Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you find our website informative and helpful in determining if AFA is a good fit with your needs. As an additional resource, we have prepared below a list of common questions we receive from prospective clients along with our answers, for your reference. This list is not meant to be exhaustive and we are always happy to discuss our service and your specific situation upon request.

Do I need to have a minimum amount of investment assets to become a client?

No, we do not have investment asset minimums. We charge a flat annual fee based on net worth. This fee starts at $6,000 and is fixed for up to 2 years at a time. Download the AFA Firm Brochure for more details.

What does your annual fee include?

Our annual fee includes all initial and ongoing financial planning and investment management services. Tax planning and preparation is also included.

Do you offer an introductory meeting?

Yes. After an initial complimentary phone discussion, we meet with you to clearly lay out what an on-going engagement entails, including the annual fee.

Can I receive services on an hourly basis?

We provide customized Social Security planning services at a rate of $250 per hour. On-going comprehensive financial planning services are offered solely on a flat annual fee basis.  We credit the fee for Social Security planning against the first year annual fee to Social Security planning clients who decide to become on-going clients.

Can you just manage my investments?

We believe that we cannot properly manage client assets in isolation and that investment management needs to be performed as part of a comprehensive on-going financial planning engagement.

What information will you need to prepare for the introductory meeting?

We will have you complete a questionnaire and provide some additional information in order to prepare for the introductory meeting. All information received is treated in strict confidence.

I see that you have two offices. Do you see clients in both locations?

We have offices in Cupertino, CA and Lake Oswego, OR and see clients at each location. We are a Registered Investment Advisor in California and Oregon licensed to provide services in both states.

What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERâ„¢ professional?

The CFP® designation is the most widely recognized designation for financial planning service professionals. In order to obtain the designation, individuals must complete a rigorous approved course of study, pass a comprehensive exam, complete an experience requirement, pass a background check and agree to abide by a strict Code of Ethics. Ongoing certification requires continued adherence to the Code of Ethics and bi-annual completion of continuing education requirements.

What is an Enrolled Agent?

An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and who is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals. (source NAEA.org)