What is a Fiduciary?

A fiduciary is a person or organization that is legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of their client. In the financial world, this means putting the client's needs ahead of their own, ensuring transparency, and avoiding conflicts of interest.

For example, a fiduciary financial advisor must recommend investments and strategies that are best suited to the client’s goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation — not those that generate higher commissions or fees for the advisor.

What is a Registered Investment Advisor?

A Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) is a financial professional or firm registered with the SEC or state regulators and held to a fiduciary standard, meaning they must always act in clients' best interests. RIAs provide services like investment management, retirement planning, and tax strategies, with transparent fee structures and clear conflict-of-interest disclosures. Unlike brokers, who may earn commissions on product sales, RIAs are typically fee-based or fee-only, meaning they earn revenue through flat fees, hourly rates, or a percentage of assets under management (AUM).

What is Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA®)

An Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA®) is a financial professional who has earned a specialized designation through the College for Financial Planning. This credential signifies expertise in wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution strategies, particularly for high-net-worth clients.

AWMAs are trained in areas like investment management, tax planning, retirement strategies, estate planning, and risk management. Earning the designation requires completing coursework, passing an exam, and committing to ongoing education and ethical standards.

Working with an AWMA can provide tailored strategies to help clients grow, protect, and transfer wealth efficiently.

What’s the difference between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?

The key difference lies in the tax treatment: Traditional IRAs provide an upfront tax break, while Roth IRAs offer tax-free income in retirement. A Traditional IRA offers tax-deductible contributions, with growth that’s tax-deferred until retirement withdrawals, which are taxed as ordinary income. It also requires minimum distributions starting at age 73.

A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars, providing tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement, with no required minimum distributions.

What is tax planning?

Tax planning is a strategic approach financial advisors use to help clients minimize their tax burden and maximize savings. This involves analyzing a client’s financial situation to identify opportunities for reducing taxes both now and in the future.

Key strategies may include:

Choosing the right retirement accounts (e.g., Roth vs. Traditional IRAs).
Managing investment gains and losses to reduce taxable income.
Timing income and deductions to take advantage of lower tax brackets.
Implementing Roth conversions, charitable giving strategies, or tax-efficient withdrawals in retirement.
Effective tax planning aligns with your financial goals, ensuring you keep more of what you earn while staying compliant with tax laws.

Can I roll my 401k into an IRA?

Yes, you can roll your 401(k) into an IRA without taxes or penalties if done correctly. Rolling into a Traditional IRA keeps the funds tax-deferred, while rolling into a Roth IRA triggers taxes now but allows for tax-free growth and withdrawals later. This move can offer more investment options, lower fees, and greater control over your savings.

Can I roll my Roth 401k into a Roth IRA

Yes, you can roll your Roth 401(k) into a Roth IRA without triggering taxes or penalties, as long as the rollover is done correctly. Since both accounts are Roth, the funds maintain their tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. This move offers more investment choices and flexibility, as Roth IRAs don't have required minimum distributions (RMDs).

What is a SEP IRA?

A SEP IRA is a retirement plan for small business owners and self-employed individuals, allowing tax-deductible contributions up to 25% of an employee's salary or $66,000 (2025 limit). Contributions grow tax-deferred, and the plan is easy to set up with flexible, discretionary contributions. Employers must contribute equally for all eligible employees, including themselves.

What is a Solo 401(k)?

A Solo 401(k) is a retirement plan for self-employed individuals or small business owners with no employees (except a spouse). In 2025, you can contribute up to $22,500 as an employee, plus 25% of your income as an employer, for a total of $66,000 ($73,500 if over 50). It offers tax-deferred growth, flexibility to choose between Traditional or Roth, and the option to take loans.

What is holistic financial planning?

Holistic financial planning is a comprehensive approach to managing your finances that considers all aspects of your financial life, rather than focusing on one area. It involves evaluating your income, expenses, savings, investments, tax strategies, insurance, retirement planning, and estate planning to create a cohesive strategy that aligns with your long-term goals.

This approach aims to provide a clear path to financial security by considering how each piece of your financial puzzle interacts and ensuring all parts work together toward your overall objectives.

Can Sentient Financial work with Clients outside of California?

Yes, Sentient Financial LLC can work with clients in all U.S. states. As a registered financial advisory firm, they are able to provide services to clients across the country.

What is a 529 College Savings Account?

A 529 College Savings Account is a tax-advantaged plan for saving for education expenses. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified expenses like tuition and books. New laws allow unused 529 funds to be rolled into a Roth IRA under certain conditions, such as meeting a $35,000 lifetime cap and being in the name of the beneficiary.

What is a Custodial Account?

A custodial account is a financial account for a minor, managed by an adult until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21). It can hold assets like stocks, bonds, and cash (UGMA) or more flexible assets like real estate (UTMA). Contributions are irrevocable, and the funds are for the minor's benefit.

Who is Altruist Corp?

Altruist is a modern, technology-driven custodial platform for independent financial advisors. It offers low fees, automation, and transparency, helping advisors manage client accounts, investments, and operations efficiently. Sentient Financial LLC has chosen Altruist as one of its custodians of choice, providing clients with a seamless and cost-effective experience while maintaining a fiduciary standard.

Who is AssetMark?

AssetMark is a leading provider of investment management and technology solutions for financial advisors. They offer a range of customizable investment strategies, portfolio management tools, and client reporting services to help advisors manage their clients' assets more efficiently. Sentient Financial LLC has chosen AssetMark as one of its investment management, custodian, and technology solutions for some customers. 

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.

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.

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.

What if I don’t want investment management? Do you offer planning-only services?

Yes. For clients who prefer to manage their own accounts, we offer a Planning-Only tier—designed to give you high-level advice without ongoing asset management. This starts at $2,700/plan and goes up depending on complexity. This includes retirement planning, tax strategy, account allocation guidance, and regular check-ins for a flat annual or monthly fee.

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.