Are you a fee-only fiduciary?
Yes, we operate as a fee-only advisor, held to a fiduciary standard. This means we receive no commissions, incentives, or added fees that could influence our advice. We believe this transparent, client-focused approach is the best way to provide financial planning services. Learn more about fee-only here
Do I need to have a minimum amount of money to work with you?
No minimum required! We welcome clients at any stage of their financial journey, with or without investable assets. For those interested solely in financial planning, we have a minimum fee structure. Learn more about our fees here: Service & Fees or schedule a call to discuss.
Where is my money going to be held and how do I know it is protected?
We work with Charles Schwab & Altruist as our investment custodians. All investments are held directly by the custodian and Lock Wealth will never have custody of your assets. The custodian protects against theft or loss and handles the administration of your assets. I am "clearing" through the custodian as they administer the trade executions.
Can you work virtually in any state?
Yes! We work with clients across the United States, most of whom we’ve never met in person. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, we occasionally meet locally but conduct the majority of our work virtually. Our up-to-date technology allows you to securely access everything you need from the cloud, wherever you are.
Who oversees you?
As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in Georgia, my firm is regulated by the Georgia Securities Division, which oversees RIAs managing under $100 million in assets. For firms managing over $100 million, registration is required with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), which handles compliance at the federal level. While primarily regulated by Georgia, I still adhere to federal standards and compliance protocols that align with both SEC and FINRA guidelines.
Both Georgia and federal regulations ensure adherence to fiduciary duties, disclosure requirements, and ethical practices.
What is the significance of the CFP® certification?
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner (letsmakeaplan.org), I’m part of a select group—only about 28% of financial advisors hold this designation. The CFP® certification is widely regarded as the gold standard in the industry, reflecting a commitment to rigorous education, high ethical standards, and a comprehensive approach to financial planning. This designation ensures I’m uniquely equipped to help clients navigate complex financial decisions with confidence and clarity.
My CFP® certification was earned through an educational program at The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. The certification process includes a challenging six-hour exam, and to meet the experience requirement, financial professionals must accumulate 6,000 hours of financial planning experience.