My typical client is a young professional, or family, who is smart, driven, and successful. These individuals have risked a lot by either starting a business, obtaining a postgraduate degree, or entering into a demanding field. I affectionately call them HENRY’s (High Earners Not Rich Yet). As life starts to become more complex for them (either from increased work or family demands), my clients find they do not have the time to dedicate to managing their own finances effectively. My typical client finds that their time is best used focusing on their family or other pursuits that matter most to them. They prefer to delegate the financial stressors in their life to a professional.
If you believe that you can beat the market, are interested in trying to time the market, or want help in picking the next Netflix or Amazon, we’re probably not a good fit for each other. I don’t think you can beat the market on a consistent basis, and studies have shown that many others can’t either. But I do demand that we get market returns out of your portfolio. That’s why I personally select best-of-class investments with a focus on low-fees, tax efficiency, and value. Unlike the stock market, these are things I can control in order to maximize your long-term returns.
Because Nxt:Gen Financial Planning was designed to be a virtual firm, I can work with clients anywhere they may be. From Texas, to New York, to Hawaii, Nxt:Gen Financial Planning was designed for the modern young professional no matter where their location may be.
I offer a 30-minute introductory meeting in which I get acquainted with you, your values and your current financial situation. I also want to know if we would enjoy working together, because every successful financial planning relationship is based on trust and respect. On the basis of this complimentary session, you can decide whether Nxt:Gen is right for you.
I have over 10 years of experience in financial planning. I started my career in 2007 with a Fortune 100 company based out of New York City, eventually becoming a Partner in their Houston office. I then transitioned my practice to a boutique investment management firm before selling my interests back to that firm in order to start Nxt:Gen Financial Planning. My area of expertise included working with high-net worth individuals and families on their financial, retirement, tax, cash flow, estate, and risk management planning. I earned my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation from Rice University in 2015.
As I progressed in my career, I started noticing my friends were in need of financial advice. I would get questions like, “How do I invest in my 401(k)? Should I buy this whole life insurance policy I am being pitched? What's the best way to pay off my student loans? Should I buy a house or continue to rent?” These were all things I had personally gone through myself, but was not able to help my friends with other than to provide general advice. My old firm did not focus on the financial planning needs of young professionals, and I saw a real need! I wanted to provide the young professional with the same level of sophisticated services that someone who was worth $10 million received. That is why I founded Nxt:Gen Financial Planning.
I believe in evidence-based investing. I employ an investment approach grounded in economic theory and backed by Nobel Prize winning research. My method applies proven principles such as asset allocation and diversification in implementing your investment recommendations. I also pay close attention to fees, fully understanding that paying too much for an investment can erode your financial progress. Investing success requires discipline, and I help you maintain that by keeping you on track and avoiding mistakes that can derail your progress toward achieving your goals.
According to DALBAR, a major financial services market research firm, the average mutual fund investor over a 30 year period from Jan. 1st 1985 – Dec. 31st 2015 earned 3.66%. The S&P 500 on the other hand, returned 10.35%! Why such a large disparity? Because 80% of investor behavior is driven by the emotional aspect of managing their own money. They do things like buy high and sell low during periods of market volatility and uncertainty. As a fiduciary, I will help you construct investment strategies that work for your situation, while limiting the downsides that rash emotional behavior can have on your investments. I will help you maximize returns while minimizing risk based on your tolerance for it.
But beyond investment returns, I will help you create a financial plan that fits your stage of life. Have questions on how to manage your budget? Have money sitting in a checking account earning nothing and don’t know what to do with it? Does looking at your 401(k) mutual fund lineup make you dizzy and lightheaded? Do student loans have you stressed? Together, we can build a plan to tackle this and much more, so you can focus on living your best life!
Your money is held at a custodian bank, which is insured by the SIPC for up to $500,000 per account type. This protection helps insure against losses resulting from the failure of a member custodian. Nxt:Gen Financial Planning uses TD Ameritrade Institutional as our custodian. Please note, that unlike FDIC insurance for banks, SIPC insurance does not protect against losses due to normal swings in the market. For more information, please review this brochure detailing TD Ameritrade Institutional’s asset protection guarantee.
A fiduciary relationship is described as the highest legal standard of care of one party to another. It also involves being bound ethically to act in the other's best interests. In other words, a fiduciary is legally liable for the advice they give. Imagine a financial advisor who recommends the necessary purchase of a life insurance policy or mutual fund, only to push an expensive and unnecessary product for a commission. How is this acting with your best interests in mind? The vast majority of financial advisors do not operate under a fiduciary capacity. I do. This distinction is important, and a fundamental value of mine. I want you to feel confident that you’re working with an advisor who is morally and legally obligated to put your interests ahead of their own.
There are several ways a financial advisor is compensated. Some financial advisors are paid strictly by commission for selling products. Others are paid a fee for their advice as well as a commission for selling products under a fee structure called “fee-based.” Both have inherent conflicts of interest due to the advisors ability to recommend and then sell a financial product for a commission without regard to costs or need. We understand this is confusing for consumers who want objective, fiduciary advice free of any conflicts of interest.
In contrast, “fee-only” advisors are compensated purely by the fees you pay us. I do not earn commissions of any sort, or any referral fees from third parties. My compensation comes directly from you, our valued client. This fee structure enables me to minimize conflicts of interest, and act as a fiduciary charged with doing what is in your best interests. I truly am your trusted advisor. To see our financial planning packages and fee schedules, click here.
