Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. At Evans Wealth Planning, we believe this is the bare minimum. Every recommendation I make is based on what’s right for your goals, not on commissions or product sales. Many advisors only act as fiduciaries part of the time; I maintain that standard 100% of the time.

We charge an annual fee of 1% of your assets under management (AUM). Financial Planning starts at $1,500 per year. This covers continuous advice, personalized portfolio management, on-demand support, and includes two meetings every year (Over $500,000 AUM qualifies for free financial planning).

I provide comprehensive financial planning and investment management, including retirement planning, tax-efficient investing, portfolio construction, estate planning coordination, and guidance through major life events (like divorce, inheritance, or career changes). I also help with cash flow, debt strategies, and insurance reviews. My goal is to create a holistic plan tailored to your full financial picture, not just investments.

No strict minimum is required in all cases. I work with clients at various stages. However, for ongoing comprehensive services, most clients have investable assets starting at $500,000. If you’re earlier in your journey but still want financial planning, that is an extra service that starts at $1,500

Communication is tailored to your preferences. Most clients meet or speak with me twice per year for reviews, with additional check-ins as needed (especially during market volatility or life changes). We use a mix of in-person meetings (in the Springfield, Missouri area), video calls, phone, email, and a secure client portal for updates and documents. I’m always available when you need me — responsiveness is a priority.

It starts with an initial discovery meeting to understand your goals, current situation, and concerns. From there, I gather your financial details, analyze everything, and deliver a personalized plan with clear recommendations. We then implement the plan together and schedule regular reviews to adjust as life or markets change. The process is collaborative, educational, and focused on long-term progress.

Bring whatever you have: recent tax returns, investment statements, bank/401(k)/IRA account info, insurance policies, and a list of your goals or questions. Don’t worry if it’s incomplete; the first meeting is mainly about getting to know each other and seeing if we’re a good fit. I’ll guide you on anything else needed afterward.

Most clients receive a complete initial financial plan within 2–4 weeks after our first meeting and providing necessary documents. Complex situations (e.g., business ownership or blended families) may take a bit longer. I’ll keep you updated throughout the process.

I specialize in ongoing relationships. One-time plans are available for specific needs, but most clients benefit most from continuous guidance, regular reviews, adjustments for life changes, and proactive advice help keep you on track toward your goals.

You’ll have 24/7 access to a secure online client portal where you can view your net worth, investment performance, cash flow, and plan progress in real time. I also send clear summary reports after each review and am happy to walk through everything during our meetings.

It depends on your desired lifestyle, when you want to retire, other income sources (like Social Security or pensions), and inflation. A common guideline is aiming for 10-15 times your annual expenses saved by retirement, but I create personalized projections using your actual numbers. Many clients are surprised that the right answer is often more achievable than they thought once we run the scenarios.

The best time is now, regardless of your age. Starting early gives the power of compounding, but it’s never too late. Even in your 50s or 60s, strategic planning (catch-up contributions, tax optimization, Social Security timing) can make a big difference. I help clients at every stage.

I build diversified, goal-based portfolios designed to weather volatility. During downturns, we focus on long-term perspective rather than reactive selling. I may rebalance, harvest tax losses, or adjust allocations based on your risk tolerance and time horizon. The key is having a disciplined plan in place before volatility hits.

I believe in evidence-based investing: broad diversification, low costs, tax efficiency, and aligning investments with your personal goals and risk tolerance rather than chasing hot trends. Markets are unpredictable short-term, so we emphasize patience, discipline, and a plan that lets you sleep well at night.

Absolutely. Timing when to claim Social Security can add tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars over retirement. I also integrate tax-efficient withdrawal strategies (Roth conversions, bucket approaches, etc.) to help minimize taxes and make your savings last longer. This coordinated planning is one of the biggest values I provide.