Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend a diversified mix of investments including equities, fixed income, alternative investments, and cash equivalents based on each client’s individual circumstances and risk tolerance. We utilize a range of investment vehicles such as mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and structured notes to construct portfolios that align with our clients’ objectives.

A structured note is an investment product issued by a financial institution that combines a traditional bond with a derivative component. This structure allows the investment’s return to be linked to the performance of an underlying asset, such as a stock index, interest rate, commodity, or basket of securities.

Structured notes are often designed to meet specific investment goals, such as generating income, enhancing returns, or providing partial downside protection. Some risks to consider with structured notes are that they generally are not liquid, they do have issuer risk and depending on the type of structured note they can limit upside.  With the structured notes we utilize they can be fee based or commission based.

In short, we are not market timers. We look to have you invested in the best risk adjusted portfolio to help weather the ups and downs of the market.

“At all times when providing Financial Advice to a client, a CFP® professional must act as a fiduciary, and therefore, act in the best interests of the Client.” – CFP Board

For many people, yes. A financial advisor can help optimize your investments, reduce taxes, avoid costly mistakes, and create a long-term strategy that helps to improve financial outcomes.  We truly feel that a great financial advisor can pay for themselves with a potentially better return on investment than doing it on your own. In addition, financial advisors have access to investment solutions that are often unavailable to individual investors, including advisor only mutual funds, select institutional share class funds, and certain structured note offerings.

Both Matt & Tiffany hold the SIE, Series 7, Series 63 and Series 65.  In addition, Matt holds his 215 for life and annuities, 20-44 for property and casualty and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), while Tiffany holds her real estate broker-associate license.  

Our belief is that no single compensation model is inherently better for every client. What matters most is transparency, fiduciary responsibility, and recommending solutions that are truly in a client’s best interest.

We chose a flexible model because it allows us to meet clients where they are and provide advice across a broader range of needs. In some situations, a fee-based advisory relationship makes the most sense. In others, insurance or commission-based solutions may be more appropriate and cost-effective for the client. Having access to multiple types of solutions allows us to tailor recommendations rather than forcing every situation into a single structure.

Regardless of how we are compensated, we are committed to being transparent about costs, explaining why a recommendation is being made, and helping clients understand all available options. Our focus is not on fitting clients into a business model, it’s on building long-term relationships and helping families make sound financial decisions with clarity and confidence.

Yes. Retirement planning is one of our core services. We help you determine how much you need to save and create income strategies to make early retirement possible, and help ensure your money lasts throughout retirement.

You should be prepared to share information about your income, expenses, assets, debts, insurance, and financial goals. Tiffany, with her unique sense of humor, likes to refer to this as a financial colonoscopy. This gives us an idea of where you are so we can best plan for meeting your goals! Don’t worry… we are gentle. 

The cost varies depending on the services provided. Most advisors charge either a percentage of assets under management (AUM), a flat fee, or an hourly rate.  Some services do not have a cost to you.

Potential strategies include Roth conversions, tax-efficient withdrawals, and proper account sequencing.

Common mistakes include not saving early enough, taking on excessive debt, taking excess withdrawals, failing to diversify investments, and making emotional financial decisions.

We evaluate your savings, income projections, and goals to determine whether you are on track and recommend adjustments if needed.

The optimal time depends on your marital status, health, financial needs, and overall retirement strategy. Delaying benefits can increase your monthly income.  It’s not a one size fits all.

Options include SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and SIMPLE IRAs, depending on your business structure and goals even a 401k can be a good option.

Absolutely. We can help landlords move from ‘active’ management to ‘passive’ options using multiple income options from Structured notes to 1031 Exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs).

Yes, Tiffany is a licensed broker and able to assist in all types of real estate transactions. Her expertise in this area really adds to our ability to serve you and your entire investment portfolio. 

As part of the financial planning process, we go through with clients, we often uncover a gap in coverage where we’ll recommend adding additional insurance. We offer Life, Disability and Long-Term care insurance.

We provide tax-efficient investment strategies and coordinate with tax professionals to help reduce your overall tax burden.

Yes. Depending on our focus, we work with retirees, professionals, business owners, or high-net-worth individuals.

The first meeting is an introductory consultation where we discuss your financial goals, current situation, and any concerns you may have. We also explain how we work and determine if we are a good fit. These meetings are free of charge and allow us to get to know about you and your goals as well as provides you an opportunity to ask us questions to ensure we are the right fit for one another. 

Most clients meet with us at least once or twice per year, with additional meetings as needed depending on life changes or financial events.

Our office is located in the St Augustine / St. Johns County Florida but we are able to work with clients throughout the US.

No, we work with clients at various stages, whether you’re just getting started or managing significant assets.

We base this on the client’s needs and preferences.  Someone close to retirement is going to typically meet much more than someone who is 30 years from retirement.  We do not charge for meetings.  At a minimum we do have an annual meeting.

We provide personalized, goal-based financial planning tailored to your unique situation. Our approach focuses on long-term relationships, and comprehensive strategies that integrate investments, taxes, retirement, and estate planning.  We look to utilize investments that may outperform their peers and benchmarks over the long term.

We typically work with individuals, families, and business owners who are serious about planning for retirement, building wealth, and making informed financial decisions.

You are not locked into a contract or required to work with us for any period of time.

Key factors include trust, communication style, experience, services offered, and fee structure.

You should consider hiring an advisor when you have growing assets, complex financial decisions, or need help planning for long-term goals like retirement.

Yes.  We use strategies such as tax-loss harvesting, retirement account optimization, asset location planning, and withdrawal strategies to help reduce taxes over time.

In your 40s, advisors typically focus on accelerating savings, optimizing investments, reducing taxes, and ensuring you are on track for retirement.

The best approach depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. Typically, this involves a diversified investment strategy aligned with your financial plan.

A CPA specializes in taxes and accounting, while a financial advisor focuses on long-term financial planning and investment management. Many clients benefit from working with both. We have several trusted CPAs we can refer you to if you don’t already have someone you are working with.