We operate on a retainer, providing clients unlimited access to discuss financial matters whenever needed. Our client relationships are long-term, and they pay a flat monthly fee, determined at the beginning of the engagement.
You’ve worked hard for your money, and it’s important that you have a trusted advisor to manage your assets with the care you took to accumulate them.
We have a fiduciary duty to our clients, which means we always put their interests ahead of our own. Furthermore, we are fee-only, meaning we are solely compensated by our client fees and nothing else. There are no sales commissions, no product sales, and no-nonsense.
Your best interests are always at the heart of our financial recommendations. We’ll partner with you in every season of life to provide prudent and practical financial guidance. This approach is why we work on a retainer model, so that we can be there with you through the good and challenging times.
We hold periodic reviews to assess your financial progress. Reviews are held annually, in-person or virtually.
With your permission, we'll handle the complexities of implementing your financial plan, from opening new accounts to helping facilitate portfolio changes.
We're committed to ongoing communication, ensuring you're always informed and empowered regarding your financial situation.
Our retainer fee is calculated based on client net worth and complexity. The fee is not based on a typical Assets Under Management (AUM) calculation, as we believe this type of arrangement is usually costly and not necessarily in the client’s best interest. In most cases, our fee would run below what these advisors charge an equivalent client under an AUM model.
We have no asset minimums, but our minimum fee is $500 per month, which equals $ 6,000 annually. Most client fees are higher than this minimum, but the fee is flat and will not fluctuate with market values. The fee can be paid from a combination of sources, such as retirement accounts, taxable investment accounts, or a credit card.
The complexity element of the fee is determined by an assessment evaluating planning items that require an investment of our time in servicing the client. Components may include but are not limited to stages in financial life, the structure/location of investment accounts, the source/level of income, and the nature of advice anticipated to be rendered. All elements used in the fee computation are chosen with an eye toward eliminating conflicts of interest.
Essa Financial is based in Louisville, KY. That said, we work with a wide range of clients all across the United States. They generally fall into these three categories.
For younger folks, establishing a financial strategy now can lay the groundwork for a strong financial future.
No matter how you define your long-term goals, achieving financial stability provides greater freedom to focus on what matters the most.
That could come in the form of career advancement, traveling the world, starting a family, or pursuing a passion project.
Beyond traditional investment management and retirement planning, we can offer help with items like:
Do you need help figuring out whether you’ve put back enough to retire how you want? We love helping clients create a plan so they can be ready for the retirement they’ve been working so hard for.
