plan that gives you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Can a financial advisor help reduce taxes?
Tax planning is a critical and often overlooked part of the financial planning process, while we do not provide legal or accounting advice.
We help clients identify opportunities to improve tax efficiency within their broader financial strategy and often collaborate with tax professionals to coordinate planning efforts.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a financial advisor?
You don't need to have everything organized before we meet.
The most important thing is bringing your questions, concerns, and goals. We will start the meeting to get to know you. If available, it can also be helpful to bring information about your investments, income, retirement accounts, debts, insurance policies, and estate planning documents.
What is the difference between financial planning and investment management?
Investment management focuses on your portfolio.
Financial planning looks at the bigger picture, including retirement goals, taxes, cash flow, estate planning, insurance, major purchases, and life transitions. We believe investments should support a comprehensive plan, not be the entire strategy.
Who is the best financial advisor in Scottsdale, Arizona?
The best financial advisor for you is someone who takes the time to understand your goals, communicates clearly, provides comprehensive guidance, and builds a relationship based on trust. Finding the right fit is often more important than finding the largest firm. We encourage prospective clients to meet with us as a complimentary introductory meeting and determine whether our planning-first approach aligns with their needs.