Why do you charge $500 instead of a complimentary plan?

Two reasons, both honest. It keeps the tire-kickers away, which protects the time we give the families who are serious. And it makes the engagement fair in both directions: you pay for real work and get a real written plan, whether or not you ever hire us for anything else.

What should I bring to the planning meetings?

Your latest tax return, investment and retirement account statements, insurance policies, and any legal documents you have. Our [Appointment Checklist](/resources/) lays it out so the gathering takes one evening, not a weekend.

How do meetings happen?

Mostly over video, which our clients across 12 states prefer, no drive time, no parking, meet from wherever you are. If you're local to Baltimore, the Parkville office is always an option.

What happens after I become an ongoing client?

We implement the plan and put you on our [client service calendar](/client-service-calendar/): scheduled reviews (typically once or twice a year, more if you prefer), ongoing investment management, tax planning through the year, and a direct line to Colin when life changes.

The fishing pier at Ocean City, Maryland

Complete Planning and Review

A process with clear pricing

Name: Maryland Financial Advocates
Address: 9621 Harford Rd, Suite 1, Parkville, MD, 21234, US
Telephone: 410-663-0700
Price range: $$

Complete Planning and Review (CPR) is the foundation of every client relationship here. It focuses on your family's goals, priorities, and finances, and it keeps us accountable, because you'll know at every step exactly what happens next and exactly what it costs.

Whether you're caring for a child with special needs, helping an aging parent, or working toward a retirement you can actually relax into, the process is the same three steps.

Start With the Complimentary Call

Pick a step to see what happens in it.

STEP ONE

Introductions

$0 · Complimentary

A phone call, usually 15 to 30 minutes. The goal is to get to know you, your situation, and what you're looking for in a financial planning relationship. We'll tell you plainly how we work and what it costs, so you leave the call knowing whether we're the right fit.

No slides, no pressure. If we're not the right shop for you, we'll say so and point you somewhere useful.

If you hire us

What the year looks like after you say yes

Ongoing clients don't have to wonder what the fee buys. There's a published rhythm to the year, and it's a floor rather than a ceiling. You can grab time with us about anything, any month.

Jan – Mar

Tax summary letter and 1099s
Contribution review

Apr – Jun

Tax return review
Spring review meeting
Beneficiary check

Jul – Sep

Insurance review
Estate document review

Oct – Dec

Year-end tax planning
Fall review meeting
RMDs and giving

See the full client service calendar What ongoing costs

Process questions, answered straight

Two reasons, both honest. It keeps the tire-kickers away, which protects the time we give the families who are serious. And it makes the engagement fair in both directions: you pay for real work and get a real written plan, whether or not you ever hire us for anything else.

Step one is complimentary and books in two minutes.

Tell us what's on your plate. We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and you'll know exactly what working together costs before you commit to anything.

Schedule Your Complimentary Call See every cost first

Prefer the phone? Call 410-663-0700 and ask for Colin.

A process with clear pricing

Introductions

Planning and collaboration

Hire us, or take the plan and run

What the year looks like after you say yes

Process questions, answered straight

Step one is complimentary and books in two minutes.