WHAT PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS DO YOU HAVE?  
I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a  Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), a designation awarded to a select group of CPAs who have passed a rigorous examination and who possess at least three years experience in financial planning. Only CPAs can be PFSs. In addition they must submit references from clients and other professionals to demonstrate their expertise in financial planning.  

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PROVIDING FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES?  
I have been practicing as a CPA and accountant in the community for 20 years, and have been providing financial planning services for the past 8 years.  

HOW DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES?  
As "fee based only" financial planners, our sole compensation consists of the fees paid by our clients for our services. Our fees are the same no matter what product you buy - or if you don't buy any products at all. We do not sell products, receive commissions or accept referral fees.  

DO YOU OFFER FULL DISCLOSURE OF FEES IN ADVANCE?  
Yes. In most cases we commit to fees in writing before an engagement begins. This fee is based on the number of hours we estimate will be required to complete the engagement. Our billing rate is $150 per hour. Because much of our work is done in the early stages of an engagement, we require a 50% retainer.  

IS THERE A CHARGE FOR AN INITIAL INTERVIEW?  
No. We will be happy to meet for up to one half hour to talk about your needs and how we can help. There is no charge for this introductory meeting.  

DO YOU SPECIALIZE IN PARTICULAR SERVICES?  
We specialize in retirement planning, college funding, budgeting and business succession planning. We also assist our clients with investment monitoring, income and estate planning, and insurance needs assessment services.  

Other questions you may wish to ask:  

• What is your approach to financial planning? 
• Will I be working with you or someone else in your office? 
• How do you arrive at the financial planning recommendations you develop for me? 
• How do you keep informed about new planning techniques and strategies? 

Are you a registered investment adviser?