Business Details
Trusted Fee-Only Financial Advisors in Traverse City
We are a fee-only investment advisory firm committed to acting solely in our clients' best interests. Our firm was founded on the principle that financial advice should be transparent, unbiased, and aligned with client needs. With over two decades of experience serving individuals and families in the Traverse City area, we specialize in comprehensive wealth management and financial planning. Our services include retirement income planning, tax strategy development, estate planning, debt management, and gifting strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances. Our fiduciary duty ensures all recommendations prioritize client goals above all else.Our team combines deep technical expertise with a personalized approach to financial guidance. We maintain strict adherence to regulatory compliance and client confidentiality standards. Our founder's background in actuarial science and risk management informs our proactive investment strategies. We emphasize clear communication and ongoing education to build lasting client trust. Our commitment to community extends through financial literacy initiatives like the Money Series nonprofit.
Services
Wealth Management
Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Tax Planning
Estate Planning
Debt Management
Gifting Strategies
Highlights and features
- We operate as a true fiduciary with legal obligation to act in your best interest
- Our fee-only structure eliminates conflicts of interest from product sales commissions
- Founder brings actuarial expertise and 20+ years of local financial advisory experience
- We offer both ongoing wealth management and project-based financial planning options
- Our proactive risk management approach protects client portfolios during market volatility
Associations and certifications
- CFA Institute
- CFP Board
- NAPFA
Services
Wealth Management
Our wealth management service provides ongoing investment portfolio oversight with personalized risk assessment and strategic asset allocation. We implement customized investment strategies aligned with your financial goals while maintaining proactive risk management. Our approach combines actuarial expertise with modern portfolio theory to optimize long-term returns while managing downside risk.
Financial Planning
We develop tailored financial plans addressing retirement income, tax optimization, estate preservation, and debt management. Our process begins with detailed financial assessment followed by strategy development and implementation guidance. We emphasize measurable outcomes and regular plan updates to adapt to changing life circumstances and market conditions.
Retirement Planning
Our retirement planning service creates sustainable income streams while minimizing sequence-of-returns risk. We analyze Social Security optimization, required minimum distributions, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. The planning process incorporates longevity considerations and healthcare cost projections to ensure financial security throughout retirement.
Tax Planning
We implement tax-efficient investment strategies and coordinate with CPAs to minimize lifetime tax liability. Our approach includes tax-loss harvesting, asset location optimization, and strategic Roth conversion analysis. We focus on both current tax savings and long-term tax implications of financial decisions.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning service coordinates with attorneys to create effective wealth transfer strategies. We analyze beneficiary designations, trust structures, and charitable giving vehicles. The process emphasizes minimizing estate taxes while ensuring smooth asset transition according to your wishes.
People
Jason P. Tank
Founder & Wealth Manager
CFA charterholder and Certified Financial Planner with 20+ years serving Traverse City families. Former actuary at Allianz Life, now focused on fiduciary wealth management. Graduated Michigan State University (1994) and holds multiple professional certifications including Enrolled Agent tax status.
Jean C. Clous
Operations Manager
Manages firm operations and client administration since 2009. Oversees regulatory compliance, client data security, and reporting systems. Brings prior business ownership experience and maintains focus on client confidentiality. Coordinates firm communications and digital presence.
Questions
What does 'fee-only' financial advisor mean?
We receive compensation solely from client fees, never from product sales commissions or third-party incentives, ensuring unbiased financial advice.
Are you legally required to act in my best interest?
Yes, as a registered investment advisor, we have a fiduciary duty to prioritize your financial interests above all else.
What services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive wealth management, retirement planning, tax strategy development, estate planning, and debt management solutions.
How are your investment strategies different?
Our actuarial background informs proactive risk management strategies that emphasize capital preservation during market volatility.
How do you charge for your services?
We offer transparent fee structures based on portfolio size for ongoing management or project scope for financial planning engagements.
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