Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from people considering working with us. If your question isn’t here, we’d be glad to answer it directly.
What is financial life planning?
Financial life planning connects your values and life goals to your financial decisions. It combines cash flow planning, investment management, tax strategy, and risk management into one coordinated plan rather than a series of disconnected recommendations.
What services does Ridgeline Wealth Advisors provide?
We provide comprehensive financial life planning, investment management, integrated tax planning, retirement income planning, estate planning coordination, and insurance and risk analysis. We offer ongoing advisory relationships as well as hourly and fixed-fee planning engagements.
Where is Ridgeline Wealth Advisors located?
Ridgeline is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. As an SEC-registered investment adviser, we work with clients across the United States where we are approved to conduct business.
Can I work with Ridgeline if I live in another state?
Yes. Many of our client relationships are conducted remotely through video meetings, secure document exchange, and electronic signature, in any state where we are approved to conduct business.
How is Ridgeline Wealth Advisors compensated?
Ridgeline is a fee-based firm. We charge ongoing advisory fees based on assets under management, and we also offer hourly and fixed-fee planning engagements. Some of our advisors are separately licensed to sell insurance and may receive commissions on those products. We disclose all compensation and related conflicts of interest in our Form ADV Part 2A.
What is the difference between fee-based and fee-only?
A fee-only firm is paid solely by its clients. A fee-based firm like Ridgeline earns advisory fees from clients and may also earn insurance commissions. We think you should know exactly how your advisor is paid, so we disclose ours in writing.
Is Ridgeline Wealth Advisors a fiduciary?
Yes. As an SEC-registered investment adviser, Ridgeline has a fiduciary duty to act in your best interest with respect to the advisory services we provide.
Who will I actually be working with?
Ridgeline is intentionally a small team, so you have direct access to the people doing the work. You will know your advisor and your operations contact by name, and you can reach them without going through a call center.
What is your investment approach?
We use an evidence-based, globally diversified approach. We do not attempt to time markets. We focus on strategic asset allocation, disciplined rebalancing, cost control, and tax-aware portfolio management.
How do I get started with Ridgeline?
Start with a complimentary introductory conversation. We will discuss your situation and your goals, explain how we work and how we are paid, and decide together whether our approach fits your needs.