Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freedom Financial Management?

Freedom Financial Management provides peace of mind and the freedom from worry about personal finance. They take a comprehensive approach to your financial planning that incorporates tax planning and preparation in one place.

What is a Registered Investment Advisor?

An investment advisor is a fiduciary who has a duty of undivided loyalty to the clients and must deal fairly and honestly with them.  Any person or entity that holds itself out as a financial planner must be registered. A Registered Investment Advisor is a representative of the client.

What does Freedom Financial Management sell?

Freedom Financial Management is a “fee-only” financial planning firm. We do not sell any products other than comprehensive financial and tax planning. 

Whom do we serve?

Individuals (including estates and trusts), specializing in Middle Income America.

Who can benefit most from our services?

Anyone who has financial, tax, investment, or estate problems, or who wishes to plan prudently for their financial future. 

How much money do you need to start a financial planning program?

There is no minimum or maximum dollar requirement.  We recognize that persons with little or no assets have financial planning needs.

What is a financial plan?

An in-depth review of your financial situation, taking into account your goals and objectives and focusing on income tax planning, asset management, risk management, educational planning, retirement, and estate planning.  The play analyzes and recommends ways that you can achieve your financial objectives.

How much do we charge for planning services?

Our financial planning fees are determined by the project needed.  We generally work on an annual retainer basis with a fee determined by income, assets, and complexity of the work.  There are some instances where we work for clients by the project or on an hourly basis.

Are our fees deductible?

As of January 2018, investment advisor fees are no longer tax deductible on the Schedule A. This is currently set to expire in 2025.

Do we sell financial planning products, such as stocks, mutual funds, insurance, or tax shelters?

No. We are fee only planners. Products must be purchased by clients from other sources. 

When we develop a financial planning program together, are you obligated to purchase the recommended products?

No. In fact, you are encouraged to shop for the best available product.

Do we offer a tax service?

Yes. We believe income taxes are the central focal point of most financial programs. 

What methods of analysis are used to analyze investments?

We do not use technical analysis or charting.  We do use a fundamental approach, such as economic conditions, earnings, industry outlook, politics (as it relates to the investment), historical data, general level of interest rates, company management and tax benefits.

Do you guarantee investment performance?

No.

Will my private information be kept confidential?

Yes.  It is the law.

Once a plan is completed, does our relationship end?

It should not. Financial planning is a process, not an event. The most important step in this process is the monitoring of the plan. Of course, you have the ability to end our relationship at any time for any reason, no questions asked.