FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about how we work, what we charge, and who we serve. Still have a question? A short intro call is the best place to get it answered.
- What does it mean that Modern Wealth is a “fee-only fiduciary”?
- Two things, and both matter. Fiduciary means we are legally and ethically bound to put your interests ahead of our own — every recommendation has to be in your best interest, not ours. Fee-only means the only money we make comes directly from you, as a transparent fee. We sell no products, earn no commissions, and take no kickbacks from fund companies, insurers, or custodians. That removes the hidden conflicts baked into most of the financial industry, so the advice you get is on your side of the table.
- Who does Modern Wealth work with?
- We specialize in business owners and entrepreneurs — people whose personal wealth and business are deeply intertwined. If your net worth is tied up in a company you built, your financial life does not fit the cookie-cutter models most advisors use. We advise on the decisions where the company and the household meet, then tie it all back to one balance sheet and one long-term goal.
- What areas of my financial life do you cover?
- Our planning spans eight areas, included in every plan: investment planning and analysis; retirement savings and income; estate planning and documents; tax analysis and planning; risk management and insurance; employee benefits and equity compensation; education planning and funding; and cash flow and debt management. For business owners, we also provide business advisory — value acceleration, exit and succession planning, and the tax strategy around a sale or transition.
- How do you charge, and what does it cost?
- We are fee-only, so pricing is transparent and there are no commissions or product sales. Investment Advisory, our professional investment management service, starts from 1% per year. Private Wealth Management — our most comprehensive service, combining ongoing financial planning with investment management — starts from 1.25% per year. There are no hidden fees; you always know exactly what you are paying and what it is for.
- Is there an account minimum?
- Our combined Financial Planning and Investment Management service has a $500,000 minimum. If you are not there yet, an intro call is still the best way to understand your options — we will be straight with you about whether we are the right fit today.
- Do you work with clients outside of Pennsylvania?
- Yes. We are based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, and work with local clients in person or virtually — whichever they prefer. We also serve clients nationwide entirely virtually, using secure video meetings and online planning portals, so where you live is never a barrier to working together.
- What makes Modern Wealth different from a big brokerage or bank advisor?
- At most large firms, the advisor is ultimately a salesperson, and the products they recommend generate commissions. We are independent and fee-only: no parent company’s products to push, no sales quotas, no commissions. Because we focus on business owners, we also understand the issues a generalist misses — entity structure, owner compensation, equity compensation, and turning an illiquid business into retirement income.
- How do we work together once I become a client?
- You get ongoing, proactive advice rather than a one-time plan that sits on a shelf. We build your plan across the eight areas, manage your investments as a fiduciary, and revisit the plan as your business and life change. You will have access to secure online portals for your plan and accounts, and a direct line to your advisor.
- How do I get started?
- It begins with a complimentary 30-minute intro call. It is a no-pressure conversation to understand where you are, what you are trying to accomplish, and whether we are the right fit. If it makes sense to move forward, we will walk you through the next steps from there.
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