Fee-only means that my firm is compensated solely by you, the client. I do not accept commissions, kickbacks, or referral fees from any third party. This structure ensures my loyalty remains exclusively with my clients.

I chose this model because I believe financial planning should be a professional service—not a sales process.

Advice-only means I focus exclusively on providing financial strategy and education. I do not manage your investment accounts or charge a percentage of your assets. You retain full control over the implementation of your plan. 

Much of the industry is built around gathering your assets and charging a recurring fee to manage them. I’m not interested in “holding your keys.” I’m interested in being your navigator. You keep your money exactly where it is—at Vanguard, Fidelity, or Schwab—and pay me for objective advice, not for handing over control. This ensures you get a clear financial roadmap without pressure to buy products or move your accounts.

I’m paid directly by my clients through a flat project fee or a transparent hourly rate. As a strictly fee-only firm, I do not accept commissions, referral fees, or any third-party compensation. This structure ensures my advice remains objective and tied solely to my time and expertise.

In this firm, the only person who ever pays me is you. I do not accept commissions from insurance products, kickbacks from investment platforms, or finder’s fees for referrals. Because I’ve eliminated those outside incentives, I can act as your fiduciary 100% of the time. When I make a recommendation, you don’t have to wonder if there’s a sales quota behind it—you know it’s based solely on what’s best for your plan.

No. I have zero revenue-sharing or “pay-to-play” agreements. I receive no compensation from insurance companies, banks, investment companies, or custodial platforms. My only source of revenue is the transparent fee paid directly by my clients.

In the traditional brokerage world, firms often have “shelf space” agreements—where an investment provider pays to be promoted as a “best in class” option. I consider that a fundamental conflict of interest. Because I receive zero incentives from these platforms, I’m free to recommend the most efficient, lowest-cost investments for your specific situation without any outside influence.

No. I strictly prohibit the acceptance of commissions or referral fees. This policy ensures my recommendations remain entirely objective and independent.

Never. My business model is intentionally designed to minimize external incentives. I’m committed to a transparent, client-funded advice model.

My advisory firm is not registered to sell financial products. It’s impossible for me to earn a commission on the strategies I recommend. I’m a consultant—not a licensed salesperson.

While I cannot guarantee a specific market return, my process is designed to improve your long-term financial position through fee transparency and tax efficiency. By opting for a flat project or hourly fee over asset-under-management (AUM) fees and high-commission products common at brokerage firms, banks, and insurance companies, the long-term cost savings often outweigh the cost of advice.

I cannot promise market outcomes—no one can. What I can promise is a process centered on a single question: Is this the best thing for the client? In many traditional models, your cost rises simply because your accounts grow. My flat-fee and hourly model is different. You’re paying for expertise and guidance—not a percentage of your life savings. When hidden, compounding costs are replaced with transparent fees, the value of objective advice typically becomes clear over time.

My process begins with a flat-fee engagement to build your initial strategy. Once that financial roadmap is in place, I provide ongoing support through a transparent hourly rate. This ensures you pay for the intense work of the initial plan upfront and only for the specific advice you need as life evolves.

Most advisors aim to enroll you in ongoing fees. I take a different approach. I start with a deep-dive, flat-fee engagement to build your financial roadmap and address tax efficiency. Once that foundation is in place, we shift to an hourly model for future checkups or new decisions. This keeps you in control—you get expert fiduciary support when you need it, without being locked into a permanent AUM fee or a monthly retainer you might not always use.

No. I do not have asset minimums. Unlike firms that require a million dollars in the bank, I’m accessible to anyone who needs expert strategy. It’s about the complexity of your situation—not the size of your portfolio.

The scope of planning is ultimately determined by you. I’ll share where I believe you’d benefit most, but the final decision is always yours. I will not pressure you into paying for services you do not currently want or value—even if a broader look might be helpful later.

Yes. I provide a written fixed-price quote before any work begins. You’ll know the exact cost of your project upfront so there are no surprises later.

It’s important to me that you feel in control. By capping the initial fee, we can focus entirely on your strategy—not the clock. The goal is a relationship based on trust, not uncertainty.

I believe in accessible advice. Brief administrative questions are generally handled at no cost. If a question requires a deeper strategic dive, I’ll bill it at my standard hourly rate. I’ll always let you know before I start the work. 

I do not want you to hesitate to reach out because you’re worried the “meter is running.” Quick administrative questions—like clarifying a document—are always welcome. If something requires deeper analysis or turns into a new project, we’ll simply pivot to my hourly model. You’ll always know exactly where you stand—no surprise invoices and no nickel-and-diming.

