Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Monument Group Wealth Advisors different from other financial advisors? 

Monument stands apart through a disciplined, fee-only approach that combines financial planning, tax strategy, estate coordination, and evidence-based investment management under one integrated framework. Clients work directly with a fiduciary advisor who builds a long-term relationship, offers proactive guidance, and delivers a personalized blueprint designed to help them make confident financial decisions throughout life's transitions.

What is "Master Planning" and how does it work?

Master Planning is Monument's comprehensive, holistic, multi-disciplinary blueprint that aligns your wealth, taxes, estate structure, and life priorities into one cohesive plan. We begin with a deep understanding of your values and goals, develop tailored strategies across all areas of your financial life, and update the plan continuously as circumstances evolve. It's an ongoing process designed to keep you moving forward with clarity. It ensures each part of your financial life works harmoniously, never in isolation.

Are you a fiduciary, and what does that mean for clients?

Yes. As a fiduciary, Monument is legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times. That means transparent advice, no product sales, and recommendations rooted solely in what supports your long-term financial wellbeing. Clients receive guidance built on integrity and accountability.

How do you get paid? Are there any commissions or hidden fees?

Monument operates on a fee-only model. We do not receive commissions, referral fees, or compensation from financial products. Clients pay a clear, transparent advisory.

Who do you typically work with?

We work with high-earning professionals, families building long-term wealth, and retirees seeking clarity and stability in their financial future. Many clients come to us during major life transitions such as retirement, business evolution, estate planning, or shifting family priorities, when they want a strategic partner who can help them navigate complexity with confidence.

How often do should we update or revisit our wealth plan?

We review your plan proactively throughout the year, adjusting as markets, tax laws, or personal circumstances shift. Updates typically occur semi-annually, but we meet more frequently when life changes, new goals emerge, or opportunities arise. Planning is continuous not static.

Do you offer retirement income planning and sustainable withdrawal guidance?

Yes. Monument provides detailed retirement income planning that integrates Social Security timing, tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, portfolio allocation, and spending analysis. We use advanced tools to help determine sustainable withdrawal rates and ensure your plan adapts to market conditions and longevity expectations.

What is your investment philosophy?

Our investment philosophy is grounded in evidence-based, low-cost, globally diversified strategies that align with your goals and risk capacity. We emphasize disciplined portfolio construction, tax efficiency, and long-term decision-making over short-term speculation. Every recommendation is integrated into your broader Master Planning blueprint.

How do you manage risk, especially for clients who are anxious about market volatility?

We approach risk through a combination of thoughtful asset allocation, tax-aware diversification, and proactive communication. For clients concerned about volatility, we build portfolios tailored to their comfort level, cash-flow needs, and long-term goals. We also provide ongoing education and support to help clients stay steady during turbulent markets.

Do you manage concentrated stock positions or create tax-efficient diversification strategies?

Yes. Monument has deep experience in helping clients diversify large, low-basis stock holdings in a tax-efficient manner. Strategies may include staged sales, charitable giving techniques, loss harvesting, or other techniques. We balance tax considerations with risk reduction to create a more resilient, diversified portfolio.

Do you provide tax preparation or just tax planning?

We provide both. Monument integrates year-round tax planning with in-house tax preparation to ensure your financial decisions, investments, and retirement strategy are coordinated with your tax outcomes. This reduces surprises and helps clients keep more of what they earn. Our in-house tax firm is Monument Group Tax Advisors.

How does Monument incorporate tax strategy into investment and retirement planning?

Tax strategy is woven into every decision we help you make, from asset location to withdrawal sequencing, Roth conversion timing, charitable giving strategies, and estate planning coordination. By planning ahead, we aim to minimize lifetime taxes rather than simply reducing taxes in a single year.

How do financial advisors help reduce taxes in retirement?

Advisors can reduce lifetime taxes by optimizing Social Security timing, structuring tax-efficient withdrawals, managing required distributions, implementing Roth conversions, coordinating investment location, and using charitable planning strategies. The goal is not just lowering taxes today but minimizing taxes across decades of retirement.

Can you help coordinate estate planning or trusts with an attorney?

Yes. We work collaboratively with our in-house estate attorneys or your existing attorneys to help design or update wills, trusts, and other legal documents. Our role is to ensure your estate plan aligns with your broader financial strategy, beneficiaries, and long-term goals, and remains up to date as your life evolves.

What does your onboarding process look like?

Our onboarding process is structured, efficient, and supportive. We begin with a discovery meeting, gather financial information securely, build a personalized Master Planning blueprint, and review initial recommendations together. From there, we implement your strategy and schedule ongoing check-ins to keep you moving forward.

How do you communicate with clients and how often?

We communicate proactively throughout the year through scheduled meetings, email updates, regular check-ins, and timely outreach during market shifts or tax planning windows. Clients also have direct access to their advisor whenever questions arise. Our approach is responsive, consistent, and relationship-focused.

What should I bring to my first meeting?

Bring what helps you feel prepared: recent statements, tax returns, estate documents, insurance information, and a clear sense of your goals and concerns. The most important element is an open conversation – we're here to guide you through the rest.

Do you work with clients remotely or only locally?

We work with clients across the country using secure virtual meetings, digital planning tools, and an online client portal. Local clients are welcome to meet in person as well. Whether remote or face-to-face, the experience is seamless and highly personalized.

How do I choose the right financial advisor near me?

Look for a fee-only fiduciary who provides comprehensive planning, transparent pricing, and a relationship-driven approach. The advisor should have the expertise to manage investments, taxes, and long-term financial strategy – not just one piece of the puzzle. Independence, education, and long-term alignment matter.

Is a fee-only fiduciary advisor better for long-term wealth management?

Many clients find that a fee-only fiduciary model creates clearer incentives and more objective advice. Because the advisor is paid solely by the client, there are no commissions or product-driven conflicts. Over time, this structure tends to support better long-term decision-making, consistent strategy, and greater trust.