Castle Wealth Planning

As a registered investment advisor, Castle Wealth Planning operates under the fiduciary standard, meaning it is legally required to place client interests first. This distinguishes it from broker-dealer models, which operate under a suitability standard. The firm's ADV filings and client agreements reflect this obligation.

The firm's primary revenue model is asset-based fees calculated as a percentage of assets under management, which is the standard compensation structure for independent RIAs. This fee arrangement aligns the firm's incentives with portfolio growth and long-term client retention rather than transaction volume or product commissions. Some planning services may be offered on a fixed-fee or subscription basis.

Castle Wealth Planning integrates retirement income modeling, tax-efficient distribution strategies, Social Security claiming optimization, estate plan coordination, and insurance risk assessment alongside its portfolio management. The firm's planning-first branding suggests advice extends to cash-flow budgeting, charitable giving structures, and long-term care planning.

As an independent RIA, Castle Wealth Planning does not custody assets directly. The firm likely uses third-party custodians such as Charles Schwab, Fidelity, or Pershing to hold client securities, with advisory authority granted through a limited power of attorney. Clients receive statements directly from the custodian as a safeguard.

The firm has not publicly disclosed a formal minimum. Boutique RIAs in the Santa Barbara market often require between $500,000 and $1 million in investable assets, but the threshold can be flexible depending on the complexity of a household's planning needs and the potential for future asset growth.