You should interview several planners before you choose one. You need to understand their philosophy, process, and personality. All of those key areas should feel like a good fit. If not, I would be happy to provide referrals where there might be a better fit. I have built my firm to primarily address the needs, concerns, opportunities, and constraints with business owners and young families. After all, that is exactly the categories I fall into. I am a good place to start if you checked either of those boxes. I have thought long and hard about my philosophies of planning and investing, and I’ve built it into the DNA of my firm and its processes.

I spend my time focused on issues that are important to you: business planning, big purchases, paying off debt, high home values, prioritizing savings goals, and many others. Most financial planners (me, included) operate as your financial “quarterback” directing you to specialized players (insurance agent, accountant, estate planning lawyer) when I see a need. I consider one of my most important roles to be putting you in touch with these other professionals and helping guide you through to the completion of projects.
 
Lastly, if you can check the “I’m not a jerk” box, we’re good.

Yes. We abide by the fiduciary standard 100% of the time.

Of course! Most of my clients live in Oregon but I can help you as long as you have a strong internet connection and are comfortable with technology.

No. Our fees are based on the scope of services and value we bring. Clients who don’t have large sums of investments will pay planning fees from their cash accounts or monthly income. Similar to an accountant. Here are details on fees.  See the details.

Absolutely. Most of our clients have families and run businesses. They are used to becoming an expert in many things. The more relevant question is: do you have the time and passion to become an expert? Do you possess the knowledge, time, discipline and follow-through to craft a holistic plan and then keep yourself and family accountable to your plan?
 
Emotionally speaking, there is tremendous merit to having a disinterested third party to help you look more dispassionately and rationally at your situation, and to help hold you accountable to your goals and decisions.

Treeline Financial Planning is a fee-only firm, which means I get paid only by you, the client, not by selling any products or making any referrals to other providers.
 I am also a fiduciary, which simply means I put your interests first. Investopedia explains it like this: “A fiduciary’s responsibilities are both ethical and legal.

When a party knowingly accepts a fiduciary duty on behalf of another party, they are required to act in the best interest of the party whose assets they are managing.”
Put together, this means that If I recommend an insurance policy or a mutual fund to you or suggest you take some action, you know I’ve done so because I think it serves your needs the best, not because I am making money off of it.

Yes, of course. You can cancel the relationship at any time. My clients typically pay their fees on a monthly basis.  

Financial planning sounds good, but you’re not sure what it covers? Here’s a pretty comprehensive list of topics we will talk about. Though the fun always comes when you bring something unusual to the table!

We think regularly about how to protect your data. Treeline Financial avoids sending sensitive information in emails and encourage clients to similarly follow data privacy. We do not rely on encryption in emails because we believe that using an online portal to transmit and receive sensitive information and documents is more secure.

We operate almost exclusively with web-based software. The data we do store locally is temporary. We use dual-factor authentication when available and select app-based over SMS-based when available. Our hardware is protected with strong passwords.

The vast majority of business and client data is held by the following providers (click the name to go to their security policies):

• eMoney (financial planning)
• Charles Schwab and Co Inc (Investment Management, Custodian and Billing)
• DocuSign (digital signature)
• Wealthbox (client relationship management)
• 1Password (password security)
• Google’s G Suite (email, drive, calendar)
• AdvicePay (monthly payment processing)
• Calendly (meeting scheduling)
• Holistiplan (tax planning software)
• Zoom (video chat)
• Loom (video recording)