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Choosing a financial advisor is a significant decision, and I'll be honest – it's crucial to interview several planners to ensure a good fit. Understanding their philosophy, process, and personality is essential because compatibility matters.

Modern Assets is a fit for you if you’re looking for…

1. Values-Driven Wealth Management - Modern Assets is committed to helping clients align their wealth with their progressive core values.
2. Long-Term, Collaborative Approach: We build close relationships with clients, making you an active partner in your financial journey, and ensuring your voice is heard and reflected in every decision. 
3. Data-driven and impactful investing. We believe in a data-driven approach in investment management that also makes room for your values. It’s important to adhere to a disciplined investment philosophy, and we do that without sacrificing your progressive values.
4. Straightforward Guidance: We’re here to demystify sustainable investing and wealth management. Our goal is transparent straight talk, so you feel a genuine peace of mind about your financial strategy.
5. Proactive Planning: We take a proactive stance toward financial planning and wealth management, helping you envision and achieve your goals.
6. Fee Only, Fiduciary. We operate as a fee-only planner who unwaveringly upholds the fiduciary standard, ensuring your best interests always come first. Your interests always come first, and we work diligently to establish a trusting relationship with you.

Absolutely. Modern Assets adheres to the fiduciary standard without compromise. As a Registered Investment Advisor and Certified Financial Planner, I've not only embraced this ethical commitment but have also made it official by signing a Fiduciary Oath. Rest assured that your financial interests are my paramount concern, and I am wholeheartedly committed to consistently acting in your best interest.

No, there's no fee for our initial meeting. It is an opportunity for us to get to know each other better, discuss your financial concerns, and explore how I can assist you in achieving your goals. Whether or not we decide to work together, I'm confident that you'll find this initial discussion valuable.

I welcome clients at various stages of their financial journey who have a shared goal of having impact with their wealth. While there's no specific “net worth” minimum to work with me, please note that there is a minimum annual fee for wealth management services.

I also offer investment management as a standalone option for those who may not meet this threshold but still want to benefit from my expertise and guidance.

Certainly, you can manage your finances independently, and there are many excellent tools available for self-directed investing and financial planning. However, here are some important considerations:

1. It’s more than investing: Financial planning involves multiple facets such as taxes, insurance, investments, retirement planning, estate planning, and more. Coordinating these aspects effectively is crucial for financial success.
2. Consistency: While you might be adept at researching and selecting investments, maintaining consistent financial discipline over the long term can be challenging for many individuals. Financial advisors help you define and stick to your plan.
3. Complexity: As life progresses, financial situations often become more complex. For example, planning for retirement, navigating market fluctuations, and leaving a legacy that does what you intend can become overwhelming without expert guidance.
4. Avoiding Costly Mistakes: The potential cost of financial mistakes can be substantial. I can help you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions that align with your values and goals.
5. Personalized Guidance: The internet is full of great advice, but Financial advisors provide personalized solutions tailored to your unique circumstances and objectives. They can help you prioritize your financial goals and make informed choices.
6. Wealth Creation: The value of having a financial professional often outweighs the advisory fees, potentially resulting in greater wealth accumulation over time.
7. Time and Expertise: Managing your finances can be time-consuming and requires developing knowledge in various technical area, such as tax. I already have that knowledge. Hiring an advisor allows you to focus on your life.
8. Peace of Mind: A trusted partner who can guide you through financial challenges and opportunities provides peace of mind and confidence in your financial future.

Modern Assets primarily serves individuals and families who are looking to align their wealth with their progressive values and are seeking ethical and sustainable investment options. While we are dedicated to inclusivity, there are certain groups or individuals who may not find our services to be the best fit:

1. Speculative and Extremely Risk-Tolerant Investors: While we understand the importance of taking calculated risks, we prioritize responsible and sustainable investment strategies. If you're primarily interested in high-risk, speculative investments, our approach may not align with your goals.
2. Short-Term Traders: Our focus is on long-term, sustainable growth. If you're looking for short-term trading opportunities, day trading, or quick financial gains, our services may not suit your needs.
3. Individuals Without Investable Assets: If you do not have investable assets (such as savings or investments), you may not currently benefit from our wealth management services.
4. Corporate or Institutional Clients: Modern Assets primarily caters to individual clients and families, and small businesses. We do not specialize in providing financial services to larger corporations or institutional entities.
5. Non-Values Aligned Investors: If you do not prioritize aligning your investments with your values or your primary focus is solely on achieving the highest possible returns on your investments, our approach to wealth management may not meet your investment goals.
6. Do-It-Yourselfers: If you prefer to independently manage your investments without professional guidance or values-aligned investment strategies, our services may not align with your approach.
7. Temporary Support: If you are looking for a one-time plan or hourly planning services, our holistic approach to wealth management may not be a good fit. We are happy to help you find the right fit and provide a referral to one of our trusted fiduciary colleagues.
   

It's essential for us to ensure that our clients share our values and goals, allowing us to provide the best possible service and support. If you fall into one of these categories, you may want to explore other financial advisors or investment opportunities that better suit your specific needs and objectives. 

Fantastic! I'm thrilled to embark on this financial journey with you. To get started, simply schedule time to meet me. From there, you can easily reach out to me via email or phone to schedule an initial conversation. This will be our opportunity to connect, discuss your financial aspirations, and begin charting a path towards your financial success. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

At Modern Assets, we adhere to a straightforward yet sophisticated and disciplined approach to managing our clients' investments. We prioritize ensuring that our clients have a clear understanding of their investments, and our portfolio management process is designed to maintain consistency.

