Advice-Only™ Financial Planner
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Advice-Only™ Methodology Infographic | Framework & Planning Process

The infographic below explains the Advice-Only™ Methodology, a framework that separates advice from implementation incentives through structural safeguards and a repeatable planning process. The visual overview highlights the Two Masters Problem, the 3 core principles of the methodology, the 4-Step Planning Process, and the Fee Structure Firewall™ that protects planning objectivity.

Advice-Only financial planning methodology infographic showing the Two Masters Problem, structural safeguards, the 4-Step Planning Process, and the Fee Structure Firewall
Advice-Only™ Methodology Infographic

Download: Advice-Only™ Methodology Infographic

The Two Masters Problem

The Two Masters Problem occurs when a financial advisor must serve both the client and the firm’s revenue model. When compensation depends on product sales, assets under management, or other implementation incentives, advice and income become linked—creating a structural conflict that can compromise objectivity.

Three Core Principles

The Advice-Only™ methodology uses three structural safeguards to protect objectivity in financial planning.

  • Structural Separation — Advice is separated from product sales, asset management, custody, and referral incentives, keeping recommendations independent of implementation.
  • Truth-in-Advertising — An advisor’s marketing must accurately reflect the structure of the service and how it operates.
  • Process Repeatability — Advice is delivered through a standardized, auditable framework, so quality depends on the system—not persuasion or personality.

The Advice-Only™ 4-Step Planning Process

  • Paid Consultation — Fiduciary from the start, transparent planning fee, defined planning scope.
  • Present Position — Build a math-based snapshot of the client’s financial position and planning objectives.
  • Strategy Design — Model scenarios, test assumptions, and evaluate transparent trade-offs.
  • Engagement Completion — Integrity Guarantee™, clean engagement closure, and implementation optionality.

Advice-Only™ Integrity Guarantee

If the methodology’s structural safeguards are not maintained during an active planning engagement, the client may request a refund of the planning fee under the Advice-Only™ Integrity Guarantee.

The Fee Structure Firewall™ Protects Six Planning Outcomes

The Fee Structure Firewall™ is a structural safeguard within the Advice-Only™ Methodology that separates financial advice from implementation incentives. This design protects six important planning outcomes.

  1. Implementation Independence
  2. Transparent Trade-Off Disclosure
  3. Portfolio Simplification Freedom
  4. Incentive-Independent Timing Decisions
  5. Client-Controlled Professional Selection
  6. Clean Engagement Closure

For a complete explanation of the methodology, see What Is the Advice-Only™ Methodology?.