Services
"More than a decade of experience has shown us that clients benefit most from an upfront financial plan followed by help implementing and managing a portfolio designed for them."
The financial plan serves as the foundation for our work together by establishing goals and identifying key issues. The next step is implementing a suggested portfolio and adopting other recommendations.
We know there are clients who do a good job managing their investment accounts, and we are happy to work with those clients who value outside guidance but prefer to manage things on their own.
Many clients, however, benefit from our investment management service, which ensures efficient adoption of an appropriate portfolio. During times of market turmoil, it will help avoid costly mistakes and reduce stress and anxiety.
Research by Vanguard has found that clients who delegate investment management can realize significant value over the cost of the service. The sources of this value identified by Vanguard include cost-effective implementation, rebalancing, tax efficiency and behavioral coaching.
Putting a Value on Your Value: Quantifying Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha®, Francis M. Kinniry Jr., CFA, Colleen M. Jaconetti, CPA, CFP ®, Michael A. DiJoseph, CFA, Yan Zilbering, and Donald G. Bennyhoff, CFA, September 2016.
Financial Planning & Investment Services
Four Ponds Financial Planning LLC offers prospective clients a range of financial planning and investment services, from one-time plans to ongoing investment management and financial planning. Listed below are our most common types of services. Customized engagements may be offered for those with unique or complex circumstances at an hourly billing rate of $350.
Core Financial Plan
$4,200
- A detailed financial plan designed to measure your progress toward a financially secure retirement and other financial goals.
- Includes help with fund selection for workplace retirement savings plans.
- Seeks to ensure your investments are helping you reach long-term goals rather than hindering your efforts.
- Covers your overall financial health, including estate planning, insurance and tax planning.
- Results explained in Presentation Meeting and recommendations outlined in a Summary Report.
- Updates initiated within 24 months of original engagement cost $2,800 to $4,200.
Investment Management
Starting at 0.80%/year
- An ongoing service that allows you to delegate oversight of your portfolio, freeing up your time and reducing anxiety about when and how to invest.
- Ensures implementation of investment recommendations developed during the financial planning process.
- Provides support during times of market volatility when investors tend to make the biggest mistakes.
- Appropriate for clients of any age.
- Financial planning updates included for clients with more than $350,000 under management.
- Utilizes low-cost mutual funds and exchange-traded funds held at an independent, third-party custodian.
Financial Checkup
$1,000
- A single 90-minute meeting with a financial planner.
- Entry-level service focused on your most pressing financial issues.
- Most appropriate for clients with less complex circumstances.
- A short summary of recommendations.
- Not appropriate for clients with complex needs or those seeking detailed investment recommendations.
- Appropriate topics for discussion include budgeting strategies, basic retirement planning and college savings options.
- Future engagements may cost more as financial circumstances change.