Our Financial Planning Process

After you join our waitlist, we’ll reach by phone to learn more about your situation, goals, and whether we’re a good fit for working together. No pressure, just a conversation.

If it sounds like we might be a fit, we’ll schedule a second meeting (still before you officially become a client).

This longer session is a deeper dive into what you’re looking for, how our process works, and how we’d approach your unique financial picture.

We want to be sure this relationship will create meaningful value for you.

Once you decide to move forward, we kick things off with a data gathering meeting.
We’ll organize and review key documents—tax returns, bank and investment accounts, estate documents, insurance policies, and anything else that paints a full picture of your financial life. Think of it as laying the foundation for every decision we’ll help you make.

Next, we’ll sit down for a discovery meeting focused on your goals, values, and vision.
This is where we move beyond the numbers to understand what you want your money to do for you—so your plan is built around your life, not just spreadsheets.

Here’s where everything comes together.
We’ll deliver a customized plan with clear, actionable strategies around:

• Tax optimization

• Cash flow and retirement planning

• Investment portfolio design and transition

• Implementation roadmap

You’ll leave with clarity and confidence—not just in your plan, but in your future.

In this dedicated meeting, we’ll review your estate plan and insurance coverage to ensure your family, assets, and legacy are protected. Whether it’s wills, trusts, disability, or life insurance, we’ll walk through every detail so nothing slips through the cracks.

Financial planning isn’t one-and-done—it’s a lifelong process.
We typically meet 2–4 times per year to:

• Review and adjust your tax strategy

• Rebalance and monitor your investments

• Track progress toward your goals

• Plan for life events—home purchases, career changes, education costs, and more

• Guide you through key decisions like Social Security, Medicare, or student loans

And we’re always available between meetings for life’s unexpected questions.

We start with a free 20-minute call to explore your needs and answer your questions. There’s no commitment—just a chance to see if we’re the right advisor for you.

We deliver comprehensive, high-touch financial planning and investment management tailored for high-income professionals and retirees. Our services include:

• Cash flow, retirement, and tax planning

• Investment portfolio strategy and transition support

• College funding and education planning

• Estate planning, insurance, and legacy protection

• Social Security, Medicare, student loans, and other life‑stage support

• Ongoing collaboration and proactive financial strategy

We offer transparent, value-based pricing, typically aligned with assets under management. Like other fiduciary firms, our fees usually start around 1% and taper as assets grow. We’re happy to provide personalized fee details during our pre-onboarding meeting. There are no hidden costs and no commissions.

Not at all. While we’re located in Athens and happy to meet in person, we serve clients virtually across the country with the same responsive, tech-enabled experience.

You’ll work directly with Cecil Staton, who is your dedicated CFP® professional and supported by our trusted team. We believe in consistent, personal relationships—not bouncing you between generalists.

Absolutely. We are fee-only (this is rare!) and our goal is to always act in your best interest (extremely rare!), putting your financial goals and well-being above all else.

We partner with reputable, independent custodians—such as Charles Schwab—so your investment accounts remain in your name. We only manage according to your authorization, and never earn commissions on assets held.

A financial planner brings peace of mind, clarity, and the “financial thinking partner” you need to navigate complexity and seize opportunity—without navigating tax laws or portfolio decisions alone.