FAQ

1. What does a financial planner do, and how can Setzer Financial help me?

A financial planner helps you make smart, informed decisions with your money so you can reduce stress and reach your goals. At Setzer Financial, we provide comprehensive financial planning for busy professionals and families in Hickory, NC and across North Carolina. That includes retirement planning, investment management, tax-smart strategies, student loan planning, insurance and risk management, and estate planning coordination. Our goal is to turn your financial life into a clear, written plan with step-by-step action items you can follow.

2. Are you a fiduciary and fee-only financial planner?

Setzer Financial is structured to operate as an independent, fee-only fiduciary. “Fee-only” means our compensation comes directly from you, the client not from commissions or kickbacks on investment or insurance products. As a fiduciary, we are legally and ethically obligated to put your best interests first, disclose conflicts of interest, and provide advice that is objective and transparent. This alignment of incentives is designed to give you confidence that recommendations are based on what’s right for you, not on how we get paid. 

3. Who does Setzer Financial typically work with?

While we welcome a variety of clients, we have a particular focus on small business owners and professionals in and around Hickory and Catawba County. We understand the unique challenges these individuals face: Cash flow, complex benefit packages, irregular income, practice buy-ins, and the constant time pressure of serving customers. Our planning is built to simplify these moving parts so you can focus on your career and family.

4. What services do you provide?

Setzer Financial offers comprehensive financial planning and ongoing investment management, customized to your situation. Typical areas we cover include:

  • Retirement planning and financial independence
  • Investment management and portfolio design
  • Tax-aware strategies and coordination with your tax return
  • Insurance and risk management reviews (life, disability, liability, etc.)
  • College funding strategies
  • Estate and legacy planning coordination with your attorney

We act as your single point of contact for your financial life, helping coordinate with accountants, attorneys, and other professionals as needed. 

5. How does your financial planning process work?

Our process is designed to be clear, organized, and respectful of your time:

  1. Intro Call (15–30 minutes): We learn about your goals and see if we’re a good fit.
  2. Discovery Meeting: We gather details on your income, spending, assets, debts, benefits, and priorities.
  3. Planning & Strategy: We build a written financial plan with specific recommendations and an action plan.
  4. Plan Meeting: We walk through your plan together, answer questions, and agree on next steps.
  5. Implementation & Ongoing Support: We help you implement the plan, manage investments if engaged to do so, and check in regularly to adjust as life changes.

6. How do you charge for your services?

Setzer Financial uses a simple, transparent fee structure. Most clients pay:

  • A flat fee for a comprehensive financial plan, and/or
  • A percentage of assets under management (AUM) for investment management, when applicable.

There are no commissions on investment products. We’ll quote your estimated fee range up front, in writing, before you decide to hire us. This approach is consistent with best practices for fee-only fiduciary advisors and is designed to keep costs clear and aligned with the value you receive. 

7. Is there an account minimum to work with Setzer Financial?

We focus on fit and complexity, not just your current investment balance. Our clients can be high-earning professionals who may still be building assets while managing student loans and family expenses. Instead of a strict asset minimum, we primarily look at whether we’re the right long-term partner for your situation and whether our services will provide clear value. 

8. Do you only work with clients in Hickory, NC?

We love serving clients in Hickory, Catawba County, and the surrounding Unifour region, and we also work with clients across North Carolina and, the United States. Using secure video conferencing and online tools, we can deliver the same high-touch planning experience virtually for busy professionals who can’t always make in-person meetings. 

9. Where are my investments held, and are they safe?

Setzer Financial does not take custody of your assets directly. Instead, your accounts are held at an independent, third-party custodian, in your name. We have limited authority to manage investments and deduct advisory fees with your permission, but you maintain full ownership and control. 

10. What should I bring to our first meeting?

For the most productive first meeting, it helps to have:

  • Your most recent tax return
  • Recent pay stubs and details on employer benefits
  • Statements for retirement accounts, investment accounts, and savings
  • Information on student loans, mortgages, and other debts
  • Any insurance policies (life, disability, long-term care)
  • A rough idea of your monthly spending and big upcoming goals (home purchase, practice buy-in, college, retirement, etc.)

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything perfect or neatly organized, that’s exactly what we’re here to help you with.

11. How often will we meet and how do we stay in touch?

Most ongoing clients meet with us at least twice per year, with additional meetings during major life events (new job, home purchase, baby, practice transition, etc.). In between meetings, we’re available by email, phone, or video to answer questions as they come up. Money questions rarely arrive on a neat schedule, so we encourage clients to reach out whenever something changes or doesn’t feel quite right.

12. How do I know if Setzer Financial is the right advisor for me?

The best way to know is to schedule a short, no-obligation introductory call. During that call, we’ll:

  • Learn about your goals, concerns, and current situation
  • Explain our services, planning process, and fees
  • Answer your questions about working with a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner in Hickory, NC

If we’re not the best fit, we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction. Our goal is to help you find the right advisor, whether that’s us or someone else.