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

1. What does it mean that Sentient Financial is a fiduciary advisor?

Being a fiduciary means we are legally and ethically required to act in your best interest at all times. We do not sell products, earn commissions, or accept hidden incentives. Every recommendation is made based solely on what best supports your goals, risk tolerance, and long-term plan. Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor Worth it?

→ Learn more on our How We Work page.

2. How much does financial planning and investment management cost at Sentient Financial?

We offer two engagement options. Planning-only clients pay a flat fee based on complexity, with no asset minimums. Ongoing wealth management clients pay an annual advisory fee based on assets under management (AUM), which includes portfolio management, retirement planning, tax planning, and ongoing guidance.

3. Will Sentient Financial ever earn commissions from my investments?

No. Sentient Financial is a fee-only Registered Investment Adviser. We do not receive commissions, kickbacks, or third-party compensation for investment recommendations. Our compensation comes only from our clients, which helps reduce conflicts of interest and keeps our advice aligned with your best interests.

4. Does the 1% advisory fee apply to my entire portfolio forever?

No. Our advisory fees follow a tiered structure, meaning the percentage decreases as your portfolio grows. You only pay the stated rate on the portion of assets within each tier—not the highest rate on your entire portfolio. All fees and breakpoints are clearly disclosed in advance.

5. What am I actually paying for with the advisory fee?

You’re paying for more than investment management. Our advisory fee includes retirement income planning, tax-efficient portfolio design, ongoing monitoring, estate coordination support, and strategic decision-making. We help clients avoid costly mistakes, adapt to change, and make confident financial decisions over time.

→ Learn Common Financial Questions a financial advisor addresses.

6. Can I use a robo-advisor or manage my investments myself instead?

Yes. Robo-advisors and DIY investing can work for basic portfolio needs. Many clients choose to work with us when they want personalized tax planning, retirement income strategies, and a fiduciary professional to help navigate complex decisions and market uncertainty.

7. How are advisory fees billed?

Fees are billed quarterly, in advance, and are deducted directly from your investment account. You do not need to write a check. You’ll receive a clear invoice showing exactly how your fee was calculated, providing full transparency at all times.

8. Who typically works with Sentient Financial?

We work with individuals and families preparing for retirement, corporate professionals (often in their 40s–60s), business owners, and high-net-worth households seeking tax-efficient strategies. Many clients are based in South Orange County, and we also work with clients virtually across the U.S.

9. Do you have a minimum asset requirement?

For ongoing wealth management, our typical minimum is approximately $250,000 in investable assets. This allows us to deliver meaningful planning and tax-efficient value. Planning-only engagements do not have an asset minimum.

10. What happens in the first meeting?

The first step is a 20–30 minute Fit Call. There’s no pressure and no sales pitch. We’ll discuss your goals, what’s working, what isn’t, and whether it makes sense to move forward together.

→ Book a Fit Call

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

Nothing is required for the Fit Call. For your first full planning meeting, helpful items may include recent investment statements, income information, retirement contributions, a tax return, and a list of goals or concerns. We’ll guide you through the process—no need for perfection.

12. What types of investment portfolios do you build?

We build low-cost, diversified, tax-efficient portfolios using evidence-based investing principles. Each portfolio is tailored to your risk capacity, time horizon, tax considerations, and cash-flow needs to support your broader financial plan.

13. Do you help with tax planning?

Yes. Tax planning is integrated into all ongoing advisory relationships. This may include Roth conversion analysis, tax-loss harvesting, withdrawal sequencing, charitable giving strategies, and retirement income tax planning. We do not prepare tax returns, but we coordinate closely with your CPA.

14. How often will we meet?

Most clients meet with us two to four times per year, depending on complexity and life events. We also provide proactive communication during major market events, and clients can reach out anytime with questions or planning needs.

15. Do you work with clients virtually?

Yes. About half of our client relationships are fully virtual. We serve clients throughout South Orange County, California, and work with clients nationwide using secure, modern planning technology.

16. Do I need a financial advisor if I already manage my own investments?

Possibly. Clients who benefit most from working with us typically want help with retirement income planning, Social Security timing, tax optimization, managing multiple accounts, and reducing financial stress around complex decisions. A Fit Call can help determine whether advice would add value for you.

→Learn 8-Steps to Smart Investing

17. How quickly do you respond to client questions?

We typically respond to emails and phone calls within 24–48 hours, and often sooner. Clear communication and accessibility are core parts of our client experience.

18. Do you work with CPAs and estate planning attorneys?

Yes. We regularly coordinate with CPAs, estate planning attorneys, and insurance professionals when appropriate. Our goal is to streamline your financial life and reduce friction between the professionals supporting you.

19. How do you use technology to support financial planning?

We use a modern, best-in-class technology stack to provide a real-time view of your financial life. This includes interactive planning software, transparent custodial reporting, and tax-analysis tools—so your plan stays dynamic, accessible, and up to date.

20. How do you protect my financial data and accounts?

Client security is a top priority. We use institutional-grade security protocols, including multi-factor authentication, encrypted document sharing, and secure custodial platforms. We do not store full Social Security numbers or passwords on local servers.

21. Why do I see Google reviews for your firm, and can I trust them?

Under the SEC’s Marketing Rule, registered investment advisers may share client testimonials. Any reviews you see are unsolicited and uncompensated. We provide them transparently and encourage you to review our disclosures to understand how we maintain fiduciary integrity.

22. Do you work with clients in Laguna Niguel and Orange County?

Yes. Sentient Financial is based in South Orange County and works closely with clients in Laguna Niguel and surrounding communities. We also serve clients nationwide through secure virtual meetings, offering the same fiduciary planning experience whether you prefer in-person or remote collaboration.

Still have questions?

I’m happy to help.

→ Book a Fit Call and we’ll talk through your goals, challenges, and what matters most.