Frequently Asked Questions
How does Formynder Wealth Management charge for financial planning services?
Formynder Wealth Management is a flat-fee, fee-only, fiduciary firm. We are paid directly by our clients and do not receive commissions, referral fees, or compensation from financial products.
Our ongoing services are provided for a flat fee based on the complexity of your financial situation, not the size of your investment accounts. Project-based planning is scoped and priced separately.
How do you charge for wealth management and financial planning?
Formynder Wealth Management is a flat-fee, fee-only fiduciary firm. Our pricing is based on the stage of life and the complexity of your financial situation, not your net worth and not a percentage of your investments.
For military families, that often looks different depending on where you are in your career. An active duty family living primarily on military income has different planning needs than a retiree balancing a pension, VA benefits, a new career and any other income and benefits that may come from a spouse and/or other sources.
To keep pricing transparent and predictable, we use a simple fee calculator that reflects those differences and helps you estimate your costs before schedule a call.
Are you a fiduciary 100% of the time?
Yes. Formynder Wealth Management acts as a fiduciary at all times, which means your best interest always comes first, with no exceptions.
We provide advice that is objective, transparent, and aligned with your goals, not driven by commissions or product sales. As a fee-only firm, we are structured to minimize conflicts of interest, and if a potential conflict ever arises, we disclose it clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Do you sell insurance products?
No. Formynder Wealth Management does not sell insurance products and does not receive commissions from insurance companies.
We provide objective guidance on insurance needs as part of comprehensive financial planning, but any insurance implementation is done outside of our firm. This allows our recommendations to remain unbiased and aligned solely with your best interest.
Do you receive commissions or referral fees of any kind?
No. Formynder Wealth Management does not receive commissions, referral fees, or compensation from third parties.
We are paid only by our clients, which allows us to provide objective, fiduciary advice without outside incentives influencing recommendations.
Who do you typically work with?
Formynder Wealth Management primarily works with military families, including active duty service members, veterans, retirees, and their spouses, who want clear, fiduciary financial guidance.
We also work with select non-military individuals and families who value flat-fee, transparent planning and need help navigating complex financial decisions around retirement, benefits, or life transitions.
What happens during the free consultation?
The free consultation is an introductory conversation designed to confirm fit, understand your goals, and discuss how Formynder Wealth Management may be able to help.
During this meeting, we talk through your current situation, the questions or challenges you are facing, and what type of planning support may be appropriate. There is no obligation, and no recommendations or commitments are made during this call.
Is there a minimum net worth or asset requirement to work with you?
No. We do not have a minimum net worth or investment asset requirement to work with us.
Because our fees are not based on assets under management, we focus on the complexity of your financial situation rather than account size. This allows us to serve military families at many different stages, from early career through retirement.
Do you work with people who aren’t in the military?
Yes. While Formynder Wealth Management specializes in serving military families, we also work with select non-military individuals and families.
This often includes military spouses with civilian careers, as well as professionals who value flat-fee, fiduciary financial planning and are navigating complex transitions around benefits, retirement, or life changes. We also continue working with service members and their families well beyond active duty as they transition into their next chapter.
Do I have to be local to work with you?
No. Formynder Wealth Management works with military families worldwide through a fully remote planning process.
Because military life often involves frequent moves, our services are designed to support you regardless of duty station or location. When possible, in-person meetings in or near Fredericksburg, Virginia can be arranged by request, but they are never required.
How often do we meet?
Meeting frequency depends on your service and the complexity of your situation. Most ongoing clients meet at least twice annually, with additional meetings scheduled as needed for major life events, planning updates, or decisions.
Between meetings, clients have access to ongoing support and guidance as questions arise, so you are not limited to only scheduled check-ins.
What is “Formynder”?
Formynder is a Norwegian word meaning “guardian” or “trustee,” someone entrusted to act with protection, responsibility, and care in another’s best interest.
That definition reflects our role as a fiduciary financial planning firm. A formynder is accountable for stewardship, transparency, and doing what is right for the person they are appointed to support.
The name also carries personal significance. It reflects ancestral heritage dating back to the mid-1800s and connects to “Guardian,” the callsign of my first assigned unit in the United States Marine Corps.