Frequently Asked Questions
Working With Memento
What is the Memento Snapshot?
It's a free, two-meeting process designed to explore whether we're a good long-term fit. In the first meeting, we talk about your goals and what you're navigating. If we agree to proceed, you'll link your accounts and upload documents. In the follow-up, I'll walk you through insights and outline how we'd work together.
Who do you typically work with?
Dual-income tech households, usually in their 30s and 40s, navigating equity compensation (RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, ESPPs) alongside the kind of cash flow that creates more questions than answers. Most have hit a "DIY expiration point" and want a thinking partner who actually understands tech comp, not a generalist who treats it as an afterthought.
How often will we meet?
Three times per year (Winter, Spring, and Fall), with a Summer update delivered via Loom. You can also reach out anytime between meetings to check in or ask questions.
Why "Memento"?
The name comes from memento mori, the ancient practice of remembering that life is finite. Money is one of three currencies you spend, alongside time and energy, and it's the only one you can actually replenish. The work we do together is about using money intentionally so you have more of the other two.
Equity Compensation
Do you specialize in RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, and ESPPs?
Yes. Equity comp is the core reason most clients hire us. We help you think through vesting schedules, sell-to-cover decisions, ISO exercise timing, ESPP participation, and how each piece fits into your broader tax and cash flow picture.
How do you handle AMT exposure on ISO exercises?
Carefully, and ahead of time. We model AMT scenarios before you exercise, not after. That includes how many shares to exercise in a given year to stay below the AMT crossover, how your bargain element interacts with other income, and whether a same-day sale or hold-and-qualify approach makes more sense given your goals and timeline.
How do you approach concentrated stock positions?
There's no single right answer. We look at total exposure as a percentage of net worth, your conviction in the company, your liquidity needs, and the tax cost of diversifying. From there we build a multi-year plan to reduce concentration on a schedule you're comfortable with.
Do you work with pre-IPO employees?
Yes. That includes 83(b) election timing, QSBS qualification and the five-year holding period, secondary sales, tender offers, and the cash flow planning that goes with illiquid wealth.
Services and Fees
Do you manage investments or just provide advice?
We do both. Most clients delegate investment management to us using globally diversified, low-cost portfolios. We also provide comprehensive financial planning. These two services are deeply integrated.
How do you charge?
We charge a flat quarterly fee based on 1% of your assets under management, measured as of December 1 each year. The fee is locked in for the year and billed quarterly in advance. The annual minimum is $6,000 and the maximum is $12,000.
Why AUM-style billing instead of a pure flat fee?
Pure flat-fee firms still have to set a number, and that number tends to creep upward as a client's situation gets more complex. Our model caps your fee at $12,000 a year regardless of how big the portfolio gets, which removes the asset-gathering incentive without penalizing you for becoming more financially complex over time. Locking the fee on December 1 also means market volatility doesn't change what you pay.
What's included in that fee?
Everything. Investment management, financial planning, equity compensation strategy, tax analysis, and three review meetings a year. You'll never be surprised by add-on fees.
What if my assets are below the $6,000 minimum?
The minimum implies roughly $600,000 in investable assets to make the math work. If you're close but not there yet, let's talk. If you're meaningfully below, I'm happy to point you toward planners who specialize in earlier accumulation phases.
Do you work with people who don't want investment management?
Investment management and planning are integrated in how we work, so we don't currently offer planning-only engagements. If that's what you're looking for, the XY Planning Network and NAPFA both have directories that can help.
Tax Planning
Do you prepare tax returns?
No, we're not CPAs. We do detailed tax analysis throughout the year using Holistiplan, build multi-year projections, and coordinate with your tax preparer at filing time. If you don't have a CPA, we can introduce you to ones we work with regularly.
Will you coordinate with my existing CPA?
Yes, and we encourage it. Most of our value happens before December 31, not in April. We share projections, run scenarios, and loop your CPA in on decisions like Roth conversions, ISO exercises, charitable giving, and estimated payments.
Can you help with multi-state tax situations?
Yes. We work with clients who have residency questions, remote work across state lines, or equity events that span multiple states. We're not a substitute for a CPA on a complicated return, but we'll model the scenarios and coordinate the strategy.
Transitions
I already work with a financial advisor. How does switching work?
We handle most of the heavy lifting. After we agree to work together, we send paperwork to move your accounts to Altruist, coordinate with your existing advisor's firm, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Most transitions wrap in two to four weeks.
Can I keep my accounts at Fidelity, Vanguard, or Schwab?
Most managed accounts move to Altruist so we can manage them directly. 401(k)s and other employer accounts stay where they are, and we advise on them in place. We'll walk through what makes sense to move and what doesn't before any decisions are made.
AI and Technology
Do you use AI in your financial planning process?
Yes, as a support tool. AI helps with research, internal systems, and spotting opportunities faster. Every recommendation still comes from a human advisor who understands your full financial picture.
What tools do you use to enhance the planning experience?
Holistiplan for tax analysis, RightCapital for collaborative planning, Knudge for accountability, Altruist for investment management, and a stack of AI tools for research and drafting workflows. The goal is to spend less time on operational work and more time thinking about your situation.
Will AI ever replace human financial advisors?
No. AI is good at speed and structure. It's bad at context, values, and judgment. Financial planning is deeply personal and always requires a human thinking partner who understands the full picture of your life.
Getting Started
What happens if we agree to work together after the Snapshot?
We send a client agreement, open or transfer your accounts at Altruist, schedule your first full planning meeting, and start building out your plan. Most new clients are fully onboarded in four to six weeks.
Do you work with both spouses or partners together?
Yes, and we strongly prefer it. Even if one of you takes the lead on day-to-day finances, we want both of you in meetings and aware of the plan. Big decisions are easier when you're aligned.
What if I don't have everything organized yet?
That's completely normal. Many clients come to us feeling behind or unsure. Our job is to help you get clear and build a system that works for you. No judgment, just progress.