Services and Fees

Independent Advice

Birks Financial Advisors (BFA), LLC is an independent financial planning firm solely owned and operated by James M. Birks, CFP™. BFA acts as a fiduciary for its clients. This special relationship of trust established by law is similar to the relationship one has with an attorney or doctor. As such, BFA is legally obligated to maintain an allegiance of confidentiality, trust, loyalty, obedience, and accounting to its clients.

Lifelong Financial Security Plan™

BFA is the originator of the Lifelong Financial Security Plan™.  The Lifelong Financial Security Plan™ provides individuals with comprehensive retirement planning advice and fee-only portfolio management services so that they may achieve and maintain financial independence and freedom for the rest of their lives.

The Lifelong Financial Security Plan™ includes:

Comprehensive Financial Planning

      • Cash Flow Management- Including Income Needs in Retirement
      • Investment Allocation Planning-Including 401(k)
      • Income Distribution and Tax Planning
      • Retirement Planning
      • Risk Management- the Need for Specific Insurance
      • Education Funding
      • Estate Planning- Including Survivor Needs
      • Estate Settlement Planning- Including Assistance to your Heirs
      • Complementary Financial Planning for Your Parents and Children. 
      • Other Needs Specific to You

Portfolio Management 

  • Investment Analysis
  • Security Selection and Monitoring
  • Plan and Policy Design

 

Beneficiary Directory™ - More than an estate plan, it's an indispensable tool to guide your heirs through the estate settlement process. We help you assemble and maintain your directory. We also help your beneficiaries use the Beneficiary Directory to simplify your estate settlement process.

Legacy of Financial Independence™ - Provide your loved ones with the gift of financial independence. We provide complimentary financial planning for your parents and children.

Ethical Will- Typical estate planning deals with-"What do I want my loved ones to have". An Ethical Will helps to pass on- "What do I want my loved ones to know". We guide you through the process of developing your Ethical Will.

Identity Guard- Protection from Identity Theft. An increasing problem as our society goes digital. We help you protect yourself with comprehensive credit monitoring, credit management, and a privacy protection service.

Consultation and planning services are billed as fixed fee or for time plus expenses incurred. Our hourly rates range from $150 to $250. Fees for comprehensive planning typically range from $1,900 to $5,000.

Lifelong Financial Security Plan™ and portfolio management services are billed as a percentage of the investment assets being managed. Our fees range from .25% to 1.5% of assets under management (minimum account size is $370,000). 

Appointment Preparation  

Contact me for an appointment