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Below are frequently asked questions.
If you have more questions, please contact me.
I love hearing from people.
First, let’s have an introductory call to see if we would be a good fit for each other.
You’ll find I care, and I will listen. I can tell you about my professional credentials, what clients have accomplished working with me, and the feeling you could receive from real financial planning, but what is most important is you and whether you feel it will be a good fit. I love what I do because I get the opportunity and privilege to become a part of my clients’ lives, discuss topics they don’t discuss with anybody else, and help them discover the right decisions for themselves.
I know firsthand what it is like to go through difficult health events and the power of having an accountability partner with you every step of the way. A major health event requires reviewing the estate plan, insurance coverages, investments, tax planning, and many other areas of life. Going it alone, during an already difficult, grieving time, is challenging. I can’t remove the grief and burden of it, but I can help make it easier.
No, I have expertise in working with a wide variety of clients. Working in Seattle for 10 years, I have extensive experience working with tech professionals and the complexity of tax planning and questions that arise from new, sudden wealth. I also work well with people approaching retirement or who are in retirement.
I am not the best fit for people who believe in trying to time the market or expect me to wear a suit. Research has shown it’s very challenging to consistently time markets, and most active managers underperform. Except for weddings, funerals, and other special events, my suit days are over.
Generally, humans are not wired to be good investors. I believe in the power of simplicity – diversification and low cost index funds. I am also particularly drawn to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and impact investing, but that does not have to be incorporated into your portfolio if you don’t want it. But, if you want to learn more, I’d be happy to talk about it with you.
If you want to speculate with a small portion of your assets, I can help you set up a framework that fits within your overall plan. I know plenty of people who want the bulk of their assets in a coordinated strategy, but want to “play” a bit.
If you decide you want ongoing investment management, I would help you open accounts at Charles Schwab, which is where your assets would be held. Once the accounts are open, I would have you sign limited power of attorney forms, which allow me to invest your accounts as we agree and debit my management fee. I don’t take custody of assets or ever take possession of your funds, and you always have control of your accounts through your Charles Schwab login.
I’m only paid by what you pay me. I don’t receive commissions, kickbacks, or any other form of compensation. I’m a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner. I put your interests ahead of my own 100% of the time, and I can’t imagine doing it any other way.
You can read about the two ways I work with people here.
No, the first meeting is about you getting to know me and vice versa. I designed it to learn more about your situation to see if I have the expertise to help you and also to help you decide if you would enjoy working with me.
You can schedule a free consultation using this link.
No, I purposefully set up Kindness Financial Planning to work with clients virtually across the United States. However, please keep in mind that I may need to meet the registration requirements in your state before engaging with you as a client. While I am based in Madison, WI, I have deep ties to the greater Seattle area and enjoy working with people across the United States. We can meet using video in the comfort of your own home.
Some people prefer having a local financial planner, but a virtual financial planner means you can work with the person you feel has the knowledge, expertise, and personality that will work best with you.
You can read more about what it’s like working with me as a virtual financial planner.
I use financial planning software that includes a vault where clients can upload files securely. The financial planning software uses one of the most secure encryption methods featuring 2048-bit asymmetric encryption and 256-bit symmetric encryption. Plus, you can enable two-factor authentication to access the software.
Yes and no. For the ongoing financial planning and investment management service, I do have a $500,000 minimum. For the hourly financial planning, I do not.
Schedule a free 30-minute call with me. We can discuss why you reached out, what’s happening in your life, and see if we would be a good fit. I’m not here to sell you anything. If I am not a good fit, I’ll let you know and provide referrals to other financial planners if you want them. Life’s too precious to spend time in the wrong place with people you do not enjoy being around.
Kindness Financial Planning, LLC is a registered investment adviser in the States of Wisconsin and Washington. The Adviser may not transact business in states where it is not appropriately registered, excluded or exempted from registration. Individualized responses to persons that involve either the effecting of transaction in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made without registration or exemption.