Hourly Planning:
Clarity and Confidence, One Hour at a Time.
What is hourly planning?
Hourly planning is a flexible, fee-for-service model that allows clients to receive expert financial guidance without the need for a long-term commitment or ongoing advisory relationship. It's an ideal solution for individuals who want focused advice on specific financial matters—such as budgeting, retirement planning, or managing debt—in a straightforward and cost-effective manner.
How is hourly planning different from continual, ongoing planning?
Hourly planning offers a flexible, pay-as-you-go approach to financial advice. Clients engage a planner for specific services or questions and only pay for the time used, giving them greater control over both cost and timing. With this model, clients are responsible for implementing the recommendations on their own and can choose to return for additional guidance whenever needed.
In contrast, ongoing (or continual) financial planning involves a more in-depth, long-term relationship with a financial advisor, typically structured around an annual fee. This model includes regular check-ins, continuous plan updates, and proactive support as your financial situation and goals evolve. It’s best suited for individuals or families with more complex financial needs or those seeking ongoing, hands-on guidance throughout their financial journey.
Can I receive a comprehensive plan through hourly planning?
Yes, with hourly planning, you can absolutely receive a one-time, comprehensive financial plan. We begin with an initial consultation to understand your current situation and gather key information. From there, we conduct a detailed analysis of your financial landscape and goals, developing a personalized plan that covers all major areas—such as budgeting, saving, investing, retirement planning, and more.
Once your plan is complete, we’ll present it to you (either in person or virtually), walk you through the recommendations, and answer any questions you may have. After that, you’re in the driver’s seat. You can choose to implement the plan on your own and decide if or when you’d like to return for follow-up guidance. Some clients prefer annual check-ins, while others feel comfortable managing their plan independently as their needs evolve.
Can I ask about one specific topic in our hourly meeting?
Absolutely! During our introductory call, feel free to share the specific topic(s) you’d like to focus on, and we’ll tailor our approach and recommendations accordingly. For example, some clients come to us for guidance on education planning, while others want support in building a realistic, sustainable budget.
Please note that even for seemingly straightforward topics, we may need more information than you might expect. For instance, developing a meaningful budget often requires insight into your retirement savings goals and other long-term financial priorities. In addition to budgeting and education planning, clients frequently seek our guidance in areas such as insurance, estate planning, and more—many of which are listed below.
Cash Flow
We'll work with you to evaluate your income and expenses, giving you a clear understanding of where your money is going. If necessary, we’ll help you manage debt by identifying high-interest obligations and creating an efficient repayment strategy.
From there, we’ll design a personalized spending and saving plan that supports your goals—whether that’s starting a family, purchasing a home, or planning for education costs—while ensuring your essential expenses are consistently covered.
Investments
We simplify your investment process by creating a portfolio that requires minimal management. For most clients, our recommended portfolio only needs an annual review, which you can do independently or by scheduling an appointment with us to rebalance your portfolio together. Additionally, we can help you understand your investment options, assess your risk tolerance, and select suitable assets that align with your financial goals.
Retirement
A Financial Planner is essential for retirement planning, helping you set clear goals and analyze your financial situation to project how much you'll need to save for your desired lifestyle. Using financial software, a financial planner helps you visualize your savings trajectory, highlighting scenarios based on retirement age, investment growth, and expenses. This makes it easier to see how today’s choices affect your future. For those nearing retirement, we strategize tax-efficient withdrawal methods and ensure your investment portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and timeline.
Tax Planning
We’ll help you develop strategies to minimize tax liability and maximize savings, including managing capital gains, tax loss harvesting, and carefully planning Roth conversions. We’ll also offer guidance on retirement account contributions, deductions, and withdrawal implications, ensuring you take full advantage of available tax benefits.