It’s the best way to ensure you can get a comprehensive financial roadmap. A flat fee covers the deep-dive analysis of your financial life. Once that foundation is built, switching to hourly advice is the most cost-effective way to stay on track.

Think of the flat fee as the “construction phase” where we can build your entire financial house. It’s a heavy lift that requires a lot of upfront work. Once the house is built, you don’t need a full construction crew—you just need the occasional expert “maintenance” on an hourly basis. It’s the most logical way to pay for professional guidance as your needs evolve.

Choosing my model over a traditional assets-under-management (AUM) fee can save you a significant amount over your lifetime. In a typical AUM arrangement, you pay a percentage of your total portfolio every year—regardless of how much work is actually being done.

I call this the “wealth tax.” At Milestones Financial, I believe your fees should be based on the actual work performed—not the size of your accounts. By avoiding the AUM model, you can keep more of your money compounding for your future—where it belongs.

Our relationship is entirely on-demand. You can hire me for a one-time check-up or schedule recurring reviews. There are no mandatory ongoing contracts.

No. I do not manage your investment accounts. I also do not take custody of your funds. You retain total control while I provide the professional strategy.

I believe this advice-only financial planning approach is the most honest way to provide guidance. It ensures you’re hiring me for my brain—not for the size of your portfolio.

I provide specific recommendations on asset allocation, investment selection, and tax-efficient placement. This gives you a clear blueprint to implement with your own brokerage and retirement accounts.

I believe in a disciplined, evidenced-based approach that focuses on long-term market participation rather than high-turnover trading or market timing.

I prefer to focus on the things you can actually control—like investment costs and taxes—rather than trying to predict unpredictable market movements. It’s not about “beating the market.” It’s about helping you achieve your goals and objectives. I’m a big believer in low-cost, broadly diversified funds as the engine for your long-term financial well-being.

Yes. I offer objective second opinions. My goal is to identify excessive or unnecessary risks in your current holdings. I have no incentive to move your assets to a different platform or custodian. 

Think of this as a check-up for your financial health. Sometimes you just want an expert to “look under the hood” and tell you if you’re on the right track. Since I don’t sell products or manage your assets, I will be 100% honest with you. If what you’re doing is working and the costs are low, I’ll be the first person to tell you to stay the course—it’s that simple.

No. I’m platform-agnostic. I provide guidance for accounts at Vanguard, Fidelity, Schwab, or any other institution you prefer.

You remain the final authority over your wealth. I provide the strategy and step-by-step instructions. You execute the trades within your own accounts.

No. I do not sell insurance or annuities. This allows me to provide an objective analysis of your coverage needs without the influence of a sales commission or quota.

Many people are surprised to learn that their insurance agent is often a salesperson first and an advisor second. My role is different. I’ll tell you exactly how much coverage you actually need—and just as importantly, when you’re over-insured. If you do need to buy a policy, I can help you shop the open market to find the best value for your situation.

Yes. I provide an independent review of your existing policies to ensure your coverage is cost-effective and appropriate for your current stage of life.

I provide comprehensive strategy across the primary pillars of personal finance designed as a lifetime process rather than a one-time event. These pillars include:

• Proactive Tax Planning (annual liability optimization)
• Portfolio Analysis (risk, fee, and tax-efficiency audits)
• Investment Recommendations (low-cost, evidence-based strategies)
• Cash Flow and Insurance Reviews
• Estate and Legacy Organization 

Most people want to know whether they’re on track and how to stop overpaying the IRS. I focus on the consistent, yearly planning moves that compound year after year. When we work together, you receive a detailed recommendations document that serves as your financial roadmap. By focusing on the connection between your investments and your tax return, I help you build a strategy where your portfolio and your Form 1040 are actually working together—not against each other.

Yes. I can create a custom “order of operations” for your savings. I help you decide between 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth accounts, HSAs, and more based on your tax bracket and goals.

It’s not just about how much you save—it’s about “tax-location.” Putting the right investments in the right accounts can save you a significant amount of money over your lifetime. I’ll help you build a clear priority list so you know where the next dollar should go.

Yes. I provide forward-looking tax planning to help minimize your tax liability. I do not file tax returns. Instead, I focus on high-impact strategies like Roth conversions, tax-efficient withdrawal planning, and annual tax-loss/gain harvesting.

I often tell my clients that great tax planning isn’t about hitting a “home run.” It’s about hitting a lot of “singles,” year after year. Small, timely moves—like a Roth conversion or strategically harvesting a capital gain—compound over decades. That’s why “getting on base” every single year is so important for your long-term financial health.

