Maley Financial Planning

The firm operates on a fee-only basis, charging clients a percentage of assets under management or a fixed retainer for financial planning. The practice does not accept commissions, referral fees, or revenue-sharing from product providers — a compensation model that eliminates the conflict of interest common among commission- and fee-based competitors.

Maley Financial Planning uses an independent third-party custodian to hold client accounts. The firm does not take physical custody of client funds or securities, a structural safeguard that separates advisory authority from asset possession and is standard among fiduciary-minded RIAs seeking to minimize client risk.

The practice concentrates on publicly traded securities — primarily ETFs and mutual funds — across core asset classes. Maley Financial Planning does not sponsor or manage private equity, venture capital, hedge fund, or direct real estate vehicles, keeping the investment palette aligned with liquid, transparent, and low-cost strategies appropriate for its retail and high-net-worth client base.

The primary distinction is regulatory and fiduciary. As a fee-only RIA, the firm owes clients an ongoing fiduciary duty under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, whereas wirehouse brokers operate under Regulation Best Interest, a standard that permits certain conflicts. Additionally, Maley Financial Planning's compensation derives entirely from client-paid fees — not product commissions, sales contests, or proprietary fund incentives — aligning advisor revenue with client outcomes.

Maley Financial Planning integrates estate and tax considerations into its financial planning process, but implementation and complex legal work are typically coordinated with external estate-planning attorneys and CPAs. The planner acts as a quarterback, ensuring investment strategy coordinates with estate documents and ongoing tax-minimization efforts.