Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and yes. We’re a fee‐only fiduciary RIA—we act in your best interest and do not receive product commissions.
Standard AUM minimum $2,000,000. We make thoughtful exceptions for younger, high‐earning clients with strong savings capacity and a clear path to $2M.
At Firmament Financial, we believe wealth has its greatest purpose when it reflects our values and helps others. We work best with clients who share a commitment to making the world better — whether through charitable gifts during their lifetime, estate bequests that support causes after their passing, or even dedicating their time and energy as volunteers. What matters most is a genuine desire to think beyond oneself and to take actions, large or small, that have a positive impact on others.
Book a 30‐minute Introductory Meeting via our Zoom scheduling link. No prep required. We’ll confirm fit, services, and fees and lay out next steps.
Recent investment statements (all accounts) and bank statements if you hold large cash balances; any insurance/annuity details you have handy. If something’s missing, we can capture it later during planning.
A draft in ~3–5 weeks, then a final plan ~1 week after feedback. You’ll receive a comprehensive PDF plan with snapshot/balance sheet, allocation & concentration, risk/Monte Carlo and stress tests, Social Security timing (as applicable), tax strategy with clear action items, and cash‐flow/savings maps. We review it together in a ~60‐minute session (Zoom or in person).
Diversified core (typically 85–90%) with selective tilts (1–5% satellites per idea). We keep costs and frictions low, focus on liquidity, and rebalance with asymmetric bands (−10% downside / +25% upside). In fixed income, we may overweight short‐duration to limit rate risk and consider high‐yield selectively based on the cycle.
Where appropriate, we may employ a covered‐call overlay on owned positions (including in qualified accounts permitted by the custodian) to add incremental income. Not suitable for all investors; we assess fit in the plan.
Our philosophy is lifetime tax minimization with the time value of money in mind. Tools include partial Roth conversions, asset location, DAFs/QCDs, withdrawal sequencing, and ongoing tax‐loss harvesting (often enhanced by direct indexing). We coordinate with your tax preparer as needed.
Larger/complex clients: quarterly. Simpler/smaller: semiannual. Annual plan update for everyone. Texts to our business number: same‐day replies. Email: within 1–2 business days. For urgent matters, call.
Accounts are custodied at Charles Schwab & Co. We serve clients via Zoom and travel in person when needed.
AUM: 1.00% to $2M; 0.90% $2–$4M; 0.80% $4–$6M; 0.70% $6–$8M; 0.60% $8–$10M; 0.50% at $10M+ (and may be lower). Planning is included for >$1M AUM; otherwise $3,000 initial (lower if not complex) with future plan updates included. Hourly projects are $500/hr (not a focus—we prioritize long‐term relationships).
We lean on your plan and our rebalance bands. We harvest losses where appropriate, revisit risk only if your situation or goals change, and communicate proactively.
Yes. You can terminate the relationship at any time; specifics are outlined in the advisory agreement. We’ll help you transition smoothly.