Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is a fiduciary, and why does it matter?
A fiduciary is legally and ethically required to put your interests ahead of their own. That sounds like it should be the default for anyone giving financial advice, but it isn't. Many advisors operate under a standard that only requires their recommendations to be "suitable," which leaves room for conflicts of interest like commissions and product sales quotas. We're a fiduciary by choice, not just by license. It shapes how we're paid, how we build portfolios, and how we make recommendations. When we suggest something, it's because we believe it's right for you — not because it pays us more.
How is IPS different from a broker or big-box firm?
A few ways. We're independent, which means we're not tied to a parent company's products, quotas, or sales goals. We're fee-only, so we don't earn commissions on what we recommend. And we're built around relationships, not call centers. You'll work with the same team year after year, and when you call, a real person picks up. The biggest difference is how it feels. At a large firm, you're often one of thousands of accounts assigned to whoever's available. At IPS, we know your name, your goals, and what's going on in your life.
What is the first step to becoming a client?
A conversation. We'll spend about 30 minutes getting to know each other — what you're working toward, what's on your mind, and what you're looking for in an advisor. There's no pitch, no pressure, and no obligation to move forward. If it feels like a fit on both sides, we'll walk you through what working together looks like from there. If not, we're happy to point you toward someone who might be a better match.
What does "fee-only" mean and why does it matter?
Fee-only means we're paid directly by our clients — and only by our clients. We don't earn commissions, we don't sell products, and no third party pays us for steering you in any particular direction. It matters because it removes the most common conflicts of interest in this industry. The advice you get is the advice we'd give ourselves.
Service Questions
What services does IPS offer?
Our work spans financial planning, wealth management, business planning, and concentrated stock consulting — along with related areas like retirement income planning, tax strategy, equity compensation, estate coordination, and real estate analysis. If your situation crosses several of those at once, that's usually where we add the most value.
Who do you typically work with?
Most of our clients are individuals, families, and business owners in the Pacific Northwest who have built real wealth and want a thoughtful, long-term partner to manage it. That includes people approaching retirement, owners thinking about life after the business, high-earnersequity compensation, and shareholders navigating a concentrated stock position.
Can I work with you if I don't live in Washington?
Yes. While we're rooted in the South Puget Sound and many of our clients are local, we work with clients across the country. Video meetings, secure document sharing, and good phone calls cover most of what we'd need to do together.
Do you offer one-time planning, or only ongoing relationships?
Both. Most of our work is ongoing — that's where we add the most value over time — but we also do standalone planning engagements for clients who want a one-time deep dive on a specific question (retirement readiness, a stock sale, a business transition, etc.).
Logistical Questions
Where are my assets held?
We use Schwab and Altruist as our custodians. That means your assets are held by a large, independent third party — not by IPS. We manage the investments; the custodian holds them. You'll have your own login to view your accounts anytime.
How long does it take to get setup as a client?
Usually a couple of weeks from the moment you decide to move forward. We'll guide you through the paperwork, help open or transfer accounts at the custodian, and walk you through every step. Most clients are surprised by how little they have to do on their end.
Can I meet in person or is everything virtual?
Both. Our office is in Puyallup and we're happy to meet there anytime. We also do plenty of video and phone meetings for clients who prefer it or who aren't local. Whatever fits your life.
Is it difficult to transfer my accounts to IPS?
You don't have to liquidate anything or move it yourself. We handle the paperwork to transfer your existing accounts to Schwab or Altruist, and in most cases your investments move "in kind" — meaning they come over as-is, without triggering a tax event.