If you’re searching for trustworthy financial advisors in San Diego, one of the first questions you should ask is: Is this advisor a fiduciary? For the team at Fee Only Planners , the answer is a resounding yes. Led by Les Merrithew and Brandon Thorsten, we are fiduciary CFP professionals offering the kind of objective, personalized financial planning San Diego residents deserve. We believe your financial plan should be about you — your goals, your future, and your peace of

Saving for your child or grandchild’s education can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At Fee Only Planners , we’re here to simplify it for you. Whether you’re a young family just starting to plan ahead or a grandparent hoping to leave a legacy, a 529 college plan might be one of the smartest moves you can make. Let’s walk through how 529 plans work, what makes them so attractive (especially in California ), and how to get started—without feeling like you’re earni

Most people think retirement planning starts at 60.But what if we told you that the best time was… yesterday? Yes, you read that right. The earlier you begin planning for retirement, the better. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or late 40s, there’s a simple truth: your future self will thank you for every dollar, decision, and day you invest today. But don’t worry—if you haven’t started yet, it’s not too late either.Let’s break down when and how to begin retirement planning—a

Everyone makes plans for a safe and comfortable retirement. When it comes to your financial future, you should never compromise. Financial planning is distinct from general investing and savings advice, despite the fact that many people mistake the two. As it is not just all about saving and investing, one needs reliable financial advisors in Santa Rosa to meet their financial aspirations. This blog offers you an insight into how financial advisors in Santa Rosa can help you

The need for financial advisors is rising as they are experts in strategizing a unique financial plan that helps you achieve your financial goals. They provide you with reliable advice from setting up budgets to choosing investments and recommending tax-advantaged accounts. With their help, you can save money for a secure future without limiting your needs in the present. This blog highlights the role of a fiduciary financial advisor in securing your future life, what they d

At Fee Only Planners , a trusted San Diego financial advisory firm, we work with individuals and families every day to help them make confident, well-informed decisions about retirement. As a team of fiduciaries committed to your financial success, we believe retirement is more than a finish line—it’s the start of an entirely new journey. If you’re asking yourself, “Have I saved enough?” or “How do I plan for a fulfilling and financially secure retirement?” — you’re in the r

When you think of bear markets, you might picture panic selling, plummeting stock prices, and uncertainty. But bear markets, like other phases in the financial landscape, are part of the natural economic cycle. At Fee-Only Planners, a San Diego-based financial advisory firm, we understand how unsettling it can feel to experience a downturn. However, it’s crucial to remember that bear markets can offer opportunities for strategic long-term investing, especially when you’re pre

Managing one’s finances can be high-stress, especially when considering the future. As easy as it seems for us to save for retirement, build a home, or plan a child’s education, sound financial advice is a big plus. However, with so many options available, how do you choose the right advisor? One of the smart decisions to make is to partner with a fee-only financial advisor . In this blog, we’ll come to know what fee-only financial advising is; how it works; and why many peop

When it comes to securing your financial future, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right professional to help you navigate the complex world of investments, budgeting, and retirement planning. At Fee Only Planners, we believe in transparency and objectivity. In today’s post, we’re breaking down the often-confusing topic of how financial advisors get paid. We’ll explain the differences between compensation models, help you understand why a fee-only approach i

Are you a young professional trying to navigate the world of money management in San Diego? Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to improve your financial habits, having a solid financial plan is crucial for long-term success. At Fee Only Planners, we specialize in financial planning for young professionals San Diego and offer personalized strategies that work for you. In this guide, we’re sharing 10 essential tips on how to start financial planning in

If you’ve ever felt uncertain about your financial choices—whether it’s how to allocate your income, decide on an investment, or when to use credit—you’re not alone. Navigating the world of personal finance can be overwhelming, but with the right guidance and mindset, you can take control of your money and create a secure future. This article, brought to you by the advisors at Fee Only Planners, will provide you with finance advice grounded in practical steps, tips on money

Anyone looking to achieve meaningful financial goals—whether that involves purchasing a home, funding a child’s education, planning for retirement, or creating a diverse investment portfolio—quickly learns that success typically requires professional guidance. This is where the conversation around financial planner vs financial advisor begins. While the two roles share many similarities, they also differ in scope, approach, and areas of specialization. At Fee Only Planners,

When you think about securing your financial future, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. From understanding investment options to planning for retirement, balancing day-to-day expenses, and preparing for the unexpected, the complexities can quickly pile up. That’s where a professional financial advisory service comes in. But what do financial advisors do, and why might you consider turning to them for guidance? At Fee Only Planners, our mission is to help you achieve your unique f

When it comes to retirement planning, business owners have various strategies to consider for incentivizing and rewarding their employees. One such strategy is implementing a profit sharing plan as part of a company’s 401(k) offering. As advisors at Fee Only Planners, we understand the complexities of these plans and the value they can bring to both employers and employees. Here’s everything you need to know about what is profit sharing , 401(k) profit sharing , and how thes

Investing in the financial markets often involves familiarizing oneself with industry-specific terms. One of the most fundamental yet frequently misunderstood concepts is the bull market . As experienced advisors at Fee Only Planners, we aim to provide clarity on this vital topic, helping investors understand the nuances of bull and bear markets, and what to expect during these cycles. What is a Bull Market? A bull market is a prolonged period when stock prices are generally

When it comes to building long-term wealth, many investors immediately think of traditional investment vehicles like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. However, real estate offers an exciting avenue for diversifying your portfolio and creating a sustainable income stream. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the world of real estate, understanding alternative real estate investment options is essential. In this article, we’ll dive into key strategies and considerations f

Investing for retirement is a crucial aspect of financial planning that requires a balanced approach to ensure long-term stability and growth. Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or revisiting your strategy, the choice of retirement stocks plays a significant role in achieving your financial goals. At Fee Only Planners, we emphasize the importance of a diversified portfolio, personalized retirement and planning strategies, and a focus on long-term growth. I

One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, estate planning documents is the letter of instruction . Many people spend time creating a will, trust, and other essential legal documents, but they forget to include this simple yet powerful tool that can help their loved ones manage affairs after they pass away. In this article, the advisors at Fee Only Planners provide guidance on writing a letter of instruction, offer a free template for a will , and explain how to ensure yo

When it comes to managing your finances, ensuring that your advisor acts in your best interest is paramount. This is where fiduciary investment advisors come into play. But what exactly does it mean to be a fiduciary? In this article, we will delve into the meaning of fiduciary, the definition of a fiduciary, and how fiduciary investment advisors operate to benefit their clients. What is a Fiduciary? A fiduciary is a person or firm who acts on behalf of another, putting their

If you’re considering buying an annuity—or already own one—it’s likely because you’re looking for an investment that seems safe, provides regular ongoing payments, and limits potential losses. However, there are many types of annuities with substantial differences, and not all provide the safety that investors desire. Understanding these differences is crucial to making an informed decision. Understanding Fixed and Indexed Annuities Annuities can offer stability and security,