What is Fee-for-Service financial planning?
Fee-for-service financial planning means you pay directly for the advice you receive, nothing more. There are no commissions, no product sales, and no hidden incentives that could influence the guidance you're given. At Sensible Financial Solutions, that means every recommendation is built around your unique goals, whether you're navigating peak earning years, planning for retirement, or working through a major life transition. You get a CFP professional whose only job is to work in your best interest.
Who is fee-for-service planning for?
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People approaching retirement who want a clear picture of what's ahead
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Retirees managing income, tax, and healthcare costs in retirement
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Couples looking to get organized and make confident financial decisions
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Professional women who want independent advice with no strings attached
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Business owners navigating both personal and business financial planning
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Anyone who wants a second opinion on their current financial situation
Where to start your new financial journey?
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Initial conversation: A free 30-minute consultation with Milica to understand your situation and make sure we're a good fit.
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Financial review: A thorough look at your current finances, including income, assets, debts, tax situation, and goals.
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Personalized recommendations: A clear, written plan with practical strategies tailored to your specific circumstances.
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Implementation support: Guidance on putting your plan into action, at your own pace.
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Ongoing planning, if needed: For those who want continued support, a maintenance plan keeps your strategy aligned as life evolves.
What services are included?
Fee-for-service planning at Sensible Financial Solutions covers a wide range of planning areas, including:
Comprehensive Financial Planning
Covers every aspect of your financial life
Financial Planning Maintenance
An ongoing collaboration that gives you peace of mind and flexibility
Retirement Planning
Providing guidance and confidence for your retirement needs
Money Consultation
Our professional coaching and advice helps you be prepared for life’s key milestones
Tax Minimization
We’ll develop the best tax strategies so that you can keep more of your paycheque today and in the future
Wealth Transfer and
Estate Planning
So you can pass along your wealth with the least amount of taxes to the next generation
Why Choose a Fee-for-Service Financial Planner?
Most financial advisors are compensated through commissions which means they earn money when you buy a product. That creates a conflict of interest that's hard to avoid, even with the best intentions.
Fee-for-service planning works differently. You pay a flat fee for the advice itself, and that's it. There are no commissions, no product recommendations driven by incentives, and no pressure to buy anything. The guidance you receive is based entirely on your situation and your goals.
For people who want truly independent advice, especially at high-stakes moments like retirement or a major financial transition, this model simply makes more sense.
Frequently asked questions about financial planning:
1 / What is fee-for-service financial planning?
Fee-for-service planning means you pay directly for the financial advice you receive. There are no commissions or product sales involved. Just straightforward, unbiased guidance.
2 / Is fee-for-service the same as fee-only?
The terms are often used interchangeably, and in most cases they mean the same thing: the planner is compensated solely by the client, not by third parties. If you're ever unsure, it's worth asking a planner directly how they're compensated.
3 / How is this different from commission-based advice?
Commission-based advisors earn money when you purchase financial products like mutual funds or insurance. That can create incentives that don't always align with your best interests. With fee-for-service planning, the advice is independent and there's nothing to sell you.
4 / Can this help with retirement planning?
Absolutely. Retirement planning is one of the most common reasons people seek fee-for-service advice. Whether you're five years out or already retired, a clear plan can make a significant difference in how confidently you manage your income, taxes, and long-term expenses.
5 / Do you work with clients outside Victoria?
Yes. While Sensible Financial Solutions is based in Victoria, BC, clients are welcome from across British Columbia.
6 / What should I bring to a first meeting?
It helps to have a general sense of your income, savings, debts, and any existing investments or pension details. Don't worry about having everything perfectly organized, the initial conversation is informal, and we'll work through the details together.
