Our Process
You don't need to know everything about money. You just need a plan.
A step-by-step financial planning process built around your goals, your values, and the life you actually want.
Dive In: Why We Think About Money This Way
I’ll never forget the day my father introduced me to scuba diving. My brother and I peered over the edge of the boat, paralyzed by fear of what was below. But when I took a deep breath and went under, the fear turned into exhilaration, and my world got bigger.
For a lot of people, investing feels like those shark-infested waters. Our job is to get in the water with you.
What’s Actually at Stake
Retirement is expensive, and financial mistakes are costly, especially when other people depend on you for housing, medical care, or tuition. Most people we meet are not careless. They are busy. They have a vague sense they should be doing more, no clear picture of whether they are on track, and nobody in their corner who will give them a straight answer.
That uncertainty has a cost too. It follows you around.
How Our Process Works
We start with where you are right now: your income, your savings, your debt, and what you want your life to look like in five, ten, or thirty years. Then we build a roadmap of practical steps to get from here to there.
You will not get a one-size-fits-all package, and you will not get surprise hourly bills. We offer three service levels plus stand-alone add-ons. During your first conversation, we figure out together which one fits.
What It Costs, In Plain Numbers
Financial planning packages are quoted up front, before you commit to anything.
If you would like us to manage your investments as a fiduciary, our advisory fee is a maximum of 1.1% of the assets we manage per year. That fee is billed quarterly at 0.275% per quarter, and it can be reduced based on the amount we manage for you. It appears on your statement, every time. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Prefer to manage your own investments? That is genuinely fine. We will still build your plan with you.
Choose Your Financial Planning Path
Three ways to work with us. During your first conversation, we figure out together which one fits.
Perfect for those new to financial planning or feeling stuck.
Gain connection, confidence, and a starting plan.
- ✓ Planning Scope: Foundational plan with a personalized strategy session.
- ✓ Investment Review: Basic plan with risk tolerance and allocation.
- ✓ Insurance Review: Basic coverage (Life, Health, Disability).
- ✓ Tax Support: General recommendations.
- ✓ Meeting Cadence: Once a year.
Ideal for mid-career professionals and dual-income families.
Get organized with coordinated planning and investments.
- ✓ Planning Scope: Advanced planning with life scenario projections.
- ✓ Investment Review: Detailed plan with performance reviews.
- ✓ Insurance Review: Complete risk coverage (Property & Casualty).
- ✓ Tax Support: Coordination with CPA and law updates.
- ✓ Meeting Cadence: Twice a year.
Designed for business owners and high-income earners.
Comprehensive financial design with tax and estate planning.
- ✓ Planning Scope: In-depth analysis, estate and legacy planning.
- ✓ Investment Review: Regular reviews with custom briefings.
- ✓ Insurance Review: Business coverage and long-term care included.
- ✓ Tax Support: Tax preparation and mid-year planning.
- ✓ Meeting Cadence: Quarterly briefings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does financial planning cost at Maridea?
Financial planning packages are quoted up front, before you commit. If we manage your investments, our advisory fee is a maximum of 1.1% of managed assets per year, billed quarterly at 0.275% per quarter, and it can be reduced based on the amount we manage.
Do I need a minimum amount of money to work with you?
No. We do not have asset minimums. Our In the Pool service level is built specifically for people who are just getting started.
What is the difference between financial planning and investment management?
Financial planning is the roadmap: budgeting, retirement, insurance, taxes, and goals. Investment management is us managing the portfolio for you. You can have the plan without the management if you prefer to invest on your own.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. We are required to act in your best interest in every recommendation we make.
What happens in a Connection Meeting?
We talk. You tell us what is going on and what you want, we answer your questions, and we tell you honestly whether we are a good fit. There is no obligation and no pressure.
Ready to Get in the Water?
Whether you are dipping a toe in or planning a legacy, we will meet you where you are.
Schedule Your Connection Meeting