You have questions,
we have answers.

What is your planning process?

How is One Degree different than any other financial advisor?

A lot of advisors can invest your money. Some will even check in once or twice a year. But we believe to be a great advisor we must take the time to truly understand your life, create a personalized plan, and walk with you through every decision. That’s why we built our Compass System™, a planning process designed to look at your whole financial picture, not just your portfolio. From taxes and retirement income to estate planning and family legacy, we make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Here’s how we compare with traditional firms and robo-advisors:

One LogoTraditional
Investment Firm
DIY and
Robo-Advisors
Personalized and Holistic Advice
Proactive Strategy Meetings
Comprehensive Tax Planning
Tax-Smart Investment Planning
Retirement Income Planning
Social Security Optimization
Estate Plan Analysis
Tailored Investment Portfolios
Evidence-Based Investing
Family Legacy Planning
Can you give a quick overview of how the process works?

First we connect to ensure we’re a good fit. Next, you share your financial details so we can complete a holistic analysis. We then present your initial strategy in the form of a One Page Plan that aligns with your “why” and walk alongside you to implement it. Meetings are more frequent at the outset and move to a rhythm of ongoing bi-annual strategy sessions and on‑call guidance.

What does the Compass System planning process include?

Your plan is built around every facet of your financial life. From optimizing taxes and withdrawals to reviewing insurance, estate documents and purposeful legacy goals, we leave no stone unturned. We even provide guidance on your current employer retirement plan (e.g., 401k) so that your entire financial picture works together in harmony.

What can I expect if we work together?

You’ll work with an independent fiduciary team whose loyalty is to you alone. We begin by listening to your story—your dreams, concerns and values—then craft a plan that serves your life, not a product list. Whether you meet with us virtually or in person, you can expect genuine care, transparent advice and a clear path forward.

Do I have enough money to become a client?

Most of our clients have accumulated at least $1 million in investable assets (not counting certain retirement accounts, real estate or 529 plans) and are ready to hand off the day‑to‑day management.

What’s the best way to create income in retirement?

There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. A sound retirement income strategy often blends diversified investments, tax‑efficient withdrawals, Social Security timing and, in some cases, pensions or annuities. The “best” approach depends on your goals, risk tolerance, longevity expectations and tax situation. We invest in top research and tools to give our clients the best possible income experience.

What’s the best way to invest?

In our view, the most reliable way to build wealth is through disciplined, long‑term investing in low‑cost, diversified portfolios tailored to your objectives. Avoid chasing fads or trying to time the market; instead, focus on an evidence‑based strategy that you can stick with through market ups and downs.

What is your investment philosophy?

We believe in simplicity, efficiency and sustainable income. Instead of chasing performance or timing markets, we build low‑cost, diversified portfolios—often using ETFs and Mutual Funds—tailored to your needs, tax situation and goals. Whether we work with your existing holdings or reposition your assets, our priority is to support your lifestyle for the long haul. For a deep dive on our investment philosophy please click here.

Do you manage all my investments?

For the best results we typically manage all assets under our purview to ensure your strategy is cohesive and your risk properly aligned. If you have smaller, personal holdings that don’t impact your overall plan or a 401(k) that we can’t manage because you are still employed, we’re flexible. Our aim is thoroughness, clarity and peace of mind—not control.

Who will we be working with?

You’ll be paired with a dedicated lead advisor who embodies our planning philosophy and brings their own expertise and personality to the relationship. Behind them is a full support team, so you receive comprehensive care without having to re‑explain your story.

What else does One Degree do to help clients optimize their investing?

We harness powerful technology to monitor portfolios and identify tax‑saving opportunities while our advisors remain firmly in the driver’s seat. This combination of human insight and sophisticated tools helps ensure your investments stay aligned with your strategy, capturing opportunities like tax‑loss harvesting along the way.

How does transferring money work?

Transferring your accounts is simple and secure. We use the ACAT system, which transfers your investments “in-kind.” That means nothing gets sold through the transfer process. We don’t make adjustments until we’ve built and reviewed a personalized plan with you — one that aligns with your goals and tax strategy. For more complex account transfers, our Client Service Team monitors the process and does as much of the legwork as possible for you.

Will you sell my taxable investments and trigger big tax bills when we work together?

We won’t just liquidate your portfolio and create a big tax bill. If you have investments with large gains, we’ll carefully evaluate and build a tax-efficient plan. We leverage technology to help us position your portfolio to meet your goals, even down to the tax lot level. Every move we make is coordinated with your tax picture, so you’re not surprised by unnecessary costs.

How good are your financial advisors?

Our firm has been around for over two decades and has built systems and processes to make sure every financial advisor is equipped to guide clients properly. Our advisors are among the most qualified and compassionate in the industry. They combine rigorous technical knowledge with the ability to guide life decisions with empathy and clarity. Each team member completes external certification education (e.g., CFP®) and our internal training, ensuring they can handle complex tax and investment strategies while helping you pursue your goals with confidence.

How do I “break up” with my current advisor?

We do the heavy lifting of helping you coordinate the transfer paperwork and communicate your decision thoughtfully. We can provide a template to respectfully communicate to your current advisor.

How often do we meet?

At a minimum we schedule two strategy meetings per year—often strategically in the spring and fall to align with tax planning. During your first year, we may meet more frequently to get your plan established. Beyond scheduled meetings, we’re available anytime life throws you a curveball.

Am I limited to the number of meetings with my advisor?

We meet at times that work for you, whether in person or virtually. While our Spring and Fall meetings are carefully timed to deliver the most strategic value, real life doesn’t always follow a calendar. When the unexpected arises—retirement transitions, health, time-sensitive decisions—we’re here to meet.

Does your software make you better than other advisors?

We use top-tier, cutting-edge software to serve our clients, but here’s the truth: software changes all the time. A year from now, we might be using something even better. What doesn’t change is the advisor behind the software — the experience, wisdom, and discipline we bring to help you make the right decisions. Tools matter, but it’s the craftsman using them that makes all the difference.

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