FAQS
Helpful Answers to Common Questions
What makes Tributaries Financial Planning different from a typical financial advisor?
Tributaries is built for people who have been underserved by the traditional financial planning industry. The focus on financial literacy, accessible pricing, and a specialization in education cost planning set it apart. Every interaction is designed to help clients understand their finances, not just follow instructions.
Do I need to have a lot of money to work with Tributaries?
No. There are no asset minimums, and paid tiers start at $75/month. Free resources including webinars, Q&A sessions, guides, and tools are available to everyone. Tributaries was specifically built for families and individuals who have been priced out of quality financial advice.
What does “fiduciary” mean, and why does it matter?
A fiduciary is legally required to act in your best interest. I don’t sell products or collect commissions. Every recommendation I make is based on what’s best for the client, not what earns me a fee from a third party. Not all financial professionals are held to this standard. Some only have to recommend what’s “suitable,” which is a lower bar.
What does a financial plan actually include?
It depends on your situation. A plan might cover budgeting, debt management, savings strategy, investment planning, insurance review, tax considerations, education funding, or retirement planning. The scope is based on your goals and what you need, not a one-size-fits-all template.
Do you manage investments?
Yes. Investment management can be added to any paid planning tier or selected as a standalone service. I use a straightforward, evidence-based approach and don’t earn commissions or sell proprietary products.
What's the difference between financial planning and investment management?
Financial planning covers the full picture: budgeting, debt, savings, insurance, taxes, education funding, and retirement. Investment management is the ongoing management of your investment portfolio. Many clients use both, but you can choose either one on its own.
Can you help with education costs specifically?
Yes. Education cost planning is a core specialty. I help families integrate financial aid strategy, 529 decisions, scholarship planning, and tuition costs into their broader financial plan. For families who also need admissions guidance or school selection support, Tributaries Educational Consulting provides that service, and clients who use both receive partner pricing on educational consulting.
How much does it cost?
Paid planning tiers range from $75 to $1,000 per month depending on your needs and complexity. Investment management fees are separate and based on assets under management. Your exact fee is determined together during the discovery meeting. All fees are negotiable and variable, depending on your needs and complexity of your financial situation.
How do I get started?
Start by answering a few quick questions so we know who we’re talking to and what’s on your mind. From there, you’ll schedule a free discovery meeting and receive a more detailed questionnaire so our first conversation can focus on what matters most. During the discovery meeting, we’ll talk about your priorities, what’s most urgent, and what working together would look like, including the right service level and fee for your situation. From there, we build a clear, written plan with concrete recommendations, followed by ongoing support, regular meetings, and coordination with other professionals as needed.
What if I'm not sure which tier is right for me?
Explore the free resources first. Webinars, guides, Q&A sessions, and tools are available to everyone at no cost, with no obligation. If you decide you want personalized planning, the discovery meeting is free and it’s where we’ll determine the right service level and fee together. All paid memberships include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What if I just have a quick question?
Monthly webinars and Q&A sessions are open to everyone and are a great place to ask questions directly. The resource library and blog may already have what you’re looking for.
Will you coordinate with my accountant, attorney, or other professionals?
Yes. Coordination with your other professionals is part of the planning process. I don’t provide tax or legal advice, but I work alongside those who do to make sure your plan is consistent across the board.
Can we meet virtually?
Yes. All meetings are virtual. This allows Tributaries to serve clients throughout Maine and beyond based on your schedule.
Do you work with people outside of Maine?
Yes. All meetings are virtual, so location isn’t a barrier.
What is Tributaries Educational Consulting, and how is it connected to Tributaries Financial Planning?
Tributaries Educational Consulting helps families with school selection, applications, and admissions from pre-K through post-doc. Tributaries Financial Planning is a separate entity. The firms share common ownership and are designed to work together, but they operate independently for regulatory purposes. You can work with either firm on its own. Clients who work with both receive partner pricing on educational consulting services.
Is my information kept private?
Yes. Tributaries Financial Planning is required by law to protect your personal information and will never sell your data. The full Privacy Policy is available at tributariesfp.com/privacy-policy.
What happens if I want to cancel?
You can cancel any paid membership with 30 days’ written notice. All paid tiers include a 30-day money-back guarantee. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation penalties.