Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
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We have three primary ways to work with us.
Comprehensive Financial Planning (longer-term)
Financial Check-Up (shorter-term)
Jump Start Call (one-time)
Click here for more on our services.
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We offer comprehensive, fee-only financial advice. As a member of the Alliance of Comprehensive Planners, a community of tax-focused financial planners, you can be assured that our financial planning method has been tried, tested, and refined for over 25 years. Our system of planning addresses the real-life needs of people just like you.
No Product Sales - We don’t sell any financial products nor do we receive any commissions. We are fiduciaries. Our complete focus is on what is best for you.
All-Inclusive Approach - If you are a Comprehensive Financial Planning client, we work with you to design an all-encompassing strategy that takes into account every aspect of your finances.
Unlimited Access - If you are a Comprehensive Financial Planning client, you can speak with us as often as is necessary to help you make important decisions and accomplish your financial goals.
Value for Your Money - We are committed to providing value that exceeds our fee.
Finally, we’re committed to treating you right. We’ll treat you with respect and do our utmost to empower you through financial health.
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Absolutely.
But that’s easy for us to say.
It’s more important that you think it’s worth what you would pay for it.
Because of that, our first few conversations will be free, with no obligations, as we want you to fully understand what you’re getting into. We want you to be comfortable with the value you’ll receive before paying us a dollar.
After we understand your unique situation, we’ll go through the services and value you’ll be getting for what you’ll pay, and then you can make your decision.
And there won’t be any hidden fees or other gotchas. The only fees you’ll pay will be outlined in the Client Agreement we would both sign at the beginning of working together. Spencer Financial Planning is a fee-only firm, meaning we do not collect commissions or kickbacks for our recommendations.
If you’d like to learn more about the process, click here.
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We work best with two types of people:
Follow the links to read more about each. If that’s not quite you, we still may be able to help you, click here for Services & Fees.
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First of all, there is no charge to meet with us to find out if we would be a good fit to work together. No payment is made until after there is a signed client agreement.
Second, it depends. We have three service types, ranging from a very small commitment to an ongoing, full service. See more information here.
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You should definitely meet with us. After all, we’re here to help.
Consider this a judgment-free zone.
We’ve seen all sorts of situations over the years, and are eager to help you with yours.
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No!
It’s never too late to improve your financial health. And if you’re asking these types of questions, you’re looking in the right place for answers.
Even if reaching ALL your financial goals isn’t realistic, you CAN (and should!) take steps to improve your situation.
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We’re a fee-only, fiduciary firm. Fee-only because we believe it’s the best way to serve clients with the fewest conflicts of interest. Fiduciary because we’re then legally obligated to give you advice that is in your best interest 100% of the time.
We’re affiliated with a number of well-regarded organizations that promote the highest ethical standards. You can read more about those affiliations here.
Additionally, click here to read our Pledge to Clients.
We want you to feel fully comfortable with us prior to hiring us. We’ll talk through the fees that will be charged and the value you’ll receive, so that you can make the best decision for YOU.
And if you decide it’s not working out after becoming a client, you can cancel at any time without any cancellation fees. You’ll owe us any fees that had already been earned, but nothing further.
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Being a fiduciary firm means we’re legally required to put your best interests first—always. We act and give advice in the utmost good faith for what we believe is best for the client, before what is best for us.
Why did we choose to be structured this way? To show our dedication to our clients and to have legal responsibility for our advice to you.
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We will meet a few times to try to understand if we will be a good fit to work together, during which you will fill out a questionnaire or two to help us have the information necessary to gauge if we can help you.
If it’s a good fit, we will sign a client agreement and get to work! What it looks like after a client agreement is signed depends on which service you have chosen, see here.
What other questions can we answer (with videos!)?
What is this thing “Financial Health” that you keep referring to?
When it comes to someone’s overall health, there are various components that feed into it. Physical health, mental health, and emotional health are examples. We believe Financial Health is one of them as well, because if someone is financially unhealthy, it’s probably going to negatively affect their overall health.
Our role in working with our clients is to help them improve their Financial Health. That may come in a variety of forms, but the end goal is to try to help them get to a place of peace when it comes to their finances.
What can I expect if I work with you?
We’ll work together on your Financial Health. Not just me, not just you, but us. Yes, Spencer Financial Planning will play the role of financial expert, but you’re an expert on YOU, so we’ll need both of us for the partnership to work.
If you sign up for the Comprehensive Financial Planning service, we’ll have a few upfront video meetings to get the process started. Then we’ll have a number of video meetings over time to work through the applicable financial areas that need to be covered.
We’ll always strive to treat you right. Click here to see our Pledge to Clients.
Do I need a financial planner?
Definitely 100% maybe.
We think the real answer is: “Not necessarily, but it could be extremely helpful.”
And that financial planner may not be us. But let’s find out if we can help you with your situation.
Schedule an Intro Conversation, we’d love to meet you.
What is the Circle of Financial Health?
Once you understand that Financial Health is an important component of your overall health, the next question is… “Okay, so what does that mean? How do I improve my Financial Health?”
That’s where the Circle of Financial Health comes in. It’s a visual that shows the different areas that we think someone ought to be paying attention to when it comes to their finances.
And it shows what we help our clients with.
Meet Our Team
Who Do We Work With?