Our investment philosophy is underpinned by an evidence-based approach, encompassing key steps in our investment management process. These steps include:

1. Goals-Based Risk Assessment: We start by understanding your unique financial goals and risk tolerance. This forms the foundation of your investment strategy.
2. Strategic Asset Allocation: We employ a strategic approach to asset allocation, carefully selecting the mix of investments that aligns with your objectives and risk profile.
3. Rebalancing: To maintain the desired asset allocation and risk profile, we regularly rebalance your portfolio.

Importantly, we do not engage in market timing. Instead, our focus is on creating a well-structured investment strategy that aligns with your long-term financial objectives. This commitment to evidence-based practices is designed to help you achieve your financial goals with confidence and peace of mind.

At Modern Assets, transparency is key. I operate as a fee-only financial advisor, which means my compensation comes directly from you, the client. I do not earn commissions by selling products or receiving referrals from other providers.

As a fiduciary, I am ethically and legally bound to prioritize your best interests above all else. In practical terms, I do not get paid more for recommending one thing over another. You can trust that my advice is driven by your success, not by any hidden agenda or financial gain for Modern Assets.

That’s great news! I invite you to head to my Contact page, where you can send me an email or call to schedule a conversation.

All client accounts are held with Charles Schwab or Betterment Securities. That means they hold your money and investments, and produce your account statements and tax forms every year. Charles Schwab also provides us access to some of the brightest investment insights, cyber security and technology support. Your money is safe with a large institution, while maintaining the personal, one client at a time approach, best offered through a small, independent firm.

Absolutely, you have the flexibility to cancel our advisory relationship at any time. It's important to note that our asset management fees are deducted at the end of each quarter, ensuring that you are never charged for management fees before they are incurred.

Additionally, planning fees are paid "in arrears," meaning they are billed after the service has been provided. If you decide to cancel, planning fees will cease immediately upon your request, and you won't be billed for any future services. Your satisfaction and financial well-being are our top priorities.

A degree in Applied Mathematics at UCLA got me in the door as an analyst in mortgage-backed securities for a prominent mutual fund company. It was during this time that I witnessed the hubris of financial markets, including the financial crisis of 2008/2009. Overseeing billions in pension funds for large institutions, banks, states, and countries, was excellent training but shifted my perspective. 

I began to focus on the PEOPLE behind the pension funds, realizing that lives were deeply affected by external forces beyond their control. What had initially been a knack for numbers transformed into a profound personal passion for helping others navigate their finances.

To further my knowledge and expertise, I pursued a Masters Certificate in Financial Planning from NYU. I then obtained the Certified Financial Planner™ credentials, a CFP®, which signifies that I have met rigorous initial and ongoing certification requirements.

In summary, my qualifications include:

• A degree in Applied Mathematics from UCLA
• A Masters Certificate in Financial Planning from NYU
• Certified Financial Planner™ credentials
• Ongoing continued education

Modern Assets is a boutique firm, and I understand your concerns about continuity and support. To address this, I have established a comprehensive plan that ensures our clients are well taken care of in any situation.

In the event of my unexpected incapacity or absence, your assets are securely held with Charles Schwab and Altruist, two reputable financial institutions. Additionally, my assistant is well-prepared to facilitate a smooth transition to another trusted advisor or firm. I maintain a selected list of experienced financial professionals who are ready to assist.

Your financial well-being and the continuity of our services are of utmost importance to me, and I have taken the necessary steps to safeguard your interests, no matter the circumstances. Your financial future remains in capable hands.

A degree in Applied Mathematics at UCLA got me in the door, albeit, inadvertently (I wanted to be a college professor!) to a well-regarded mutual fund company working as an analyst in mortgage-backed securities in time to witness the overconfidence of financial markets, followed by the swift and painful financial crisis of 2008/2009. I oversaw billions in pension funds for large institutions, banks, states and countries, and fielded the calls of panicked investment managers. That was a pivotal experience, because it started making me think about the PEOPLE in the pension funds, and the lives that were ravaged by outside forces that they couldn’t control.

What began as a gift for numbers became a deeply personal passion for learning how to weather the financial storms in our lives, whether under our control or not.

After obtaining a Masters Certificate in Financial Planning from NYU, I obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ credentials and have been working ever since to improve the lives of those I work with.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® and CFP®(with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete

Modern Assets is, indeed, a small firm. I take seriously, however, my obligation to our clients to make sure they are taken care of at all times.

Regardless of whether you work with a financial planner, it’s imperative that you know at least the basics of how to manage your money. No one will care more about your money more than you do.

Financial Planning:

Seven Stages of Money Maturity by George Kinder - considered the father of Financial Life Planning

Smart About Money is a resource from the non-profit National Endowment for Financial Education.  This site provides a wealth of self-guided information on a range of personal finance topics.

• The One-Page Financial Plan Written by Carl Richards, best known for his Sharpie-on-napkins drawings in his New York Times column, this is a short, simple book whose title says it all. Really, anything by Richards is going to be entertaining, easy, and helpful.
• I Will Teach You to Be Rich An entertaining, easy book about personal finance, written by Ramit Sethi. It covers the basics, and you won’t get bogged down in details.

Investing:

• How a Second Grader Beats Wall Street By one of my favorite curmudgeons of the financial advice world
• The Little Book of Common Sense Investing By Jack Bogle, founder of Vanguard, creator of the first index fund, all around Dude To Be Reckoned With in the investment world.

Values-Based Finance:

1. The Impact Investor by Jed Emerson and Antony Bugg-Levine - Explores the concept of impact investing, where financial returns align with social and environmental impact.
2. Investing with Impact: Why Finance is a Force for Good by Jeremy Balkin - Discusses the potential for aligning investing goals with positive social and environmental outcomes.
3. Conscious Money: Living, Creating, and Investing with Your Values for a Sustainable New Prosperity by Patricia Aburdene - Explores the intersection of conscious living and conscious investing for a more sustainable and fulfilling financial future.