Fee-only in Pennsylvania?

[pandais]

Hello,

Early career physician looking for fee-only advisor in Pennsylvania.

I am pretty independent in terms of funding my own accounts, would just like to pay a few hundred dollars every few months to have someone check my work and make sure I am doing the right things overall.

[Hank]

James Lange in Pittsburgh is excellent. He may be more appropriate for trust and estate work and a check-in every year or three vs. every few months.

[pandais]

James Lange in Pittsburgh is excellent. He may be more appropriate for trust and estate work and a check-in every year or three vs. every few months.

I looked at his website and it seems like he only does AUM. Has this been your experience, or how much does he charge you?

I feel like in the days of ETFs and target-date funds AUM is really a waste unless you have an extraordinarily complex situation...

[jfoxcpacfp]

Is there a specific reason you really need them to be located in PA? Even if you’re in PA, won’t you be meeting via Zoom?

[pandais]

Is there a specific reason you really need them to be located in PA? Even if you’re in PA, won’t you be meeting via Zoom?

PA has specific requirements in regards to 529 write offs against state income taxes, which is nice to have my advisor be aware of. Isn't necessary but is a plus.

Had a call with a financial planner yesterday who is not from PA and they had no idea.

[jfoxcpacfp]

PA has specific requirements in regards to 529 write offs against state income taxes, which is nice to have my advisor be aware of. Isn't necessary but is a plus.

Had a call with a financial planner yesterday who is not from PA and they had no idea.

I would suggest that a sample population = 1 may not be sufficient. Jmpo, though.

Otoh, I am sure you will find many PA-based “advisors” who may be aware of your low-impact ”test” (which a simple Google search will resolve for anyone who cares to put in a couple minutes research) but are unaware of many more big-impact areas such as the difference between 457b’s, benefit of solo-k over SEP, benefits of HSAs for retirement, and BD Roths. Of course, that is a sample of only 4, but I could come up with many more. It’s your money and your life, not mine.

Yes, PA plan for residents is extremely generous but the goal is not to keep it a secret from non-PA advisors.