This is our investment management service, focused on retirement. We talk through when you hope to retire, the income you expect to need, and the pensions, Social Security and other accounts you already have, because that shapes how we invest the account we manage for you, such as an IRA or rollover IRA. These conversations are part of managing your investments. They are not a separate retirement planning engagement, written plan or fee.
Who this is for
People within ten or fifteen years of retiring with accounts scattered across old jobs; public employees whose CalPERS, CalSTRS or LACERA pension will cover part of their retirement income; and younger savers who want their retirement account invested to match their timeline.
How it works
- Your retirement picture. Your expected retirement age, income needs, pension and Social Security estimates and other accounts, so we know what the managed account needs to do.
- The investment approach. Your timeline, income needs and risk tolerance shape the asset allocation of the account we manage. A pension that covers part of your spending can change how much risk the rest of your savings needs to take.
- Old 401(k)s. If you have a 401(k) from a former employer, we explain the options: leave it, move it to a new employer's plan, roll it to an IRA, or cash it out (rollover guidance →). Because we are paid on the assets we manage, we have an incentive to recommend rolling it into an account we manage; we explain the costs and trade-offs of each option, and sometimes leaving it is the better choice.
- Contribution limits. For 2026 the IRS limit on 401(k) deferrals is $24,500, plus an $8,000 catch-up at 50 or older; if you are 60 to 63, a higher $11,250 catch-up brings the total to $35,750, if your plan allows it.
- Ongoing reviews. We review accounts at least quarterly and meet with you at least annually, and adjust how your account is invested as your plans change.
What it costs
Our investment-management fee is up to 2.00% of the assets we manage per year, subject to negotiation, generally billed quarterly in arrears and disclosed in writing before we begin. The firm may waive all or part of its fee. Brokerage, transaction, fund and ETF expenses may apply separately. The complete published schedule → Fees are described in our Form ADV Part 2A. Retirement conversations are included; there is no separate retirement planning, hourly or flat fee. We receive no brokerage commissions; our compensation is limited to the advisory fee.
What this does not include
- A standalone retirement plan. We do not sell separate written plans or charge planning fees.
- Guarantees. We do not promise a retirement age or income; investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
- Tax or legal services. Your CPA and attorney handle tax returns and legal documents.
- Pressure to move accounts. Sometimes the right answer is to leave an account where it is.
Common questions
Is there a separate fee for retirement planning?
No. Retirement conversations are part of our investment management service, which costs up to 2.00% of assets under management per year, subject to negotiation.
Do you take a CalPERS or CalSTRS pension into account?
Yes, when deciding how to invest the account we manage. A pension that covers part of your spending can change how much risk the rest of your savings needs to take. We do not manage the pension itself. Our pension guides →
Will I get a written retirement plan?
No. You receive at least quarterly reports on your account, and we meet at least annually to review your goals and how your account is invested.
Do you prepare tax returns or legal documents?
No.
Talk about investing for retirement.
The first conversation is thirty minutes, in English or Spanish.