top of page


Retirement Planning in California: What a Financial Advisor Can Do for You
Retirement. It’s supposed to be your reward after decades of hard work. Lazy mornings. Coastal drives. More time with family and passions. But here’s the question—are you truly prepared? Living in California is different. Retiring here is even trickier. From sky-high housing costs to steep taxes, your dream lifestyle needs more than wishful thinking. It needs a smart, strategic plan. That’s exactly where a Financial Advisor in California steps in. Why Retirement in Californi
5 min read


Why Financial Planning is Crucial for Startup Success
Startups don’t fail because founders aren’t smart.They fail because they run out of money. And not just money.Clarity.Direction.Discipline. You’ve got a bold vision.A product.A pitch. But have you got a plan ?Without it, you’re driving a race car with no brakes. Financial Planning for Startups isn’t just a safety net.It ’s a slingshot. Let’s break down why you need it, what it looks like, and how it turns chaos into growth. Startups Aren’t a Sprint. They’re a Cash Marathon.
4 min read


Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Financial Advisor Business Plan
So, you’re finally crafting your Financial Advisor Business Plan . Exciting, isn’t it? But wait—how do you know it’s not filled with the same errors that trip up even the best in the industry? Let’s be honest. Writing a business plan is one thing. Creating one that actually works is something else entirely. We’re here to make sure you don’t just make any plan—but the right one. One that attracts clients, grows revenue, and keeps your mission crystal clear. Let’s uncover the
4 min read


Are CFPs Fiduciaries? What Every San Diego Investor Should Know
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
4 min read


How to Choose the Right Retirement Planner in San Diego
Smart financial decisions of today are what will create a smooth retirement experience for you tomorrow. Everyone wants a prosperous future, don’t they? It has become mandatory in times like today to secure a good financial life for yourself and the coming generations ahead. That’s why people opt for retirement planning service in San Diego for various reasons. It might be to build wealth, strengthen one’s financial condition for the later stages of life, to fight off the un
4 min read


Fee-Only Planning in San Diego
If you’re browsing for financial advisors in San Diego, you’ve probably come across a variety of titles: broker, financial consultant, wealth manager, fiduciary CFP—the list goes on. But here’s the real question: who’s working for you , and who’s working for a commission? At Fee Only Planners, we’re a San Diego-based financial advisory firm that believes your finances should never come with a hidden agenda. We use the latest tools and technologies to provide the most secure,
3 min read


7 Tax-Smart Charitable Giving Strategies Every San Diegan Should Know
At Fee Only Planners, we’re proud to serve as a trusted fiduciary financial advisor to families and individuals throughout San Diego. With the end of the year approaching, many of our clients are asking how they can make a bigger impact with their charitable giving and keep their tax bills in check. If you’re searching for ways to give back while optimizing your finances, this guide is for you. Whether you’re already connected with the San Diego Foundation or looking for gu
5 min read


529 College Plans: Smart Education Savings for San Diego Families
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
4 min read


When Is the Best Time to Start Planning for Your Retirement?
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
4 min read


How Financial Advisors in Santa Rosa Can Help You Plan for Retirement
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
4 min read


What Does a Financial Advisor Do? Is it Helpful?
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
4 min read


Planning for Retirement in San Diego: A Guide to Making Your Money Last
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
5 min read


Understanding Bear Markets: How to Navigate the Ups and Downs of Investing
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
5 min read


What is Fee-Only Financial Advising?
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
4 min read


How Financial Advisors Get Paid: What You Need to Know for a Secure Future
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
8 min read


10 Essential Financial Planning Tips for Young Adults in San Diego
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
7 min read


Maximizing Your Finances: Practical Strategies for Success
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
7 min read


Understanding the Difference Between a Financial Advisor and a Financial Planner
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,
7 min read


Financial Well-Being: How a Trusted Financial Advisor Can Help
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
7 min read


Profit Sharing Plans: A Comprehensive Guide
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
6 min read
bottom of page
