How do you get paid?

Why it matters: Compensation shapes advice. If an advisor earns commissions on products, it's hard to tell where the recommendation ends and the sale begins.

Our answer: We're fee-only: we're paid a transparent advisory fee on the assets we manage, and nothing else. No commissions, no product sales. Our current fee schedule is on the Services page, with full details in our Form ADV.

Are you a fiduciary — all the time?

Why it matters: “Yes” is easy to say, and it's often only true part of the time. Many advisors are dual-registered: the same person can act as a fiduciary adviser one moment and a commissioned salesperson the next, usually under two nearly identical company names. The fiduciary duty applies to some recommendations and not others, and you won't always know which is which.

Our answer: Yes, all the time. As an investment adviser registered with the State of Washington, we're required to act in your best interest in everything we do. There is no brokerage arm and no second hat to switch to.

The follow-up that settles it: Not sure how to tell? Ask this: “Is there any circumstance where you can sell me a product and earn a commission, like life insurance or an annuity?” If the answer is yes, they aren't always a fiduciary, no matter what the brochure says. Our answer is no. We can't sell products or accept commissions, period.

Who actually holds my money?

Why it matters: Your advisor should never be the one holding your assets. Independent custody means someone else safeguards the money and reports on it directly to you.

Our answer: Client assets are held at Charles Schwab, which handles custody and reporting. We chose Schwab for its reputation, security, and client experience, and you'll receive statements directly from them.

How do taxes factor into your investment decisions?

Why it matters: What you keep matters more than what you earn, yet many advisors never see your tax return.

Our answer: This is our whole model. Your wealth advisor and your tax team are the same firm, so investment decisions are made with current-year tax information, and standard personal and trust tax preparation is generally included through our affiliated firm, Walla Walla Tax Advisors.

Who do you typically work with?

Why it matters: An advisor whose typical client looks like you will already know your terrain.

Our answer: Clients entering or in retirement, preparing to sell (or having recently sold) a business or property, and families thinking through wealth transfers. In short: people who've reached the point where coordinated guidance across taxes, investments, and long-term planning makes their lives easier.

What would a first meeting look like?

Why it matters: You should know what you're walking into, and a good first meeting is a two-way interview.

Our answer: We'll walk through how integrated tax and wealth management works, a quick example of what planning looks like in practice, our investment philosophy, and how we work with clients. We'll also ask a few questions of our own: what prompted you to reach out now, what challenge or decision is on your mind, and what you're hoping to find in an advisory relationship. No cost, no obligation.

What does switching advisors involve?

Why it matters: Fear of paperwork and surprise tax bills keeps a lot of people in relationships that aren't working.

Our answer: Less than most people fear. We handle the transfer paperwork, and most accounts move electronically. Just as important, we review the tax consequences of every holding before anything is sold; switching advisors shouldn't trigger an avoidable tax bill.

How will I know it’s working?

Why it matters: “We'll beat the market” isn't a plan, and it isn't a promise anyone can responsibly make.

Our answer: You'll have a written plan with things we can actually measure: savings targets hit, tax strategies executed, income needs funded. We review it together on a regular rhythm, and you'll always know what you're paying and why.