Frequently Asked Questions

To get started, simply contact our team by clicking the “Contact” button at the top of the page, or call us directly to schedule an introductory meeting.

Balefire, your first meeting sets the foundation for a lasting and successful partnership, you can expect:

• A Personalized Conversation: We take the time to get to know you—understanding your goals, values, challenges, and opportunities.
• Clarity and Alignment: Together, we’ll clarify your vision and discuss how we align our solutions to your specific circumstances.
• Introduction to Our Proven Process: You’ll gain insight into how our structured approach provides clear, actionable steps designed to help you reach your goals.
• Transparent Communication: We’ll openly address your questions, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed at every step.
• Next Steps and Expectations: You’ll leave the meeting knowing exactly what comes next and how we will collaborate moving forward.

At Balefire, our goal is simple: to ensure your first meeting is insightful, empowering, and sets the stage for meaningful progress toward your financial and strategic objectives.

What sets Balefire apart from other is our integrated, team-based approach that brings together specialized expertise across financial planning, business strategy, risk management, and legacy planning—all under one roof. We don’t just manage money; we align wealth with purpose through a structured process built to create clarity, continuity, and confident decision-making. With deep capabilities across niche sectors as well, like healthcare, agriculture, and corporate transitions, Balefire delivers solutions as unique as the clients we serve.

Yes, our financial advisors hold relevant certifications and licenses. We prioritize professional development and adhere to industry standards to ensure our clients receive the highest level of expertise and ethical service.

We are here to provide ongoing support from our collaborative team of specialists. We regularly review your account(s) periodically throughout the year. You will receive customized recommendations, and reviews. If anything changes or comes up in-between our regularly schedule reviews, please reach out to us or write it down for us to incorporate into your plan.

The frequency of meetings will depend on your individual needs and preferences. We aim to maintain open communication and will schedule regular check-ins to review your financial progress and adjust strategies as necessary.

Yes, we offer virtual consultations and online services to accommodate our clients’ preferences and busy schedules. We utilize secure and advanced technology to ensure a seamless and confidential experience.

Portfolio Management Services Fees

All of our advisors are salaried employees, as fiduciaries working in your best interest. Balefire fees are competitive and in alignment with the planning services received. We may charge an annual fee of up to 2.50%, determined by the scope of planning services. Fees are negotiable and specified in the Acceptance of Terms, an addendum to the Investment Advisory Agreement. Billing occurs both in advance and in arrears based on the terms of the Agreement, with the Total Portfolio Management Fee calculated by summing the Advisory Fee and any Investment Model Fees.

Balefire Intelligent Portfolios

We charge clients for Balefire Intelligent Portfolios services. Our fees are not set by Schwab, and clients don’t pay brokerage commissions to Charles Schwab & Co. Schwab receives compensation indirectly. In addition to our fees, clients indirectly compensate Schwab for various services.

Retirement Plan Services Fees

As a fiduciary under ERISA and the IRC, Balefire charges flat, hourly, or asset-based fees of up to 1.00% for Retirement Account Clients. Fees are negotiable and detailed in the Investment Advisory Agreement.

Financial Planning Fees

Balefire offers financial planning at fixed rates and hourly fees.

Fixed Fees

The maximum rate for creating client financial plans is $50,000. Fees are negotiable and detailed in the Financial Planning Agreement.

Hourly Fees

Hourly fees for financial planning services range from $250 to a maximum of $750. Fees are negotiable and detailed in the Financial Planning Agreement.

We prioritize the security and confidentiality of our clients’ information. Our systems are equipped with the latest security measures, and we strictly adhere to industry regulations to safeguard your personal and financial data.

A fiduciary is a person or organization that, ethically and legally, puts the interests of the clients they represent before their own. At Balefire, each of our collaborative experts serves as a fiduciary to our clients. In everything we do, we are committed to acting honestly, in good faith and in strict keeping with each client’s guiding values.

A Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm is in the business of giving advice about securities and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). By law, we have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of our clients.

Yes, as a Center for Fiduciary Excellence certified firm, we are independently audited annually by a fiduciary expert to verify that our advisory and consulting services are consistent with industry best practices and the Prudent Practices. When a firm is CEFEX-certified, it is demonstrating adherence to a defined Prudent Practices for Investment Advisors standard, which contains 21 practices and supporting criteria.