Yes. I build detailed simulations and cash-flow projections to help you understand how long your money is likely to last. I account for various economic and inflation scenarios.

The bigger question most people have is, “Will I run out of money?” I can stress test your plan against different scenarios—like high inflation or a market downturn—so you can retire with confidence rather than just a hope.

I recommend a focused review every 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your situation. Retirees should review their financial plan annually to optimize their tax brackets and coordinate their withdrawal strategy.

Financial planning is not “set it and forget it”—it’s a rhythm. Retirees benefit from an annual review to decide exactly where their next year of “paychecks” will come from. I look at whether to rebalance stock gains or use maturing fixed-income assets to refill your cash bucket. This ensures your immediate spending money is protected regardless of market conditions. Beyond that, whenever a big financial decision pops up, I’d rather we talk before you commit to a significant financial choice.

You receive a clear action plan. You can choose to implement it yourself. You can also re-engage me on an hourly basis to walk through the execution steps together.

You’ll receive a detailed recommendations document that explains the “why” behind each strategy, so you feel informed and confident taking action. If you want support when implementing—or just a second set of eyes—I’m available on an hourly basis.

No. I’m a location-independent firm. I serve clients across the United States. My practice is built for secure and effective virtual collaboration.

While I’m based in Columbus, Ohio, most of my clients live in different states and time zones. I’ve built Milestones Financial as a digital-first practice. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or traveling, we can meet securely via video—just as if we were sitting across from one another.

Yes. I utilize secure video conferencing tools. I also use screen-sharing to review your recommendations in real-time. This provides a face-to-face experience from the comfort of your home or office.

No. I do not have asset minimums. My flat-fee and hourly model is based on the complexity of your financial life and scope of the advice you need. This ensures you have access to expert fiduciary strategy regardless of where your wealth is held.

Traditional “asset minimum” models often exclude people whose wealth is tied up in a 401(k), a 403(b), or home equity. I do not believe access to professional retirement strategy should depend on how liquid your assets are. My focus is on the quality of the financial roadmap we build together—not on whether you meet an arbitrary asset threshold.

Preparing for our 30-minute “Are We a Fit?” Introductory Conversation is simple. You do not need to gather documents or account statements yet. The goal is to discuss the specific financial problems you’re looking to solve and determine if my flat-fee and hourly services are the right fit.

Many people feel a bit of anticipation anxiety before talking to a financial advisor. To help put you at ease, I’ve written a detailed guide outlining exactly what to expect during our introductory conversation. We’ll follow a simple, six-question agenda focused on your goals and timing. There’s no bait-and-switch and no sales pressure—just an honest conversation to see if we’re the right fit for a partnership.

You do not need to gather any documents for our initial introductory conversation. If we decide to move forward with a flat-fee quote, I’ll provide a customized list of requested documents based on your scope of services. For most clients, this includes most recent tax returns and investment account statements.

I do not believe in busy work. I only ask for the information needed to provide an accurate quote and build your strategy. Once priorities are clear, you’ll receive a simple checklist—nothing more than what’s required to move forward confidently.

I provide all clients with a private and encrypted digital vault. You can safely upload sensitive documents there. This avoids the security risks associated with standard email.

 Keeping your data safe is top priority. My digital vault system is easy to use—it’s a simple “drag and drop”—and it ensures your tax returns and account statements stay encrypted and protected at all times.

Never. My practice is a judgment-free zone. My goal is to provide the objective strategy. I want to help you move forward with confidence.

Everyone has financial “baggage”—past mistakes, missed opportunities, or simple disorganization. My role is not to judge your past. It’s to help you move forward. We start exactly where you are today, and focus on where you want to go next.

I excel in organizing financial chaos. I break your financial life down into manageable steps. I always start with your highest-priority issues first.

Feeling overwhelmed by all of the moving parts is common. I start by clearing the “clutter” and identifying your biggest opportunities for immediate improvements. My job is to translate complexity into a clear, educational action plan so you can move from “messy” to “mastery” at a pace that feels manageable.

Yes. As a fee-only advisory firm, I’m legally bound to a fiduciary standard. I’m required to act in your best interest at all times—without exception.

“Fiduciary” is a word that gets used loosely, but for me it’s the foundation of everything I do. It means I have a legal and ethical obligation to put your interests ahead of my own—100% of the time. Because I don’t sell products or manage assets, there are no hidden agendas—just professional advice focused on your success.