FAQ
Q: Why is financial planning important?
A: Financial planning isn’t just about numbers — it’s about aligning your money with your life. When you have a thoughtful plan, you can stop wondering if you’re doing enough and start making confident decisions. Studies show people who engage in planning feel more in control and are more likely to reach their goals. At Mirus Planning, our goal is to give you clarity, reduce anxiety, and help you live a more meaningful life — on your terms.
Q: What types of goals can financial planning help with?
A: Just about any life goal that involves money. From saving for a home to preparing for preferment (our word for retirement), to supporting your children or aging parents — planning helps you stay intentional. We’ll help you define your goals, prioritize them, and build a path forward that’s realistic and flexible.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: We offer comprehensive financial planning through our Exploring & Mapping process. This includes retirement income planning, cash flow and tax strategy, estate planning, investment planning, Social Security and Medicare guidance, and risk management. We also offer investment management for clients who want ongoing support after the planning engagement.
Q: What is project-based financial planning?
A: It’s a focused, collaborative engagement that results in a personalized financial plan — without requiring you to move your money or sign on for ongoing management. You’ll pay an hourly rate for our time, and the outcome is a tangible deliverable: a written, customized financial plan you can use with or without us in the future.
Q: Do I have to move my investments to work with you?
A: Not at all. Many of our clients work with us strictly for planning. If, after working together, it makes sense to bring accounts under management, we can discuss that — but only if it’s the right fit for both of us.
Q: What are your fees?
A: For financial planning, we charge by the hour. You pay for our time and expertise — not for products, commissions, or account size. If you choose to work with us for investment management afterward, we’ll explain those fees clearly in advance.
Q: What does it mean to work with a fiduciary?
A: A fiduciary is legally and ethically required to act in your best interest — no sales quotas, no hidden agendas. As CFP® professionals, we’re proud to operate as fiduciaries. You can expect honest guidance, full transparency, and recommendations that truly fit your life.
Q: How is Mirus Planning different from other financial advisors?
A: We lead with planning, not products. You don’t have to move your accounts or commit long-term to get value from working with us. Our Exploring & Mapping process gives you a clear roadmap for your financial life — designed around your goals.
Q: What can I expect in the first meeting?
A: It’s a conversation, not a commitment. We’ll ask a few key questions to understand what brought you in, what concerns or goals you have, and whether we’re a good fit. There’s no cost or pressure — just a chance to talk through where you are and how we might help.
Q: Who do you typically work with?
A: We work with individuals and couples who value thoughtful guidance — often those nearing or in retirement, facing a life transition, or simply wanting more clarity. Our clients typically have at least $250k in investable assets, but we focus more on mindset than account size.
Q: What is your investment philosophy?
A: We believe in long-term, diversified investing based on your goals and comfort level. We don’t chase trends or time the market — instead, we focus on building portfolios that support your financial plan and give you peace of mind.
Q: Can financial planning help with big life changes?
A: Absolutely. Life transitions — like retirement, divorce, the loss of a loved one, or selling a business — come with both emotional and financial complexity. Our role is to be a steady, clear-thinking partner when things feel uncertain.
Q: I’m not retiring yet — is now still a good time to plan?
A: Yes. Planning isn’t about timing the market or waiting for a milestone — it’s about making more confident choices today. Whether you’re 10 years from preferment or already there, having a plan helps you make better decisions with less stress.
Q: Can you help with Social Security and Medicare decisions?
A: Yes. These are some of the most important — and often confusing — decisions people face in retirement. We’ll walk you through your options, help you understand the tradeoffs, and coordinate with other professionals as needed.
Q: I’m supporting aging parents. Can you help with that?
A: We often work with clients who are in the “sandwich generation.” We can help you think through costs, care options, legal considerations, and how to balance financial priorities across generations.
Q: How can I use my money to live a more meaningful life?
A: That’s really the heart of what we do. We help you align your financial decisions with your values, goals, and relationships — so your money isn’t just growing, it’s supporting the life you truly want.
Q: What if I’ve never worked with a financial advisor before?
A: That’s completely okay. Many of our clients come to us for their first planning experience. We’ll guide you step by step, at your pace, with no jargon or pressure.
Q: What is “preferment,” and how is it different from retirement?
A: We use the word preferment instead of retirement because this season of life isn’t about slowing down — it’s about choosing what you prefer. Preferment means having the time, resources, and freedom to spend your days how you want, with the people you care about, doing the things that matter most.