FAQs

Are you a fiduciary?
Sure am! This means I put your interests ahead of my own at all times. Not only do I feel a personal obligation to do so, but I have an ethical and legal obligation to as well. To learn more about what it means to be a Certified Financial Planner™, check out the CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.

What is your investment philosophy?
I don’t believe in trying to time the market, or even trying to beat it. I focus on low-cost index-based funds and combining that with a thorough review of your financial goals to come up with the best investment strategy. I also have options for clients who want to be socially conscious with their investment strategy.

How do you make money?
I charge a flat annual subscription for financial planning of $5,400. I have two optional services along with the subscription: investment management at a rate of .25% of the investment account value annually (billed quarterly) and tax preparation services. I don’t make any commissions or referral fees, ever. I’m a proud member of NAPFA, an organization of fee-only financial planners.

Do you only work with tech workers/sex workers? Fear not – I work with other young professionals as well.

I’m interested in working with you. What is the process?
Before signing up, let’s get to know each other. We’ll start with a 30-minute introductory meeting to talk about what’s going on in your life and how I can help. If we like each other, we’ll have another meeting to do a deeper dive into your financial goals (one hour). I’ll then provide you with a quote for financial planning services.

What happens after I sign up?
I get to work! There’s a small discovery process to gather your financial information. I use a program called Right Capital to help with this process. In the first month, we should have two meetings: a review of your financial resources, and a cash flow & budgeting meeting.

We’ll then have quarterly meetings dedicated to specific topics and anything you want to ask. We’ll set up our next call at the end of each meeting (we can always adjust as needed) and have the next topic laid out.

What will we talk about?
If it touches your financial life, we’re going to talk about it. Common topics include managing your expenses, saving for retirement and big purchases, how to invest your money, reviewing your different types of insurance coverage, and going over your employee benefits. We’ll go over any questions you have as they come up. Maybe a few discussions on the latest Disney+ show, if you’re a fellow nerd 🙂

Who were your heroes growing up?
In no particular order: Dana Scully, Leia Organa, Amelia Earhart, Dr. Ellie Sattler, Bob Ballard. I’m a 90s kid all the way.

What are some other ways I can learn more about you before reaching out?
I’m pretty active on Twitter (@JessicaGoedtel) but be warned, my tweets range from issues in the financial planning industry to burning down the patriarchy, with a few pet photos in between. My more professional posts are on LinkedIn and my business Facebook page.

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