Portfolio Management
Risk-optimized, globally diversified portfolios using best-in-class mutual funds and ETFs.
For ongoing investment services, we charge one low and fair blended fee based on the percent of assets under management (AUM). You can see how our fees compare with other advisory firms here.
We focus on what matters
- Identifying your risk capacity
- Determining your optimal asset allocation
- Investment selection
- Ongoing portfolio monitoring
- Portfolio rebalancing
- Behavioral finance advice
- Asset location strategies
- Tax loss harvesting
- Performance reports
- Biannual check-ins
- Here when you need us
How much does it cost?
- 1.00% for first $500k
- 0.85% for next $500k
- 0.70% for next $1M
- 0.55% for next $3M
- 0.40% for next $5M
- 0.25% above $10M
The minimum annual fee for ongoing investment management services is $1,000. If we deem this minimum fee unreasonable based on the client’s total investable assets, we may recommend a limited investment engagement to the client (see Investment Health Checkup).
Investment Health Check-Up
Professional insights, actionable solutions, and ongoing guidance.
We specialize in choosing appropriate, risk-optimized investments for your 401k, 403b, 457, IRA, Roth, SEP, 529, and your other retirement and investment accounts. We can help your peace of mind by focusing only on those actions that add value and help your odds of investment success over the long term.
We answer the important questions
- What funds should I choose in my 401k/403b/IRA plan?
- Am I invested in quality securities?
- Is my current portfolio optimal?
- Am I taking too much or too little risk?
- Am I diversified?
- Am I paying too much in fees and commissions?
- Am I on the right track for retirement?
- Which 529 plan is right for me?
- How can we maximize financial aid?
- How much should we take out in student loans?
How much does it cost?
- Our starting rate is $350.
- Fee depends on the complexity of the project.
- We offer a 6-month limited engagement for $500.
- Total cost will be explained and agreed upon in advance.
Will and Trusts
Estate planning is one of the most misunderstood elements of financial planning — people assume they need millions in assets to create a plan, or they think the legal documents are too expensive. With scaled online services, attorney-quality estate planning is easy and affordable. How much does it cost?
Medicare Plan Selection
Your healthcare needs and Medicare plans can change every year. That’s why it’s essential to review your coverage annually. We can help you easily find and enroll in the right Medicare plan. No cost.
Tax Planning
Ongoing tax planning strategies may help lower your annual tax liability and answer some of the most important questions. Will converting your IRA to a Roth bump you to a higher tax bracket? Could there be unreported IRA, Roth, HSA, or 529 contributions? What about charitable giving? These analyses and reports can help you or your CPA identify potential miscommunications and process the tax filings more smoothly each year. No additional cost for investment management clients.
Commission-Free Annuities
I became an independent fiduciary advisor to help my parents. With experience, I realized that their expensive annuity was not in their best interest but a quick and easy 8% commission for their advisor. Because of high fees, annuities didn’t make sense for almost anyone. Now, there are low-cost and commission-free annuities that fiduciary, fee-only advisors like me recommend for clients looking for a little more certainty. With rising interest rates, these annuities can be a great alternative to bonds for guaranteed income in retirement.
Are There Other Fees?
SCM only gets paid by you, our clients. We never get paid by third parties, whether they are mutual fund managers, annuity brokers, legal providers, or partnering with us in any other capacity. We don’t receive any portion of their fees or commissions. Being independent allows us to focus only on your best interests.
Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians and other third parties, such as custodial fees, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on securities transactions. Mutual and exchange-traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. Such charges are exclusive of and in addition to our fee.
Custodial Fees
We recommend TD Ameritrade Institutional, Betterment for Advisors, or Altruist for custody of your investments. However, clients may request custody of their assets at any custodian.
Mutual Fund Fees
We use mutual funds and ETFs from best-in-class fund managers like Vanguard and Dimensional. Vanguard and Dimensional do not charge load, sales, redemption, or 12b-1 fees. Their expense ratios are also among the lowest in the industry*.
