How We Work
Education First. No Pitch. No Pressure.
Most financial firms pitch in the first meeting. We don't. Our process is education-first — we explain how things work, you decide what fits, and we earn the right to recommend specific products only after we understand your situation. Here's exactly what working with us looks like.
The 4-phase engagement
Discover
30-60 minutes · Free
We learn about your situation. You learn how we work.
- ·Bring your situation — current accounts, recent tax return, pension or 401(k) statements, existing insurance policies
- ·We listen first. No pitch in the first meeting.
- ·We explain our process, our compensation, and what working together looks like
- ·If we're a fit, we set up Phase 2. If not, you leave with a clearer plan either way.
Strategize
1-3 weeks · Fee disclosed up front
We analyze your specific situation and build the recommendation.
- ·We map your full financial picture — income, expenses, accounts, insurance, taxes, estate
- ·We coordinate with your CPA, attorney, and existing advisors where needed
- ·We model 2-3 specific strategies that fit your goals
- ·We present the recommendation in plain English — you understand it before agreeing to anything
Implement
2-8 weeks depending on scope
We execute the plan. You sign what needs signing.
- ·Insurance applications and underwriting (if applicable)
- ·Account opening, transfers, beneficiary updates
- ·Coordination with your CPA on tax strategy or your attorney on estate documents
- ·Plain-English walkthroughs at every step — no jargon, no surprises
Optimize
Annual + as life changes
We stay engaged as your situation evolves.
- ·Annual review: re-shop Medicare plans, re-evaluate Roth conversion windows, audit beneficiaries
- ·Life-event reviews: new job, marriage, kids, retirement, inheritance, business sale
- ·Tax-strategy adjustments based on income changes
- ·Reachable when questions come up — most clients reach out 3-6 times per year
Who does what
You bring
- →An open mind and your real situation
- →Recent tax returns + pay stubs if employed
- →Current insurance policies + retirement account statements
- →Honest answers about what you're trying to accomplish
- →Time to actually read what we send (we don't bury anything in fine print)
We handle
- ✓Carrier and product comparisons — we shop the market for you
- ✓Application paperwork and underwriting coordination
- ✓Coordination with your CPA, estate attorney, and existing advisors
- ✓Plain-English education on every recommendation
- ✓Annual reviews and life-event check-ins
- ✓Documentation of everything — no verbal-only commitments
How we're paid
Compensation varies by engagement and product. We disclose exactly how we're paid on every recommendation before you decide.
Insurance products (Medicare, life, LTC, annuities)
Commission paid by the carrier — your premium is identical whether you enroll through us or directly with the carrier
Tax & retirement strategy planning
Project-based fee or retainer — disclosed up front before work begins
Ongoing review + coordination
Often built into product or planning relationship — no separate hourly billing
Initial consultations
Always free — we use them to see if we're a fit
The situations we work with most
The 62-year-old approaching Medicare
Working through Original Medicare vs. Advantage, the Medigap decision, and Part D drug coverage. Often paired with retirement income planning, since Medicare timing affects when to claim Social Security and how to draw from accounts.
The self-employed business owner
Net profit $100K-$500K, currently using a SEP IRA or no retirement plan. We analyze S-Corp election, design a Solo 401(k) or Cash Balance plan, identify missed deductions (Augusta Rule, family employment, accountable plans), and coordinate the strategy with their CPA.
The high-W-2 household
Two earners, $250K-$500K household income. We map 401(k) optimization, HSA stealth-retirement strategy, Backdoor Roth, life insurance coverage gaps, and tax-loss-harvesting opportunities. Often involves equity comp planning.
The pre-retiree family
55-65, $1M-$5M in savings, 3-10 years from retirement. We model retirement income across the four pillars, run Social Security claiming scenarios, design Roth conversion windows before RMDs, and coordinate with their estate attorney on a complete estate plan.
The legacy-focused household
Net worth $3M-$15M+, planning for estate transition. We coordinate with estate attorneys on revocable + irrevocable trusts, run the 2026 federal exemption sunset planning window, design ILITs and SLATs where appropriate, and integrate life insurance into the legacy plan.
Common questions about working with us
How much does the first meeting cost?+
Nothing. The first conversation is always free. We use it to understand your situation, explain our process, and see if we're a fit. If we're not, you walk away with a clearer plan.
Do I have to commit to anything to start?+
No. The first meeting has zero commitment. If we move to Phase 2 (Strategize), we lay out the fee or product structure clearly before you decide. You can always say no.
How are you paid?+
It depends on the engagement. Some work is commission-based on insurance products (Medicare, life, annuities). Some is fee-based for planning work. We disclose compensation on every specific recommendation before you decide.
Do I need a specific net worth or income to work with you?+
No strict minimums. We work with Detroit and Michigan households across a wide income range — from $50K-income retirees needing Medicare guidance to $5M+ households doing estate planning. The right conversation depends on your situation.
How long does the typical engagement last?+
Implementation usually takes 2-8 weeks. After that, most clients keep us as their long-term planning team — checking in annually plus as life events occur. Some clients work with us project-by-project (e.g., one-time Medicare review). Both work.
Do you replace my CPA or attorney?+
No. We coordinate with your existing CPA, estate attorney, and investment advisors — we don't replace them. We're the team member who makes sure all the pieces work together.
Can we meet virtually?+
Yes. Most meetings happen via video. Detroit-area clients can meet in person if they prefer. We've worked with clients across Michigan and out-of-state.
Ready to start Phase 1?
The first conversation is free, 30-60 minutes, and zero commitment. We'll listen to your situation, explain our process, and tell you honestly if we're a fit.
Educational content only. Not financial, tax, or legal advice. Engagement terms and product availability vary by state, licensure, and individual circumstances.