How we work together, and what it costs.
Three steps, start to finish.
Getting started
It starts with a short intro call. You tell us what's going on, we tell you how we work, and we both decide whether it's a fit. If it is, you get your fee before anything else happens. No pressure, and nothing to sign until you're ready.
Building the plan
We start with what matters most to you. Then we gather everything in one place, work through your finances area by area, and write the plan: where you stand, what to do first, and who does what.
Keeping it current
A plan is something you run, not something you finish. We meet through the year to check progress, plan the tax year before April, and handle what comes up: a grant that vests, an offer on the business, a house. Between meetings, email or call. It's part of the fee.
A one-time plan covers the first two. Ongoing planning adds the third.
What's typically included.
The areas we work through in both the one-time plan and ongoing planning, as they apply to you.
All clients
The core of the plan
- The written plan and action list
- Net worth and cash flow
- Tax planning: projections, Roth conversions, bracket management, and charitable giving
- Withholding and estimated payments
- Retirement and savings strategy
- Investment strategy
- Insurance and risk review
- Estate and trust review
- Employee benefits
- Coordination with your CPA and attorney
Business owners
The core, plus, where it applies
- Entity selection and tax structure
- Coordination of quarterly tax estimates
- Qualified small business stock, checked early
- Owner compensation and distributions
- Business retirement plan design
- Cash flow between the business and the household
- Exit and succession planning
Equity compensation
The core, plus, where it applies
- Grant review: RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, and ESPP
- Vesting and exercise strategy
- AMT and tax projections around exercises
- 83(b) elections and early exercise
- Concentration and sell-down plan
- Trading windows and 10b5-1 plans
- Planning around a liquidity event or IPO
Every situation is different. These are the areas we typically cover. What your engagement includes depends on your circumstances.
What it costs, and who pays us.
Every fee is quoted before we start. Paid only by you: no commissions, no product sales.
A complete plan, then it's yours
A written plan for your whole financial life, delivered as a four-month engagement with follow-up help built in. One-time plans run from $3,000 to $10,000 and up, based on complexity, and you'll have your number before we start.
Good for
- Do-it-yourself investors who want a second opinion
- People with another advisor who want another set of eyes on the plan
- People whose situation doesn't need ongoing management, but who want to know they're on the right track and have a plan to get where they want to go
- People facing a big decision who need expert guidance
Ongoing planning
Planning, tax, and equity decisions all year. Ongoing planning runs from $6,000 to $15,000 and up a year, based on complexity, billed quarterly, plus a one-time onboarding fee equal to one quarter's planning fee. You'll have your number before we start.
- Everything in the one-time plan
- Review meetings through the year, plus as needed
- Mid-year tax projection and year-end planning
- Equity grant reviews as they vest
- Direct access to your advisor between meetings
Investment management
Added to the planning fee if you'd like us to run the portfolio too. One rate, no tiers, no minimum. Negotiable above $20 million.
- Rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and asset location inside the plan
- Keep an existing manager if you prefer; we coordinate
Where your fee lands depends on how much is involved: a business, equity compensation, a trust, the number of accounts and entities to coordinate.
What makes our pricing different.
Most advisors charge one fee, a percentage of the assets they manage, and the planning comes bundled in. We price the two separately. The planning fee is a flat retainer, set to match your situation. Investment management is its own rate, 0.50% of assets a year, added only if you want us to run the portfolio.
So you can see what each piece costs, and you can get the advice without moving your accounts.
One bundled fee
- One percentage fee that covers everything
- Planning bundled in, so you can't see what it costs
- Advice usually depends on moving your accounts
- At some firms, commissions or product sales on the side
Luhman Wealth Partners
- A flat planning retainer, set to match your situation
- Investment management separate and optional, at one rate, 0.50% a year
- Keep your accounts where they are if you prefer
- Paid only by you, and nothing else
Your next step
Start with a quick intro call. No pressure. You tell us what's going on, and we tell you how we work. We both find out whether it's a good mutual fit. If we're not the right fit, we'll help you find an advisor who is.
Book an intro call