Frequently asked questions
Financial planning
What is financial planning?
Financial planning is an approach to managing your money that helps you build and protect wealth while working toward your goals. With a professional financial planner, you can create a personalized roadmap that covers all aspects of your financial life — from managing day-to-day expenses to investing for the long run.
While financial planning guidance might sound expensive, getting started won’t cost you an arm and a leg. We believe in flat-fee financial planning that gives you access to expert guidance without any hidden costs or commission-based sales pitches.
With Facet, you’ll work with experienced CFP® professionals who’ll guide you through everything from budgeting and investing to tax planning. Ready to take control of your finances?
Get started today with a plan tailored just for you.
Who needs financial planning?
Here’s the truth: financial planning isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s for anyone and everyone who wants to make smart decisions with their money. Whether you’re just starting your career, thinking about buying your first home, or exploring investing in real estate, having a financial advisor in your corner can help you understand and manage important money decisions with confidence.
Take our quick financial wellness quiz to see how a personalized financial roadmap could benefit you.
When should I start financial planning?
The best time to start financial planning is now! Life moves quickly, and a solid financial roadmap helps you prepare for expected milestones and unexpected changes. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow and work for you.
Whether you’re in your first job or established in your career, each stage of life brings unique opportunities to grow and protect what matters to you. Starting early gives you more flexibility to adjust your strategy as life evolves, whether that means saving for a down payment, planning for a growing family, or working toward financial peace of mind.
Plus, getting started sooner means you’ll have a trusted advisor by your side during major life decisions — like negotiating a job offer, understanding your equity, or figuring out the smartest way to pay for a wedding. Our financial planning services help you stay on track through all of life’s twists and turns, not just the ones you can see coming.
Check out our investment philosophy to learn how we approach long-term wealth building.
Can a financial advisor help me prepare for retirement?
While retirement planning is a crucial part of what we do, working with a financial advisor goes way beyond just planning for your golden years. Our approach touches every facet of your financial life — from maximizing your employee benefits to managing student loans, creating tax-efficient investment strategies, and building generational wealth. Our CFP® professionals work with you to create a comprehensive roadmap that adapts as your life evolves.
What's the difference between a traditional financial advisor and an online financial advisor?
Traditional financial advisors often require in-person meetings during limited office hours and typically charge a percentage of your investments. An online financial advisor, on the other hand, offers modern convenience with the same expert guidance.
At Facet, you’ll work with CFP® professionals — the highest certification in the industry — who are available when and where you need them through unlimited messaging and virtual meetings.
Plus, our transparent pricing means you’ll never wonder if your advisor recommends investments based on commissions rather than your best interests.
What is a CFP® Professional?
A CFP® professional (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional) is the gold standard of financial planning certifications. As fiduciaries, they are held to the highest standards by the CFP® Board to always do what is in the best interest of the whom they’re advising. While all registered investment advisors are Fiduciaries, at Facet, you will be working with CFP® professionals supported by a team of experts (specializing in tax, insurance, estate planning, equity compensation, and more) to cover all of your money needs.
What is a fiduciary?
A fiduciary holds a legal and ethical relationship of trust with the person whom they’re serving. Therefore, a fiduciary is legally obligated to only make recommendations in the best interest of each person they are giving advice to. Like all SEC-registered firms, all of the CFP® professionals at Facet are fiduciaries on behalf of our members.
How do I know I’ll be getting the best advice?
Ensuring our members get the best possible advice is why we created Facet. Here’s how we do it:
We charge a flat membership fee.
We believe you can only get unbiased advice when you pay a flat fee. When a planner or advisor charges your planning fee based on your assets or earns a commission from something they’ve sold you, their advice is clouded by how they get paid. We made the decision to remove all possible conflicts of interest by charging only a flat membership fee.
All of our planners are CFP professionals® and fiduciaries.
Our planners are held to the highest possible standards in financial planning and are legally and ethically bound only to do what’s in the best interest of their members.
About Facet
Where is Facet located?
While Facet is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, we have planners located throughout the US that meet with our members via video call (and our members are located in all 50 states!).
How much does Facet cost?
