At Sentient Financial, clarity matters. These are the questions people ask most when deciding whether we’re the right fit to guide their retirement, investments, and long-term planning.

1. What does it mean that you’re a fiduciary?

Being a fiduciary means I am legally and ethically required to put your interests ahead of my own at all times. No commissions, no product sales, no hidden incentives — ever.

Everything we recommend is based on what’s best for you.
Learn more on our How I Work page → (link)

2. How do you charge for financial planning and investment management?

We offer both planning-only and ongoing wealth management:

Planning-only:
A flat fee based on complexity. There are no asset minimums.
Best for people who want a full plan without ongoing investment management.

Ongoing investment management:
An annual advisory fee based on assets under management (AUM).
This includes portfolio management, retirement planning, tax planning, and ongoing guidance.

3. Do you earn commissions on investments you recommend?

No. As a fee-only Registered Investment Adviser, we do not receive commissions, kickbacks, or third-party compensation for investment recommendations. Our only compensation comes directly from our clients, ensuring our advice is always in your best interest and free from conflicts of interest.

4. Does the 1% apply to my whole portfolio forever?

No. We use a tiered structure where the percentage goes down as your portfolio grows:

First $500K → 1.00%
Next $500K → 0.80%
Next $1M → 0.60%
…down to 0.30% over $5M

You only pay the stated percentage on the amount within each tier.

5. Why is a 1% fee worth it? What am I really paying for?

You’re not just paying for investment management, you’re gaining a fiduciary partner. Our fee includes full-spectrum support: retirement income planning, tax optimization, portfolio design, estate coordination, and strategic decision-making. We help you avoid costly mistakes, capture opportunities, and make smarter, more confident financial decisions.

6. Can’t I use a robo-advisor or manage it myself for less?

Yes—and that might work if you only need basic portfolio rebalancing. But most of our clients want more than a formula. They want personalized tax guidance, tailored retirement strategies, and a real human to call when things get complicated. That’s where we come in.

7. How are fees billed? Do I have to write a check?

No checks needed. We bill quarterly, in advance, and deduct fees directly from your investment account—securely and transparently. You’ll always receive an invoice showing exactly what you’re paying.

8. Who do you typically work with?

Most of our clients are:

• Individuals and families preparing for retirement

• Corporate professionals (often in their 40s–60s)

• Business owners

• High-net-worth households seeking tax-efficient strategies

Many are based in South Orange County but we also work virtually nationwide.

9. Do you have a minimum asset level?

For ongoing wealth management, our typical minimum is around $500,000 in investable assets.
This ensures we can deliver meaningful tax-efficient and planning value.

Planning-only engagements have no asset minimum.

10. What happens in the first meeting?

The first meeting is a 20–30 minute Fit Call. No pressure, no sales pitch.
We’ll talk about your goals, what’s working, what isn’t, and whether we’re the right fit to help.

Book a Fit Call → (link)

11. What should I bring to our first full planning meeting?

You don’t need anything for the Fit Call.
For the first full planning session, helpful items include:

• Recent investment statements

• Pay stub or income summary

• Retirement plan contributions

• Tax return

• List of goals or financial concerns

We’ll guide you through it — no need to organize everything perfectly.

12. What types of portfolios do you build?

We build low-cost, diversified, tax-efficient portfolios using evidence-based investing.
Every portfolio is tailored to:

• Your risk capacity

• Your time horizon

• Tax constraints

• Your cash flow needs

13. Do you help with taxes?

Yes — tax planning is built into all ongoing relationships.
This includes:

• Roth conversion strategies

• Tax-loss harvesting

• Withdrawal sequencing

• Charitable giving strategies

• Retirement income tax planning

We do not prepare tax returns, but we coordinate with your CPA.

14. How often will we meet?

We typically meet 2–4 times per year, depending on your situation.
In addition, you’ll receive updates during major market events and can contact us anytime with questions.

15. Do you work virtually?

Yes. About half our client relationships are fully virtual.
We serve clients throughout California and across the U.S.

16. Do I need a financial advisor if I already invest on my own?

Possibly — depending on the complexity of your situation.
Clients who benefit the most from working with us typically want help with:

• Retirement income planning

• Social Security timing

• Tax optimization

• Managing multiple accounts

• Reducing financial anxiety

• Making long-term strategic decisions

If you’re unsure, schedule a Fit Call and we’ll help you evaluate. (link)

17. How quickly do you reply to client questions?

We respond to emails and calls within 24–48 hours, often much faster.

18. Do you work with other professionals like CPAs or attorneys?

Yes. We regularly coordinate with:

• CPAs

• Estate planning attorneys

• Insurance professionals (as needed)

Our goal is to streamline your financial life and reduce friction between advisors.

Still have questions?

I’m here to help.
Book a Fit Call and we’ll walk through your goals, challenges, and what’s most important to you.

→ Book a Fit Call