Zach Melloh, CFP®

"Why work with an independent RIA instead of a big-name firm?"

Here's why many of my clients choose to:

1.Independent advice.

I'm not tied to proprietary investment products or in-house solutions.

I build portfolios based on what I believe is best for each client's goals not what my firm needs to sell.

2. Retirement is about decisions not just returns.

The biggest opportunities often come from:

• Tax planning

• Roth conversions

• Withdrawal strategy

• Fixed income positioning

• Portfolio rebalancing

• Cash flow planning

Those decisions can have just as much impact as investment performance.

3. A direct relationship.

When something changes in your life, you know exactly who to call.

Your advisor knows your goals, your family, and your financial plan not just your account balance.

4. Competitive pricing.

Many people assume independent advisors / RIA’s cost more.

In many cases, that's simply not true.

You can receive comprehensive financial planning and investment management at a very competitive fee.

John had over $2 million invested.

On paper, he looked successful.

But after reviewing his full financial picture, we uncovered opportunities across taxes, investments, insurance, and planning.

Here’s how we may help someone in this situation:🧵

1. Created a clearer financial strategy

John had a strong income but no clear system connecting his cash flow, savings, investments, and goals.

We helped align each dollar with what he wanted his money to accomplish.

2. Built a more tax-efficient investment plan

His accounts were spread across multiple institutions without a clear strategy.

We reviewed:

• Asset allocation

• Tax efficiency

• Account location

• Risk exposure

The focus shifted from:

"What should I invest in?"

to:

"What strategy gives me the best chance of reaching my goals?"

3. Developed a retirement tax strategy

With significant pre-tax retirement assets, we analyzed:

• Roth conversions

• Future RMDs

• Social Security timing

• Medicare IRMAA…

There's so much more value to having a financial advisor than just picking investments.

It's having an experienced sounding board when you're faced with life's biggest financial decisions.

"Should I sell my business now or wait?"

"Should I pay off my mortgage?"

"Can I afford the lake house?"

"Should I exercise my stock options?"

"Do I take the pension or lump sum?"

"Should I retire this year or next?"

"Should I convert to a Roth?"

"How much can I gift my kids?"

"Should I buy another rental property?"

"Can I help my parents financially?"…