Clear answers. Straight talk. No jargon.

People 40+ come to St. George Wealth Management with real questions — about retirement, taxes, investment strategy, and whether their current advisor is actually steering the ship or just along for the ride.

Here are the questions we get the most… and the ones you should be asking any financial advisor.
 

  • What makes your financial planning approach different?

    Most advisors start with your portfolio. We start with your life.

    Your values, your goals, your timeline, your tax bracket — that’s the foundation of the Anchor Process. Then we build a tailored, tax-smart strategy that grows with you whether retirement is 20 years away or five yards from the end zone.
     

  • How are you compensated? Will I understand what I’m paying for?

    Yes — because unclear fees are red flags.

    We offer:

    • Flat financial planning tiers
    • Transparent, asset-based investment management
    • Optional hourly consultations

    No commissions. No product-pushing. No surprises.

    Just advice aligned with your goals, not your advisor’s paycheck.
     

  • Are you a fiduciary? Does that actually matter?

    Yes — and here’s the real truth: being a fiduciary is the floor, not the ceiling.

    As a CFP® professional, I’m required to put your best interests first at all times, not just when it’s convenient. The CFP® designation mandates a strict fiduciary standard even when many advisors operate under a looser “suitability” rule.

    That means:

    • No product-pushing
    • No hidden agendas
    • No recommending something just because it “works” — it must be best for you
    • Full transparency in planning, fees, and investment decisions

    And on top of being a CFP®, I’m also a fiduciary through LPL Financial, which adds another layer of obligation to act solely in your best interest — every meeting, every recommendation, every strategy.

    Short version:

    If it’s not right for you, it’s a no. That’s the standard — period.

  • Where is my money held? Is it safe?

    Your investments are custodied at LPL Financial, one of the largest and most trusted independent broker-dealers in the country.

    You receive secure 24/7 online access with the ability to view accounts, performance, and statements anytime.
     

  • I already have investments — can you work with what I have?

    Absolutely. Most new clients come to us with a mix of accounts collected over decades.

    We review:

    • What you own
    • Why you own it
    • Whether it still fits your retirement plan
    • How to optimize taxes and future income

    We’re not here to reinvent the wheel… unless the wheel is square.
     

  • Will you work with my CPA, estate attorney, or other professionals?

    Yes — and honestly, we prefer it.

    Coordinated strategy = fewer mistakes, fewer surprises, and a smoother retirement. We also bring referrals if you need trusted partners.

  • What happens if the market drops?

    We plan for market drops from the start.

    Volatility isn’t a surprise — it’s part of the journey.

    Your strategy includes:

    • Risk management
    • Diversification
    • Cash-flow buckets
    • Tax-efficient rebalancing
    • Long-term focus

    And if you panic? Call me. Preferably before making decisions in a cold sweat.
     

  • What technology will I use to manage my finances?

    You’ll have a full suite of tools that make your financial life clear, organized, and tax-smart:

    LPL ClientWorks®

    For secure 24/7 access to your accounts, performance, documents, and communications.

    RightCapital

    For retirement projections, “what-if” planning, Social Security optimization, withdrawal sequencing, and stress-testing your plan.

    Holistiplan

    This is where tax planning happens — and the difference is huge.

    Tax filing is what your CPA does every spring. It’s reporting what already happened.

    Tax planning is forward-looking. It’s where we analyze your return, bracket, deductions, credits, IRMAA exposure, and future income to strategically reduce what you pay over the next 5–20 years.

    Holistiplan helps us:

    • Identify Roth conversion windows
    • Avoid Medicare IRMAA surcharges
    • Reduce capital gains surprises
    • Optimize deferrals (Roth vs. pre-tax)
    • Lower your lifetime tax bill

    Trust & Will

    Estate planning that’s simple, modern, and integrated with your financial plan.

    We help create and coordinate:

    • Wills
    • Revocable trusts
    • Powers of attorney
    • Healthcare directives
    • Beneficiary structure
    • Legacy planning

    Everything stays aligned — your plan, your documents, your accounts.

    Bottom line

    You get a fully connected financial ecosystem designed to reduce taxes, clarify your future, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

  • What’s the minimum to work with you?

    Planning tiers have no investment minimum — perfect for professionals building wealth or business owners with outside accounts. For investment management, portfolios must meet a $100k minimum to ensure we can build and maintain a properly diversified, tax-efficient strategy.

  • Will I actually hear from you? Or do I call and sit on hold for 45 minutes?

    You will absolutely hear from us — proactively.

    Depending on your planning tier and AUM level, you’ll meet 2–4 times per year, plus check-ins as needed. 

    No phone trees. No disappearing acts. No “set it and forget it.”
     

  • How does the Anchor Process work?

    Your financial life moves in seasons — and so does our process.

    Here’s the flow:

    • Discovery – Family, goals, taxes, cash flow, priorities
    • Diagnostics – Portfolio review, risk gauge, tax landscape
    • Design – Customized retirement & tax plan
    • Deploy – Implement investments, strategies, and action steps
    • Navigate – Ongoing adjustments as life evolves

    This process is built to serve people 40+ who are serious about retiring sooner, paying less tax, and living more life.

  • How do I know if it’s time to switch advisors?

    If you’re asking the question… it might be time.
    If your advisor isn’t proactive…
    If they don’t talk taxes…
    If communication feels sluggish…
    If you aren’t 100% clear on fees…

    Then yes — it’s time.
     

  • What’s the first step if I’m considering working with you?

    Simple: book a no-pressure conversation.

    No sales pitch. No awkward closing.

    Just clarity.

    Start My Anchor Process