We charge a flat membership fee based on the complexity of your situation. Unlike many financial planners, we do not charge based on the amount of money you invest with us (known as assets under management or AUM), nor do we charge commissions. We believe unbiased advice can’t exist when your planner or advisor is incentivized to sell you a product or keep your assets in a particular account.
What is the sign-up process like?
Our sign-up process is simple. It’s designed to help us learn more about you and your needs, so we can show you how Facet’s unbiased financial advice benefits every facet of your life.
To get started, fill out this form, and a Facet expert will call you within 24 hours to schedule an introductory call (or you can call 1-888-339-5536 to speak with someone now). They’ll take the time to learn more about your whole financial life, understand your needs, and explain how Facet can help elevate your specific situation
Why Facet
Why should I choose Facet?
In an industry saturated with fees, confusing jargon, and cookie-cutter solutions, Facet exists to make financial planning affordable, accessible, and personalized.
Affordable: With our flat-fee membership options and commission-free approach to investing, we’re helping you keep money in your pocket so you can spend it on the things that matter most to you.
Accessible: Financial planning can be complicated enough as it is, without all the fancy jargon and hard-to-understand processes. With knowledgeable, objective CFP® professionals, intuitive technology and ongoing support, we’re making financial planning simple. (As it should be.)
Personalized: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to planning because there is no such thing as a “standard member.” We take the time to understand our members’ individual needs, dreams and priorities to develop plans that help them achieve success by their unique definition of the word.
I can do this myself, why do I need a financial planner?
While you may feel confident handling financial tasks independently, a financial planner offers expertise, objectivity, and comprehensive planning that go beyond task completion. Our CFP® professionals provide tailored advice, save you time, manage risks, and adapt your plan to changing circumstances, ensuring your long-term financial wellness and peace of mind.
What happens if I want to cancel my membership?
All of Facet’s memberships are annual and non-refundable. If you choose to cancel your membership, you will be responsible for any outstanding balance, and will retain access to your planner and services for the remainder of the term.
Can my spouse or partner join under my membership or do they need their own?
You and your spouse or partner can use the same membership.
How can Facet manage my investments as part of my membership when others charge a fee?
We’re able to include investment management as part of your Core, Plus, or Complete membership because we believe in a transparent and member-centric approach to financial planning. To us, managing a $100,000 portfolio isn’t much different than managing a $1,000,000 portfolio—so why would we make our members pay more? By structuring our services this way, we prioritize your financial well-being over transaction-based fees.
Watch this video to learn about how Facet could bring value to your investing strategy.
Facet's member experience
How does Facet meet with me?
We meet with you via videoconference or telephone, always at your convenience.
What happens when I have a question? How do I get in contact with someone?
Every Facet membership includes unlimited access via messages to a CFP® professional. Our team of experts are here to help answer your questions and provide detailed insights on topics like investments, retirement planning, cashflow, debt, and more.
Can Facet help me pick my employee benefits?
Absolutely. We are here to help with every money decision. We are there for you for each and every individual enrollment period.
Can Facet help me with my equity compensation/stock option plan?
Of course. Your Facet planner works with a team of experts, including an equity compensation specialist that analyzes and consults on the tax impact these plans may create. The equity compensation specialist will work with your Facet planner to determine how they affect the rest of your portfolio to set up the best plan for you. We consult on all parts of your financial life – not just the money you’ve entrusted us to manage directly.
How often will I meet my CFP® Professional?
Our goal is for you to never feel alone while navigating an important financial decision or life change. That’s why your membership includes unlimited access to a CFP® professional via our messaging feature. Additionally, in your first year with Facet, you’ll have up to four virtual meetings with a CFP® professional to discuss your goals and plan. Each year after, meeting frequency varies with your specific membership plan.
How do I get started?
Click here to schedule a quick introductory call with Facet. Or, to speak with someone now, call 1-888-339-5536.
Investing with Facet
How does Facet think about managing money?
We believe investing works best when paired with an ever-evolving financial plan that covers your entire life (which is also why we include investment management for all members as part of their membership). Your unique situation always guides your investment strategy at Facet. Once we understand you and your personal situation, we focus on the areas we can control- minimizing fees and taxes, maintaining a well-diversified portfolio, and balancing for any given environment. For more information on our approach to investing, see our Investing with Facet page.
