FAQ

What is comprehensive financial planning, and why is it important?

Comprehensive financial planning means taking a holistic view of your financial life, not just investments in isolation. At Financial Partners, we bring together all the moving parts—retirement planning, investment management, insurance analysis, tax strategies, estate planning, and cash flow management—to create a unified roadmap. This helps ensure your financial life is coordinated and working toward your long-term goals, while also addressing risks and opportunities that might otherwise go overlooked. Our clients tell us they appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing all areas of their finances are aligned with their values and dreams.

Do you offer a free financial consultation?

Yes. We invite prospective clients to begin with a free no-obligation consultation. This meeting is designed to get to know you—your goals, your current financial picture, and any challenges you’re facing. It also gives you a chance to learn about our team, our planning philosophy, and how we work. Whether you’re interested in retirement planning, investment management, or a second opinion on your current portfolio, this consultation is a low-pressure way to explore whether we’re the right fit. Many clients tell us the initial meeting was the first time they felt someone really listened to their entire financial story.

What is your process for retirement planning, and what are the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years?

We believe retirement should be planned not just as a number but as a series of life stages. Our process starts with clarifying your vision for retirement—where you want to live, how you want to spend your time, and what legacy you want to leave. Then we model retirement in phases: the “Go-Go years” when you’re active and pursuing travel or new adventures, the “Slow-Go years” when activity tapers but expenses often remain stable, and the “No-Go years” when healthcare and support may become the focus. This structured approach helps us design income strategies, tax-efficient withdrawals, and investment allocations that evolve with you, so you can enjoy each stage of retirement with confidence.

How does your investment management service work?

Our investment management service is built on the principle of alignment: aligning your portfolio with your goals, values, and tolerance for risk. We use a fee-based Assets Under Management (AUM) structure, meaning we are compensated as your portfolio grows, and our success is directly tied to yours. We manage investments across a wide range of asset classes—stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, alternatives, and more—while integrating tax planning and rebalancing strategies. Just as importantly, we provide education, context, and transparency at every step, so you understand why your portfolio looks the way it does. Our goal isn’t just to grow your wealth—it’s to help you use that wealth to live the life you want.

What are AUM fees, and how do they work?

AUM fees, or Assets Under Management fees, are the ongoing advisory fees charged as a percentage of the assets we manage for you. At Financial Partners, these fees cover the full scope of portfolio management, financial planning, and ongoing service. We believe this structure is fair because it ties our compensation to your portfolio’s growth—we only succeed if you succeed. Unlike commission-based models, AUM fees are transparent and predictable, avoiding hidden transaction costs or product-based conflicts of interest. For clients who prefer guidance without full portfolio management, we also offer an hourly planning option.

What’s the minimum for AUM services?

Our AUM service typically requires a minimum of $500,000 in investable assets. This threshold allows us to deliver the full depth of value—ongoing portfolio management, tax strategy, retirement planning, and personalized service—while keeping fees aligned with outcomes. That said, if you are building toward that threshold, we’re happy to explore whether our hourly financial planning option might be the best starting point. Many clients begin with planning and later transition into AUM when they feel ready.

Do you offer hourly financial planning, and what is the rate?

Yes. We offer flexible hourly financial planning for individuals and families who want professional guidance but prefer to implement recommendations themselves. Our current rate is $275/hour. This service is ideal if you’d like help with specific topics such as retirement projections, Social Security claiming strategies, tax planning, life insurance analysis, or estate planning reviews. Many clients find that a few hours of objective advice can save them much more than the fee itself—especially when avoiding costly mistakes.

Which clients benefit most from financial planning services versus AUM?

Clients who choose AUM investment management typically want a long-term partner who will manage their portfolio and integrate that management with their broader financial plan. They value having a dedicated advisor keeping track of investments, tax implications, and market shifts on their behalf.

On the other hand, clients who prefer hourly financial planning often like to stay hands-on with their own investments. They may already have retirement accounts, a trusted broker, or an employer plan they’re comfortable with, but they want clarity on how all the pieces fit together. Both services are designed to deliver confidence and clarity—we simply meet clients where they are.

What makes Financial Partners a trusted choice?

We know there are many financial advisors to choose from. What sets Financial Partners apart is our commitment to trust, integrity, and personal connection. We are a locally owned, independent firm with deep roots in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico, and we pride ourselves on being fiduciaries—legally obligated to put your interests first. Our tagline, “Invest and manifest your dreams,” reflects our belief that financial planning is about more than money; it’s about creating a life of meaning and security. Many clients choose us not only for our expertise but also for the confidence of working with a team that truly cares.

Who are the team members, and what are their credentials?

Our team brings together decades of combined financial expertise. Gregory Myers, CFP®, EA is a Certified Financial Planner™ and Enrolled Agent with the IRS, specializing in tax-efficient planning. Peter Murphy, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional with advanced expertise in Social Security and retirement income strategies. Silas Peterson is a financial advisor, compliance officer, and co-owner, with a background in wealth management, investments, and retirement planning. Together with our operations and client service team, we deliver a blend of technical knowledge, fiduciary duty, and personal attention that our clients deeply value.

What does a typical first meeting involve?

Your first meeting with us is a conversation, not a sales pitch. We start by asking questions about your financial goals, family situation, and concerns. We’ll also review your current portfolio or financial plan to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This meeting is your chance to ask anything—whether it’s about retirement readiness, investment performance, Social Security timing, or estate planning options. By the end of the meeting, you’ll have a clear sense of whether our approach resonates with you and whether you’d like to move forward.

How do you tailor plans for pre-retirees, retirees, high-net-worth individuals, or business owners?

Every client is unique, but we’ve developed proven strategies for different life stages and circumstances. Pre-retirees often want to know if they’re on track to retire comfortably—we help by modeling scenarios and building tax-efficient saving strategies. Retirees rely on us for income distribution planning, Medicare and Social Security integration, and protecting against longevity risk. High-net-worth individuals often face complex tax and estate planning challenges, where we help with charitable giving, trusts, and tax optimization. Business owners frequently need retirement plan design, succession strategies, or cash-flow planning. Whatever the case, our advice is always tailored to your life, not a one-size-fits-all model.