Hourly Consulting: Targeted Analysis for Complex Financial Questions
Robert Stowe, AAMS® | Investment Advisor
Hourly Consulting addresses the complex financial questions that fall outside a portfolio review. Backed by 15+ years of FinTech and quantitative finance experience, each engagement combines data-driven modeling with fiduciary analysis. At $300/hour billed in 15-minute increments, common topics include retirement readiness projections, multi-year Roth conversion planning, equity compensation strategy, and custom scenario modeling. Meeting times are flexible, including evenings and weekends.
Available Consulting Topics
Retirement Readiness Modeling
Modeling Social Security claiming strategies, Roth conversion opportunities, and tax bracket filling approaches. Projects retirement income from all sources and stress-tests different scenarios using Monte Carlo simulations.
- When should I claim Social Security?
- Should I do Roth conversions before retirement?
- How much can I safely spend in retirement?
- How should I sequence withdrawals across accounts?
Typical scope: 2-3 hours
College Funding Analysis
529 plan funding projections including superfunding options, cash flow modeling, and Georgia's Path2College 529 Plan benefits (state tax deduction, SECURE 2.0 Roth rollover provisions).
- How much should I contribute to a 529?
- Should I superfund the account?
- How should the investment allocation evolve by age?
- How do I coordinate with financial aid?
Typical scope: 1-2 hours
General Financial Consulting
Any financial topic requiring fiduciary review. Past engagements have included pension analysis, insurance needs review, real estate decisions, and business exit planning.
- Pension lump sum vs. annuity analysis
- Backdoor Roth IRA execution planning
- Concentrated stock position strategies
- Tax-loss harvesting opportunities
Billed by the hour
Equity Compensation Strategy
Analysis of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), Incentive Stock Options (ISOs), Non-Qualified Stock Options (NSOs), and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs). Includes vesting schedule review, tax scenario modeling for sell-versus-hold decisions, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) exposure calculations for ISO exercises, and systematic diversification strategies to mitigate concentration risk.
- What is the tax-efficient timing for selling vested RSUs?
- Should I exercise ISOs early, and what is the projected AMT exposure?
- How do I systematically unwind a concentrated ESPP position?
- What is the break-even analysis on my ESPP discount versus concentration risk?
Typical scope: 1-2 hours
How Hourly Consulting Works
Initial Contact
Describe your question or topic via email or a brief introductory call.
Scope Estimate
You receive an estimated time range for your project based on complexity.
Analysis
Your question is researched, calculations are run, and findings are prepared.
Delivery
Results delivered via written summary, video, or live consultation.
Example Engagements
| Topic | Typical Scope | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Roth conversion analysis | Multi-year conversion modeling, tax bracket analysis, IRMAA threshold evaluation | $450-750 |
| Social Security claiming | Break-even analysis, spousal coordination, tax implications | $300-450 |
| Pension lump sum analysis | NPV comparison, tax modeling, survivor benefit evaluation | $450-600 |
| RSU vesting strategy | Vest schedule analysis, tax scenario modeling, systematic diversification planning to reduce concentration risk | $300-450 |
| ISO exercise analysis | AMT exposure modeling, exercise timing analysis, holding period calculations, and disposition strategy | $450-600 |
| 529 funding strategy | Contribution modeling, superfunding analysis, allocation review | $300-450 |
Billing and Payment
- Rate: $300/hour, billed in 15-minute increments ($75 minimum)
- Payment: Due before services begin, via AdvicePay (ACH or credit card)
- Estimates: A scope estimate is provided before engagement; you pay for estimated hours upfront
- Overages: If additional time is needed, this is discussed before proceeding
- Refunds: Unused prepaid time is refunded promptly
- Completion: All work must be completed within 120 days of engagement start
What This Service Is and Isn't
This Service Provides
- Fiduciary analysis of specific financial questions
- Data-driven modeling and projections
- Clear recommendations with supporting rationale
- Written documentation of findings
- Follow-up questions within scope
This Service Does Not Include
- Comprehensive financial planning
- Ongoing monitoring or updates
- Implementation or trade execution
- Tax preparation or legal advice
- Unlimited follow-up after delivery
Popular Add-On: Roth Conversion Plan
A multi-year Roth conversion strategy can be a valuable complement to your portfolio review. This analysis models conversion amounts across tax brackets, IRMAA thresholds, and your projected retirement timeline. It can be added to a Strategic Portfolio Review or purchased as a standalone hourly engagement.
Describe your question and receive a scope estimate before committing. Flexible meeting times available.
Related Services
Focused Portfolio Review
One-time analysis of your current holdings for $300.
Strategic Portfolio Review
Comprehensive review with Investment Policy Statement for $900.
Periodic Investment Consulting
Ongoing quarterly or annual portfolio reviews.
Disclaimer
Foxholm Financial, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the State of Georgia. Hourly Consulting provides investment advice and recommendations on specific topics; you retain full responsibility for implementation decisions. This service does not constitute tax, legal, or accounting advice. Fee schedules are subject to change. See our Form ADV Part 2A & 2B for complete disclosures.