What is the process of moving money to Facet?
After confirming we have the information we need to move your money over, you’ll be guided on next steps directly within your Facet account. There, you’ll open your new investment account and kick-off the process to move money over, which typically takes about five minutes to complete. After this, we’ll take care of the heavy-lifting. From there, we’ll notify you once we receive your money and get it invested in line with your planning strategy. If you have questions, our support team is always happy to help, just reach out to [email protected].
How does Facet manage my investments?
We’ll handle day-to-day portfolio rebalancing, make trades, update your investments based on market conditions, perform tax-loss harvesting, and more. We expect your life, and priorities, to evolve over time, sometimes unexpectedly. When it does, we’ll work with you to adjust your strategy to maintain your progress and achieve the outcomes that enable you to live a fulfilling life.
What makes investment management at Facet different from other firms?
There are two main ways that investment management at Facet is different from other firms:
Our investing philosophy is centered on the idea that the best investing strategy starts with you and your circumstances. Investing money without a clear purpose or intention can only take you so far–that’s why investment management is always linked to your personalized, ever-evolving financial plan that you create with your CFP® Professional at Facet; and why it’s included in your membership.
The tools and methodology we use on behalf of our members are typically reserved for ultra-wealthy investors or even big pensions, foundations and endowments. Our Investment Committee, led by our Head of Investments, Tom Graff, have over a hundred years of combined industry experience doing this for others and have brought that expertise to Facet.
What makes investment management at Facet different from a robo advisor?
There are two of the primary ways investing at Facet is different from a typical robo advisor:
We start with the big picture. Robo advisors typically don’t offer meaningful financial planning advice, or if they do, it isn’t customized to all of the details and nuances in your life. Facet starts understanding how best to align your investing goals with the broader vision of the life you want to live.
What you pay. Robo advisors generally charge a percent of your assets under management, or AUM. In some cases, this can make them inexpensive when your balances are low, but it means they will be charging you more and more as your money grows. Further, if they are tied to specific firms, the algorithm is often incentivized to recommend its own products. Not only does Facet charge a flat membership fee that does not increase as your money grows, but Facet has no products to sell, and is only focused on recommending the best investments for your personal situation.
What does Facet bring to the table that’s different from what individual investors can do?
Investing isn’t like hanging a photo or fixing a leak in your sink. The consequences of getting investment management wrong can be catastrophic, which is why we have a team of experts who are dedicated to managing our members’ money in alignment with their personalized, ever-evolving financial plans.
Another advantage of using Facet for investment management is our access to techniques often used by professionals serving ultra-wealthy investors, endowments, foundations, and pension funds. This is what enables our experts to analyze performance statistics, look at customized sector allocations, perform factor analysis, and stress-test our funds in ways that individuals are rarely able to.
What types of investing strategies are available at Facet?
We build our core portfolios with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) which is like a basket of stocks or bonds that you can buy or sell just like a single stock, and depending on your membership plan and goals, we also offer advanced investment strategies like Direct Indexing and Alternative Income investments.
Direct Indexing allows for more sophisticated tax-loss harvesting to help reduce what you own in capital gains taxes, with the goal of keeping more investment profits. Alternative Income is a strategy that diversifies your portfolio, opening the door to private market opportunities and the potential for enhanced returns.
Can Facet help with my 401(k)?
Yes. We believe investing works best when paired with an ever-evolving financial plan that covers your entire life (which is also why we include investment management for all clients as part of our base membership). We always incorporate accounts that aren’t directly managed by Facet into your strategy. This includes most account types, including employer sponsored accounts like 401ks & 403bs. While we can’t make trades or adjustments for accounts we do not manage, we’ll still recommend optimizations you can make to ensure these accounts are aligned with your strategy.
Can Facet help me with my IRA and brokerage account?
Yes, investment management is included as part of your membership.
Can I manage my own money and work with Facet?
Most members trust Facet to manage their money. We do have some members who still enjoy managing their investments and self-manage a portion of their money, while taking advantage of Facet’s expertise to manage other accounts. Regardless of what works best for you, you’ll always have oversight of your money and direct access to your accounts.
