Fee Highlights

• Comprehensive financial planning starts at $5,000.
• More complex first-year planning engagements typically range from $7,000 to $16,000.
• Project-based financial consulting is available at $400 per hour.

Combined planning and investment management may reduce total fees, and in some cases investment management fees may offset part or all of the planning fee.

Comprehensive Financial Planning

Elements 5 provides comprehensive financial planning on a flat-fee basis determined by the complexity of your situation and the scope of ongoing advice. Basic financial planning starts at $5,000, and more complex first-year engagements typically range from $7,000 to $16,000. For clients who also engage Elements 5 for investment management, total fees may be lower. In some cases, the investment management fee may offset part or all of the financial planning fee, depending on assets under management and planning complexity. Planning complexity is generally influenced by factors such as:

• Income, savings, and tax profile.
• Number and types of accounts, investments, and other assets.
• Financial goals, priorities, and time horizon.
• Retirement or job transitions.
• Business ownership or business planning needs.
• Marital changes, blended family or multi-generational planning.
• Special circumstances, including special needs planning or other complex family considerations.

Comprehensive financial planning may include review, analysis, and advice regarding:

• Cash flow, savings rate, debt use, and liquidity.
• Tax strategy and planning.
• Retirement planning and distribution strategies.
• Retirement plan design for self-employed individuals and single-member or sole-proprietor business owners, including solo 401(k) planning.
• Investment planning and portfolio analysis.
• Employee benefits and stock or option incentives.
• Insurance review and risk management.
• Education funding and other major goals.
• Charitable giving, estate planning, and business or succession planning.

Fees are set forth in a written Financial Services Agreement and may be adjusted over time, with any change disclosed in advance and agreed to in writing before it takes effect.

Project-Based Financial Consulting

For clients who do not need a complete financial plan, Elements 5 offers project-based financial consulting at $400 per hour. This can be a cost-effective option for clients who want advice on one or more specific issues without engaging in a broader planning relationship. Examples of project-based consulting may include:

• Retirement readiness or retirement distribution analysis.
• Portfolio review or self-directed account design.
• Investment selection or strategy guidance.
• Tax-focused planning questions.
• Education funding analysis.
• Business planning and related financial decisions.

The Elements 5 Approach to Financial Planning

Elements 5 provides customized advice because each client’s financial situation, goals, priorities, and values are different. Two clients with similar circumstances may still require different planning recommendations and different investment solutions. Elements 5 follows the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards’ 6-step financial planning process:

1. Establish and define the client-planner relationship.
2. Gather financial data, documents, and other relevant information.
3. Analyze and evaluate the current financial position.
4. Develop and present recommendations and alternative solutions.
5. Assist the client with implementation of recommendations.
6. Monitor the recommendations over time.

As part of this process, Elements 5 meets with clients by telephone or in person to review goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and the financial issues most relevant to the engagement. These discussions may include income, assets, liabilities, insurance, tax returns, wills and trusts, business arrangements, and family obligations.

Implementation

After recommendations are presented, you decide whether and how to implement them. You are under no obligation to use additional services provided by Elements 5. When appropriate, Elements 5 can implement portfolio recommendations through its investment management service. For other matters, such as insurance, tax preparation, estate documents, or other specialized issues, Elements 5 can work with your accountant, attorney, insurance professional, or other advisors you choose. Elements 5 is fee-only and does not receive commissions, referral fees, or other compensation from third parties involved in implementing your plan.

What Clients Can Expect

Clients receive a planning engagement designed around their goals, priorities, and complexity. Depending on the scope of services, this may include initial analysis, plan development, implementation support, and ongoing review and monitoring. Clients who continue with comprehensive financial planning after the first year generally receive ongoing advice and periodic reviews, typically at least annually depending on their situation. Additional interim reviews may also be provided as needed when significant life events occur, helping keep the plan current and aligned with changing goals and priorities.