Take the First Step Toward
Becoming a Client
Plan for what’s next with clarity, confidence, and straightforward fees.
Make the transition into retirement with a clear plan, knowing exactly where you stand and what comes next—so you can enjoy life without financial uncertainty.
Avoid costly mistakes and ensure your hard-earned savings last. With a strategic plan in place, you can navigate market ups and downs with confidence.
Hand off the complex financial decisions to an expert while staying informed and in control. You get the guidance—you make the decisions.
Ready to Start?
Here’s What Comes Next
STEP 1
Introductory Call
This complimentary call is an opportunity for you to share as much or as little as you’d like to about your finances, so that we can start to understand where you are and what you’re looking for.
If you like what you’ve experienced so far…
STEP 2
Discovery Meeting
The next step is for us to share more about our background and approach in an obligation-free meeting. We’ll also further explore your financial situation and your perspective on money to better understand what level of you’re comfortable with, and what success looks like for you in retirement.
If you want to implement this approach for your own finances…
STEP 3
Recommendations & Implementation
You’ll receive a complimentary Evergreen Financial Assessment, including a snapshot of your current financial situation, a roadmap to your goals, and a prioritized action list. We’ll also provide the Evergreen Fee Analysis, so you know exactly what you’re currently paying in fees.
From there, we’ll walk you through the details, answer any questions, and discuss your options. Whether you choose to move forward with us or take the plan and move on, the decision is yours.
If you’re ready to get started, you’ll select which accounts will be managed under Charles Schwab custodianship, and we’ll enroll you in our client portal. Once onboarded, we’ll begin making portfolio adjustments and help you implement any necessary changes to accounts outside our management.
Let’s Talk
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can we meet?
We can meet as often as needed, especially early on while transferring accounts, placing trades, and modeling retirement scenarios. That phase typically includes more frequent check-ins to keep things on track.
We prefer in-person meetings to build a strong relationship, but we’re happy to hop on a Zoom or quick call when something urgent comes up. After onboarding, we’ll set a communication plan that fits your preferences.
How are fees charged?
Once your accounts are set up at Charles Schwab, we’ll work with you to decide which account(s) you’d like us to bill. Fees are automatically deducted from your managed Schwab brokerage accounts at the beginning of the month, charged in advance. Spouses can choose to split fees between accounts if preferred.
We do not accept payment by credit card or check.
Do you charge a separate fee to manage my investments?
No! Our flat fee includes investment management of any accounts you want to offload to us as well as all financial planning and consultations.
What is the difference between fee-only and a flat fee?
Fee-only can mean different things, from project-based financial planning with upfront costs, to percentage-based models, per-plan fees, and hourly rates. We take pride in our straightforward approach, focusing on simplicity and common sense approach.
Do you work by the hour or on a project base?
No. Our philosophy is based on building long-term relationships for individuals and families that would like help throughout many phases of life, and we don’t believe the hourly model fits that philosophy.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes! We take the fiduciary model one step further. Being a fiduciary means advice should not result in more compensation to the advisor. While this is can be true of advisors charging a percentage of assets, the nature of the calculation can lead to a conflict of interest.
Are you a Certified Financial Planner, CFP®?
Yes! The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (CFP) designation serves as an official acknowledgement of expertise in crucial areas such as financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement. This recognition is owned and conferred by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Individuals who fulfill the requirements, including passing the CFP Board’s initial exams, are granted the designation and are committed to participating in continuing education programs to uphold their skills and certification.
I own individual stocks. Can I still work with you given your index fund approach?
Yes! While our core investment models are built around index funds, we understand that some clients prefer to maintain a portfolio of individual stocks. If you’d like to keep your stock portfolio intact while receiving our guidance and making adjustments over time, we’re happy to work with you.
What makes you different from other advisors?
Evergreen offers the best of both worlds—personalized service with big-firm resources. You’ll work directly with a seasoned investment advisor with 18 years of experience, backed by cutting-edge technology that provides the same tools and security as major firms. As a boutique, growing firm, we prioritize personal relationships and tailored guidance. Best of all, we provide comprehensive investment management and advice for one transparent, flat fee.
Who is Evergreen NOT a great fit for?”
- Market Beating Seekers – Evergreen’s investment approach is rooted in index-based strategies, built on the belief that markets deliver strong returns over the long run. If you’re seeking consistent outperformance every year, regardless of market conditions, we may not be the right fit.
- New Investors – Evergreen is focused on helping individuals within 10 years of retirement. Given the nature of our flat-fee model, new investors with little savings would pay too much for it to make sense. We encourage younger investors to keep their costs as low as possible as they build assets. With that said, if you are a young investor with questions on starting out and need some help, send us an email and we’ll schedule a one-time call free of charge to help you get launched.
- Ultra-high net worth clients – Clients and families with ultra-high net worth that are used to paying an advisor to be the advisors top priority each week. With respect to our other clients, we aren’t able to monopolize the majority of our time to one family. We also do not offer private equity, venture capital, or other alternative investments.
Can you advise me on my workplace 401(k) account?
Yes! While you typically can’t roll over your workplace 401(k) to an IRA while still employed, we can help you navigate your plan’s fund options and identify the low-cost choices available. Every 401(k) plan has unique rules and investment selections, so we’ll work with you—whether by reviewing your online portal or calling the provider directly—to gather the necessary details and provide tailored advice.
Evergreen not a great fit for you right now, but there’s someone
you know that you think could benefit from our flat-fee model?
Enter their name in the form below. We will send an introductory email and not add them to any email lists.