Frequently Asked Questions
Any individual seeking financial peace of mind can benefit from our services. We serve people at all income levels, from all walks of life. Clients have the flexibility to work with us on either a one-time, as-needed basis or an ongoing basis. We welcome clients who simply need a one-time financial consultation or a second opinion, as well as those who need coordinated financial planning.
While Foothills Financial Planning does not "sell" products, we provide specific recommendations, as appropriate. Wherever possible, cost-effective "no-load" vehicles are utilized, and can be obtained directly from the provider or a discount brokerage. We can help you with that process to whatever degree you desire.
We provide advice for all types of securities, including mutual funds, stocks (as they relate to your portfolio holdings), bonds, bank deposits, variable and fixed annuities, limited partnerships and tax shelters. We also provide advice on mortgages, budgeting and cash flow issues, 401(k), 403(b) and other retirement programs, stock options, life and disability insurance, etc. If it has to do with money and finances, we can provide counseling, guidance and/or resources for you. Because we want our clients to know that they can call on us with any and all of their financial concerns, we have developed the slogan ''Financial Planning and Advice for Everyday Life.'' Clients are encouraged to call us when they have a major life event, such as a new job, a baby, a marriage or divorce, or if they are planning to buy a new home or start their own business. We also encourage our clients to call us with more common everyday questions, such as: ''How should I invest within my 401(k) or 403(b) plan?'', ''How can I reduce my taxes?'', ''What advice can you offer on refinancing my home?'', or ''How can I maximize my Flex Spending Account, Cafeteria Plan or Section 125 Plan at work?''
Yes. People who need more sophisticated financial planning or advice will find our services appealing and beneficial. If you have a desire to simplify your financial affairs, we can meet with you as often as you like. For example, we can set up a monthly meeting to review your finances if you require it. If you are looking for a professional review or a second opinion to ensure you are on track, we can provide that also.
The easiest way to get started is to schedule a meeting using our online scheduling tool and then completing our secure, confidential online questionnaire. You can also call us at (480) 445-9072. We offer a no-cost, no-obligation Get Acquainted Meeting, either on the phone or by meeting with you in person. Most clients find the financial planning process to be stimulating and enlightening. The end result, of course, is greater peace of mind. We look forward to working with you.
Fee-based advisors can charge commissions in addition to fees, which means that there may be potential conflicts of interest. Fee-only advisors cannot charge their clients commissions, and they do not receive fees or commissions from third parties, such as mutual funds. This is very common with fee-based advisors. Foothills Financial Planning believes that the fee-only approach most closely aligns the interests of the financial planner with the interest of the customer.
Absolutely! We routinely make use of tools from email to easy-to-use web-based software such as Skype and eMoney advisor to work with remote clients. There is no additional cost, and it doesn't require lengthy installation of software. We provide instruction, as necessary.
Not at all. We work with folks from all over the Valley (and beyond). Besides Ahwatukee and Scottsdale, we probably have more clients from Chandler and Tempe than anywhere else. However, we work with individuals from many parts of Phoenix, including Glendale, Mesa and other suburbs.
