What to Expect Working With Us
A clear breakdown of our process, the services we provide, and how our fees are structured. No ambiguity, no surprises.
How Our Process Works
Our process is designed to give you clarity, structure, and a plan that evolves with you over time.
Discovery
We start with a conversation focused on understanding your life, not just your finances—your goals and priorities, your family and responsibilities, and your plans for the future.
Before we recommend anything, we build a complete picture of where you stand today: what you earn and spend, what you save and invest, and what you owe and plan for.
Strategy & Recommendations
With a full picture in hand, we evaluate your current approach and identify opportunities.
We look at strengths and gaps in your existing plan, tax and estate considerations, and present clear, specific next steps—not a generic template, but a plan built around your situation.
Implementation & Ongoing Guidance
Your plan isn't static—and neither is our role.
As your life changes, we adjust. We meet with you regularly, monitor your accounts continuously, and coordinate with your accountant, attorney, or other professionals when your situation calls for it.
Getting Started Is Simple
When you decide to move forward, our team will guide you through each step of the onboarding process.
We coordinate account openings, transfers, and paperwork, helping make the transition as organized and efficient as possible while keeping you informed along the way.
Comprehensive Financial Planning
Our approach brings together the key areas of your financial life into one coordinated strategy—so every piece is working toward the same goal.
Financial Planning
Guidance designed to help you understand and coordinate the major areas of your financial life.
Investment Management
Portfolio construction and ongoing oversight aligned with your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Retirement Planning
Support for planning income, managing distributions, and navigating the transition into retirement.
Tax-Efficient Planning
Coordination and smart tax planning strategies designed to improve your efficiency over time.
Estate & Legacy Planning
Working alongside your legal and tax professionals to help align financial strategies with estate planning goals.
Ongoing Relationship
Ongoing regular reviews, education, and access to your advisory team as important decisions arise.
A Simple, Asset-Based Fee Structure
Our advisory fee is based on the assets we manage on your behalf and is billed monthly.
How fees work:
Fees are applied as breakpoints: if a breakpoint is surpassed, the entire portfolio fee is reduced Fees are billed monthly in arrears, based on the average daily market value of your account, and are deducted directly from your account at Charles Schwab.
Securities transaction costs are included in the management fee (Wrap Fee Program) — no separate trading commissions.
Effective October 1, 2024: AAG does not charge a management fee on swept cash balances (Free Credit Balance or Bank Sweep Program).
Answers to Common Questions
Choosing a financial advisor is an important decision. Here are direct answers to some of the questions we hear most.
What happens in the first consultation?
The first conversation is about understanding you—your goals, your family, your concerns, and your full financial picture. If we're a good fit, a second meeting typically follows where we walk through a detailed analysis of your situation, identify gaps in your current strategy, and outline a clear plan forward. No pressure, no obligation.
No need to have everything perfectly organized before you come in—we'll figure out what we need together. That said, a few things that make our first conversation most productive: recent account and investment statements, a general sense of your income and monthly expenses, and any goals or milestones you're thinking about (retirement timeline, a home purchase, college, etc.).
If you have existing insurance policies, estate documents, or a prior financial plan, those are worth bringing too—but don't let the absence of any of these stop you from scheduling. We're used to starting wherever you are.
What should I bring to my first meeting?
No need to have everything perfectly organized—we'll figure out what's needed together.
That said, recent account statements, a general sense of your income and expenses, and any goals or milestones you're thinking about will make the conversation most productive.
If you have existing estate documents or a prior financial plan, those are worth bringing too.
How do you get paid?
We charge a monthly advisory fee based on the assets we manage for you—there are no commissions on investment trades.
You can see our full fee schedule above.
Where are my investments held?
Your assets are held at Charles Schwab & Co., one of the country's largest and most reputable custodians.
Your accounts are in your name—we never take custody of client funds directly.
Do I have enough to become a client?
Our standard minimum is $400,000 in investable assets, though minimums can be adjusted.
If you're close or your situation warrants a conversation, reach out—there's no pressure and no obligation.
Let's Start With a Simple Conversation
Schedule a free assessment to discuss your financial goals, ask questions, and see whether our approach is a good fit for you.
Our calls are always stress and pressure free—guaranteed!