FAQ

Our clients are accomplished professionals and visionary entrepreneurs seeking tailored financial strategies. We specialize in working with highly compensated executives, senior leaders (SVP+ at large companies), physicians, equity partners in professional firms, and successful business owners with complex financial needs. Typically, our clients meet one or more of these criteria:

For the firm:

• Household annual earned income: $350K+ (including restricted stock units and options)

• Investable assets: $250K+

• Annual business revenue: $3M+

Meredith personally accepts a select number of new clients, focusing on those with:

• Household annual earned income: $500K+

• Investable assets: $1M+

• Annual business revenue: $5M+

We are committed to building lasting partnerships with clients who value bespoke solutions and long-term collaboration.

Yes, indirectly. Our goal is to ensure every client engagement delivers significant value. For this reason, we work with individuals and businesses whose financial circumstances align with the thresholds noted above. These guidelines help us provide the exclusive, highly customized service our clients expect.

Your journey with us begins with a comprehensive discovery process to uncover your unique goals and challenges. We use a planning-first approach, meticulously integrating all aspects of your financial life—investment allocation, risk management, estate planning, tax strategies, and more. This consultative method ensures that every recommendation advances your financial goals while addressing the emotional and practical complexities of wealth.

Your meeting schedule is customized to your needs. During the first year, we may meet as frequently as monthly or as little as three times, depending on your plan’s scope. In subsequent years, we tailor our cadence to fit your life transitions and financial priorities, with annual reviews or quarterly updates as typical options. For investment management clients, we meet at least annually and adjust as needed for significant changes or market conditions.

We believe in creating globally diversified portfolios that align seamlessly with your unique financial plan. Our approach focuses on long-term asset accumulation, balancing domestic equity, international investments, fixed income, and alternatives. We avoid speculation, instead optimizing portfolios for your specific risk profile and income needs. For clients with $1M+ in investable assets, a dedicated analyst and portfolio manager ensure your strategy remains aligned with your evolving goals.

Click here to read Artisan Financial Strategies' Philosophy Guide to Planning and Investing.

Our fee structure is designed to reflect the value of our personalized approach:

1. Financial Planning: Monthly planning fees start at $350 and vary based on the advisor and scope of the engagement.

2. Assets Under Management (AUM):

   • Up to $500K: 1.25%

   • $500K–$1M: 1.0%

   • $1M–$3M: 0.80%

   • $3M–$5M: 0.65%

   • $5M+: 0.50%

3. Commissions: Certain insurance and annuity products may include carrier-paid commissions as part of a comprehensive plan.

Transparency is at the heart of our pricing, ensuring you understand the value of every service we provide.

We do not offer advice-only services without the opportunity to actively implement the customized strategies we develop together. However, we understand and respect your existing relationships and prior financial work. Our goal is to ensure that all elements of your financial plan—past, present, and future—align with your evolving goals and objectives.

Many business-owner clients find opportunities to run planning fees through their businesses. We recommend consulting your tax advisor to determine if this approach applies to your circumstances.

Our team approach ensures continuity for your financial plan. With multiple advisors involved in your account and visibility across all policies and investments, we provide seamless transitions if your primary advisor becomes unavailable. AFS’s commitment to meticulous succession planning means your financial journey remains uninterrupted.

You can read our WBENC Capabilities Statement here. It showcases how AFS delivers industry-leading strategies and exclusive financial solutions tailored to high-performing women leaders and businesses.