FAQ - Phoundational LLC

What is Phoundational?

Phoundational is a Fee-Only* financial advisory firm registered with the state of California. Phoundational provides knowledge and strategy for financial action. People and organizations all have financial goals but often don’t know how to achieve them. The financial services industry presents a complicated landscape where factors such as regulations and taxes intersect with a seemingly infinite range of service providers and investment products. Add on high, recurring fees and there’s a lot for an investor to consider. That explains the phenomenon of paralysis by analysis: when a daunting spectrum of facts and options leads to procrastination and avoidance. Phoundational aims to help individuals, families, and organizations break the thinking impasse by distilling the flood of information into a coherent, durable strategy that’s ready for action. Thinking certainly matters, but taking action is the only way to make progress toward goals.

* Please refer to independent sources such as The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard for additional information on the potential benefits for consumers from Fee-Only advisors.

Why would I engage Phoundational?

If you feel that a lack of knowledge inhibits your ability to make key financial decisions, Phoundational can help. Clients usually know where they’d like their finances to take them but they just don’t know how to get there. Often, they feel rudderless, as if they’re not making progress, or just unequipped to navigate the varied options facing them. Further, clients sometimes have comfort with a certain portion of their asset portfolio yet they might lack consistency for their financial profile in totality.

Who are Phoundational's Clients?

Phoundational helps clients who want and need to learn more about finance in order to either develop or sustain plans toward their goals. Often, this includes individuals and organizations facing challenges that fall beyond the purview of either traditional or newer (i.e., technology-based) brokers and investment advisors. Client needs may be specific in nature and therefore don’t require signing up for long-term, asset-based, recurring fees. Phoundational works with individuals, families, and organizations, each of which has unique situations requiring assistance. Not coincidentally, Phoundational clients often work in entrepreneurial careers and appreciate the creative arts.

How does Phoundational work?

Phoundational provides advisory services in a highly specific and transparent way. Prospective clients meet with Johnny for an initial overview of the matters requiring assistance. Johnny then proposes a plan that typically includes an element of education. With education comes knowledge, which then can lead to independence and confidence as clients progress toward their goals. Phoundational’s fees are neither asset-based nor recurring. In other words, the common industry model of a fixed percentage of assets paid annually into perpetuity does not apply here. Also, as a Fee-Only firm, Phoundational is not compensated in any way by any party other than its clients.

Where do client accounts go?

The short answer is, wherever you’d like them to be. Phoundational generally recommends clients have their investment accounts at either Fidelity Investments, Vanguard Advisers, or Charles Schwab & Co. due to their customer-friendly platforms. However, clients may choose to maintain their accounts at any firm of their preference. Phoundational does not take custody of client assets or even gain access to their accounts. This allows you to retain control of your accounts, protect your electronic information, and—this is key—understand and control these accounts yourself.

When can clients get help?

It’s never too early—or too late—to plan for financial improvement. Whether you’re a teenager or already in your golden years, it’s smart to learn the components of long-term success. Phoundational helps clients understand the basic elements of financial planning and how they may vary depending on your stage in life. Once clients have this knowledge, Phoundational develops a strategy that aims to help clients achieve their life goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

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