Advice-Only Methodology™ | Objective Financial Planning

The Advice-Only™ methodology is a distinctive financial planning framework developed by Hall Financial Services, Inc. (HFS, Inc.), a registered investment adviser led by Quincy Hall, CFP®. Introduced in 2019, this approach was later formalized in the publication Advice Only: A Retirement Planning Methodology & Handbook. It separates fiduciary advice from all forms of sales or solicitation.

Unlike traditional models that blend advice with asset-management fees, product incentives, and reciprocal referrals, the Advice-Only™ methodology instead establishes a transparent, client-driven process. Its intention is to restore trust and objectivity to the financial planning process.

The Advice-Only Methodology™ Defined Process

At its core, the Advice-Only™ framework follows a standardized, repeatable process that filters advisor bias and promotes measurable, less conflicted outcomes. Each phase has a specific purpose and defined deliverables. Together, these steps ensure the financial plan remains objective:

1. Paid Consultation – Every engagement begins with a paid consultation. A formal advisory agreement is signed, establishing fiduciary duty and setting clear expectations.

2. Planning Meeting #1 – Present Position – This phase creates an accurate, math-based snapshot of the client’s current financial life, including assets, liabilities, cash flow, and risk exposure, with the intention of identifying opportunities.

3. Planning Meeting #2 – Strategy and Deployment – Together, client and advisor create a forward-looking plan, model multiple scenarios, and confirm strategic decisions on allocation, taxation, and income planning.

4. Post-Planning Review – Adaptive Support – Once the plan is complete and paid for, clients may choose optional ongoing reviews or annual updates.

This structure ensures clarity, accountability, and objectivity in every client relationship, no matter who you are or what you have.

The Advice-Only™ Methodology: Structural Difference from Generic “Advice-Only”

While the phrase advice-only is sometimes used loosely in the marketplace, Advice-Only™ refers to a defined and unique methodology, not just a pricing model.

In contrast, the difference is structural:

• Generic “advice-only” typically refers to a pay-per-plan or hourly approach.
• The Advice-Only™ Methodology is a governed, process-based system that eliminates discretion and enforces a standardized fiduciary workflow.

Every implementation follows the same principles under Hall Financial Services, Inc. This ensures consumers receive a consistent, transparent, and verifiable standard of care—free from sales, commissions, and hidden incentives.

Core Principles: “Our Truths”

The Advice-Only™ methodology operates under a professional code known as Our Truths. In practice, this framework creates the ethical and operational framework for every engagement.

• Structural Separation of Advice and Compensation
  When going through the Advice-Only™ process, all compensation is paid directly from client invoices. No asset-based pay, commissions, or referral revenue is permitted.

• Transparent, Client-Defined Fees
  We establish all costs in writing before providing any advice. Fiduciary duty begins from the get-go, during the paid consultation.

• No Asset Minimums or Requirements
  Services are open to everyone, regardless of net worth, ensuring equal access to high-quality fiduciary advice.

• Fiduciary Accountability and Repeatable Process
  Every plan follows a documented framework—designed for transparency, quality control, and compliance.

• Privacy-First Data Handling
  We treat all client inputs as confidential. Additionally, the Advice-Only® LMS (for educational users) prioritizes data protection and transparency.

Origins and Educational Mission

Founded in 2019 by Quincy Hall, CFP®, the Advice-Only™ methodology evolved from years of observing how “fee-only” advice still left room for conflicts. Therefore, the model was designed to address these structural flaws and make fiduciary planning accessible to every consumer.

The educational branch, AdviceOnly.org, operates as a research and learning platform offering free public resources, advisor training, and client assessments. It expands financial literacy and promotes equality and empowerment in personal finance—upholding the original promise of fiduciary duty.

Why Clients and Advisors Choose the Advice-Only™ Methodology

• ✅ No Sales or Product Pitches – Planning is 100% conflict-free.

• ✅ Transparent, Pay-as-You-Go Fees – Hourly or fixed rates, no hidden incentives.

• ✅ Client-Centered Process – Every plan is personalized, educational, and actionable.

• ✅ Privacy and Accountability – Strict separation between advice, sales, and data.

• ✅ Repeatable Results – Every client receives the same transparent, documented process.

Ultimately, Advice-Only™ empowers both clients and advisors. Clients receive fiduciary advice they can trust. Advisors gain a framework that promotes professionalism, consistency, and credibility.

Learn More About Us

Whether you are a client seeking unbiased financial guidance or a professional looking to adopt the model, AdviceOnly.info provides access to trusted planners, resources, and educational tools based on the Advice-Only™ methodology.

Explore our learning platform at AdviceOnly.org or request a consultation to experience the next generation of fiduciary planning. To learn more about us, visit About or FAQs