Choosing a financial planner is a big life decision. Here are some common questions people have when looking for a financial planner — with answers from the Fully team.
Fully Financial is a fee-only financial planning firm. That means we are paid exclusively and directly by our clients in exchange for ongoing financial planning, investment management, and financial advice. We do not sell financial products or accept commissions or payment of any kind from third-party companies or wholesalers.
Our all-inclusive fee is based on the value of assets under our management (AUM). There are no hidden costs or add-on fees. Fully’s annual fee starts at 1% of investable assets under management and gradually decreases to 0.25% on all managed assets above $5,000,000.
Clients with fewer than $300,000 in investable assets pay a minimum annual fee of $3,000.
View our all-inclusive pricing structureFully is a comprehensive financial planning and investment management firm. Through our carefully crafted process, we cover everything your money touches. Plus, we’re here at every turn. Any time you’re considering an idea or decision that could impact your finances, you can reach out to the Fully team for unbiased advice, thorough analysis, and optimal recommendations.
The personalized services we provide include:
Cash flow planning and debt management
Investment strategy and portfolio management
Cash reserves and emergency fund strategies
Goals- and values-based planning
Risk management and insurance review
Tax planning
Education funding planning
Retirement planning
Estate planning
No. We believe everyone can benefit from working with a trusted financial partner who provides real, fiduciary financial advice. Unlike many larger financial planning firms, Fully does not have an asset minimum requirement.
That said, our services and our fees are most appropriate for people with greater than $300,000 in investable assets or households with an annual income of at least $150,000 (single) or $200,000 (couple).
Our clients come from a variety of backgrounds and different stages of life. We don’t have any niche or asset requirements.
That said, we work best with people who are ready to delegate all of their financial planning and investment management to one advisory team.
Read our client success storiesAs a premiere boutique firm, what truly sets us apart is our personalized and comprehensive approach to financial planning, combined with our experience, education, and high-touch service.
We are passionate about providing real financial planning services to families and making those services more accessible. We hope that our passion, care, and authenticity are felt in every interaction you have with us.
At Fully, you’ll work directly with a dedicated CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (the gold standard financial planning designation) to build and implement your personalized financial plan and investment strategy. Plus, you’ll have access to the Fully team every step of the way for unlimited financial advice and ongoing adjustments to your plan.
All that said, we recognize and accept that we are not the best financial planning firm for everyone. There are thousands of financial planners out there, each with their own varying level of services, fee structures, philosophies, personalities, processes, and strategies. In our view, you should interview multiple planners before you choose one.
That's because our ultimate hope is that you end up working with the financial planner who makes you feel most comfortable and confident and brings you the greatest peace of mind. We hope that is Fully, but if it’s not, we’ll understand and even try to help you find the best fit.
Yes, 100% of the time. As a fee-only, independent planning firm, Fully is legally obligated to meet the fiduciary standard of care for all its clients, all of the time. That means your best interests will always come first — in every decision and recommendation we make for you.
Yes. All Fully clients work directly with our co-founder and CFP® professional Ben Jacobs to build and implement their financial plan and investment strategy. The Certified Financial Planner™ designation is the gold standard of financial planning certifications, indicating the highest levels of readiness and ethical standards.
Fully co-founder and financial planner Ben Jacobs develops and implements financial plans and investment strategies for all Fully clients. During his career, Ben has obtained advanced financial planning education and designations, including:
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ — the gold standard of financial planning certifications, requiring rigorous examination, high ethical standards, and continuing education.
A master’s degree in financial planning from the University of Georgia, one of the nation’s premier financial planning programs.
Enrolled Agent (EA) — a designation indicating a person has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. To earn this elite designation, Ben passed a three-part comprehensive IRS test covering individual and business tax returns. Enrolled Agents must adhere to ethical standards and complete continuing education courses.
AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary) — a professional certification that demonstrates an advisor has a fundamental understanding of the principles of fiduciary duty, the standards of conduct for acting as a fiduciary, and a process for carrying out fiduciary responsibility.
We believe everyone can benefit from having an unbiased, educated, and trusted financial partner to help streamline their finances, navigate the ever-changing legislative landscape, and bring order and clarity to their financial life.
Beyond helping clients achieve better lifetime returns, the value of hiring a financial planner includes the peace of mind that comes with having an objective "think partner" helping you evaluate financial decisions. Moreover, hiring a financial planner allows you to spend less time worrying about money and managing your investments, so you can spend more time on the things that are important to you.
That said, not everyone sees the value of hiring a financial planner. Many people find enjoyment in managing their own finances, researching and studying the latest financial and tax legislation, and implementing their own investment portfolio.
If you feel good about your finances and the long-term outlook, enjoy managing your finances and investments (and want to continue doing so), and are confident you know what you need to know (now and in the future), then it's likely that working with a financial planner — at least on a comprehensive, ongoing basis — is unnecessary.
With all this in mind, there is not one right answer to this question for every investor. It’s really up to you if you think a financial planner can add value to your life in a way that aligns with the fee you pay them.
Yes. Fully Financial was founded in Athens, Georgia, and has a physical office in Downtown Athens (244 E Washington St, Athens, GA 30601). That said, we work with clients across the country.
We leverage various technologies that enable us to fully service our remote clients just as effectively and responsively as those we meet with in our Athens office.
We offer virtual meeting options for clients and prospective clients.
The first step is an introductory conversation to learn more about your situation, answer your questions, and see if Fully is the right fit for you.
If you decide to move forward, we'll jump right in to developing your investment strategy and Fully comprehensive financial plan.
We offer remote meeting options for clients and prospective clients.
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