Frequently Asked Questions
Get the scoop on Adda
Why should I choose you over another financial planner?
To be honest, there’s no guarantee that you should. Your best bet is to interview a handful of planners — ideally CFP® professionals — to understand their philosophy and process, learn about their history and personality, and inquire into their experience and credentials. Only after you’ve fully vetted all options should you make a decision. That being said, I’ve built Adda to address the unique set of needs, concerns, and events that occur in the first half of life. If you’re looking for more empowerment and less worry, you’ve come to the right place.
Are you fee-only?
Yes. Adda is a fee-only practice, meaning I do not receive any commissions or kickbacks from the sale of investments, insurance, or other products. Instead, I charge a transparent, flat fee for financial planning and investment management. Not only does this pricing model avoid major conflicts of interest, it allows me to help people that are ignored by most financial advisors.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. I am a CFP® professional and held to the fiduciary standard of care, meaning I am legally and ethically required to act in your best interests when providing financial advice. All recommendations are tailored to fit your own objectives and values.
What are your qualifications?
I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a licensed Investment Adviser Representative. I also serve on the Board of the Financial Planning Association’s Pittsburgh chapter. I’ve spent two decades immersing myself in all things finance and investing, with a finance degree from Penn State and an accounting degree from Notre Dame, plus 15 years working for some of the world’s largest and most respected names in finance, both in-house and as a consultant.
What is your investment philosophy?
I believe that consistently outperforming the market over time is so hard that only a tiny group of full-time, professional investors can do it. But here’s the good news: By investing early and consistently, you can let compounding do most of the work and focus on what you can control, like expenses, savings rate, taxes, and asset allocation.
Do I have to live near Pittsburgh?
No. Geography should not be a limiting factor to getting great financial advice. Since Adda is a virtual practice, I can work with anyone, whether you live in Pittsburgh or Portland. Most meetings take place on video or phone calls, fitting into your schedule without having to commute to an office.
Do I need a minimum amount of money?
No. I’ve designed a service model and pricing structure that allows me to work with anyone, regardless of your net worth or income.
How often will we meet?
We’ll have several onboarding meetings during the first year. After that, it’s completely dependent on your situation, but we should be catching up at least quarterly. And if you need anything between scheduled meetings, you’ll have access to my calendar for ad-hoc scheduling.
What is the client experience like?
Every aspect of the planning process has been tailored to simplify and streamline your financial life, primarily through industry leading technology and software.
How quickly will I see a return on my investment?
This totally depends on your situation. For some clients, I can help save thousands of dollars in just a few minutes. For others, it can take a couple years to see the compounding benefits of good financial habits. But the primary payoff is not necessarily monetary, it’s psychological: I won’t spend time finding the perfect portfolio that will maximize risk-adjusted returns, but rather optimizes for how well you sleep at night.
How will you help as my finances get more complicated?
I specialize in simplifying complex situations. I’m experienced with the volatility of the stock market, but also with the volatility of modern life. Whether you’re paying down debt, weighing job offers, moving cross-country, having your first child, or starting a business, I can help with all of it.
Where are assets held?
Adda does not maintain custody. Assets are held with Altruist, a modern custodian and investment platform providing 24/7 access to your accounts via an online portal or mobile app.
How do I transfer my money if I decide to cancel?
While I certainly hope to invest in long-term relationships with clients, you can cancel at any time and choose to remain with Altruist or move all assets to the custodian or vendor of your choice.
I’m already financially savvy. Would this be worth it?
Short answer: probably. Even professional athletes, who know more about fitness than 99% of the population, have their own trainers. Personal finance is similar. There are always strategies to optimize.
If I’m a bit older than your target client, can I still get in touch?
Of course! I aim to help everyone I meet, regardless of age. If I’m not the best solution for you, I’ll happily refer you to another firm that can help.