Periodic Investment Consulting: Ongoing Guidance for Self-Directed Investors
Robert Stowe, AAMS® | Investment Advisor
Periodic Investment Consulting provides scheduled check-ins with a fiduciary advisor to keep your portfolio aligned with your goals. At $300 per review, you get professional guidance without ongoing asset management fees. Between reviews, you retain full control; the value is in having a trusted professional to validate your decisions and identify opportunities at regular intervals. Meeting times are flexible, including evenings and weekends.
How Each Review Works
30 Minutes Async (Your Prep)
Upload your current account statements or specific questions at least 48 hours before our meeting. This lead time allows for thorough data review and analysis preparation, so live time focuses on discussion and recommendations.
30 Minutes Live (Our Meeting)
A focused video consultation to deliver findings and answer questions. We review portfolio performance, assess rebalancing needs, discuss any changes in your situation, and identify action items for the coming period.
What We Cover in Reviews
Each periodic review is anchored by your Investment Policy Statement. We assess whether your portfolio remains aligned with the documented strategy and identify opportunities or concerns that warrant attention.
Rebalancing Assessment
Has your allocation drifted outside the IPS ranges? We identify rebalancing opportunities and discuss timing considerations.
Tax Planning
Tax-loss harvesting opportunities, Roth conversion windows, and asset location adjustments based on current market conditions and your tax situation.
Performance Context
How did your portfolio perform relative to expectations? Not just returns, but risk metrics and whether the strategy is working as designed.
Life Changes
Job changes, family events, or shifting goals that might require adjusting your IPS or contribution strategy.
Benefits Decisions
Open enrollment reviews, 401(k) allocation changes, and employer benefit planning (particularly useful for fall reviews).
Year-End Planning
End-of-year tax planning, charitable giving strategies, and deadline-sensitive decisions (Q4 reviews).
Choosing Your Review Frequency
The right frequency depends on your life stage, portfolio complexity, and how much is changing in your financial situation. Here's general guidance:
| Frequency | Best For | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterly | Within 5 years of retirement, early retirees, major life transitions, complex situations (multiple income sources, equity compensation) | $1,200/year |
| Semi-Annual | 5-10 years from retirement, moderate complexity, want spring tax review and fall benefits planning | $600/year |
| Annual | 10+ years from retirement, straightforward portfolios, stable situations with few changes | $300/year |
Suggested Review Timing
Semi-Annual Schedule
- Spring (March-April): Post-tax filing review, mid-year portfolio checkup
- Fall (October-November): Benefits Planning Session. Many professionals face complex choice-paralysis during open enrollment (HSA vs FSA, 401k contribution levels, ESPP participation). This session is specifically timed to help you make informed benefits elections before deadlines.
Quarterly Schedule
- Q1: Year-end recap, tax filing preparation
- Q2: Mid-year rebalancing, summer planning
- Q3: Roth conversion analysis, pre-Q4 positioning
- Q4: Year-end tax moves, benefits enrollment
What This Service Is: And Isn't
This Service Provides
- Scheduled professional review of your portfolio
- Fiduciary advice aligned with your documented IPS
- Tax planning and rebalancing guidance
- Accountability and validation for your decisions
- Behavioral support during market volatility
This Service Does Not Include
- Continuous monitoring of your accounts
- Trade execution or discretionary management
- Real-time alerts or daily oversight
- Unlimited between-meeting access
- Implementation: you execute recommendations
Between reviews, you retain sole responsibility for implementing recommendations and monitoring your accounts. This model works well for self-directed investors who want periodic professional validation without paying ongoing AUM fees.
Getting Started
Periodic Investment Consulting requires an existing Investment Policy Statement to anchor our reviews. If you don't have one, start with the Strategic Portfolio Review ($900), which creates your IPS and establishes the framework for ongoing consultations.
Once your IPS is in place, schedule periodic reviews at your preferred cadence:
- Schedule your review through our online calendar
- Upload documents 48 hours before the meeting
- Meet virtually for a focused 30-minute consultation
- Implement recommendations at your own pace
- Repeat at your chosen frequency
Payment Terms
- Fee: $300 per review, due before the scheduled session
- Payment: Via AdvicePay (ACH or credit card)
- Cancellation: Reschedule or cancel with 24-hour notice
- No commitment: Schedule reviews as needed; no ongoing contract required
Send a message to inquire about a periodic review cadence that fits your situation. Flexible meeting times available.
Related Services
Strategic Portfolio Review
Create your Investment Policy Statement, the foundation for periodic consulting.
Focused Portfolio Review
One-time review of your current holdings without creating an IPS.
Hourly Consulting
Project-based consulting for specific topics outside portfolio review scope.
Disclaimer
Foxholm Financial, Inc. is a registered investment adviser with the State of Georgia. Periodic Investment Consulting is advisory in nature and does not involve continuous supervision of client assets. Between scheduled reviews, clients retain sole responsibility for implementing recommendations and monitoring their accounts. Fee schedules are subject to change. See our Form ADV Part 2A & 2B for complete disclosures.