Can Facet help with accounts that it doesn’t directly manage?
Yes. We always incorporate accounts that aren’t directly managed by Facet into your strategy. This includes most account types, including employer sponsored accounts like 401ks & 403bs. While we can’t make trades or adjustments for accounts we do not manage, we’ll still recommend optimizations you can make to ensure these accounts are aligned with your strategy.
Most members choose to have Facet manage their investments because it’s already included in their membership fee. Taking advantage of investment management at Facet also opens the door to automated rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, proactive portfolio adjustments based on economic conditions, and other services we can’t provide for accounts we don’t manage.
Does Facet handle Tax-Loss Harvesting? What is it and how does it work?
Yes, we perform Tax-Loss Harvesting (TLH) for all member accounts managed by Facet. TLH is a strategy we use to reduce capital gains taxes by strategically selling securities at a loss, and proactively rebalancing your portfolio to maintain risk levels that are most effective for your circumstances.
What fees does Facet charge for investment management?
Facet offers flat-fee planning memberships that don’t change based on how much you invest and earn, however, our custodians may charge fees that will be deducted from your account.
You can view a full list of potential custodial costs under the “Investment management” section of our legal page and for more information about Facet’s approach to investing, watch this video.
Facet’s specific investment management services vary depending upon the chosen service level.
What is the value of investment management while markets are down1?
Down markets happen. Our experts design our portfolios with the aim of performing reasonably well when markets are up, and minimize losses when markets are down. While this approach doesn’t allow us to sidestep down markets, it does allow us to be prepared to take advantage when markets turn around.
What does an investment advisor do?
An investment advisor helps you decide how to put your money to work. They take the time to understand your financial situation and goals, creating a personalized roadmap to help grow your wealth over time. While some advisors concentrate on investments, others provide a broader, more holistic approach.
At Facet, our investment advisors, who are CFP® (certified financial planner) professionals, look at your whole financial picture. They’ll help create an investment strategy that fits your life and goals while considering important factors like taxes, risk tolerance, and timeline. Our investment philosophy centers on evidence-based strategies that put your interests first.
How much money do I need to start investing?
Here’s the great news – you don’t need a huge sum to begin investing! While many traditional investment advisor services require tens of thousands of dollars or more in assets (like savings, stocks, and real estate) just to get started, Facet has no minimum asset requirement because everyone deserves access to professional financial guidance, regardless of their account balance.
Whether you’re starting with $100 or $100,000, what matters most is taking that first step.
Ready to explore how we can help? Get started with a quick chat to learn more about our approach.
When should I start investing?
The simple answer? As soon as possible! Time is one of your biggest advantages when it comes to investing. The earlier you start, even with small amounts, the more time your money has to grow through compound interest.
Think of it this way: Every year you wait is a year of potential growth you can’t get back.
Not sure where you stand financially? Take our financial wellness quiz to better understand your current situation and next steps.
What is investment diversification, and why is it important?
Diversifying your investments means spreading your investments across different types of assets – stocks, bonds, real estate investing, and more – to help reduce risk while potentially improving returns.
A well-diversified investment strategy helps protect you from the ups and downs of any single investment. When one area of your portfolio isn’t performing well, another might be thriving.
What's the difference between active and passive investing?
Active investing is where you try to beat the market by regularly buying and selling assets. This type of investing can be exciting but often leads to higher fees and doesn’t consistently outperform the market over time.
On the other hand, passive investing takes a more steady approach. Instead of trying to time the market, passive investors typically buy and hold diverse investments that track market indexes. This strategy often results in lower fees and has historically provided reliable returns over the long term.
At Facet, our investment philosophy combines the best of both worlds. We use evidence-based strategies to help you build a portfolio that aligns with your goals, whether you’re looking to plan for retirement or save for a down payment. We keep our membership cost fixed while ensuring your investment strategy stays on track through regular reviews and rebalancing.
Remember, investing doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With the right guidance and a clear strategy, you can build a portfolio that works toward your goals while helping you sleep better at night.
Financial Wellness
What is financial wellness?
Financial wellness is more than just having money in the bank — it’s about feeling confident and in control of your money. It’s the sweet spot where your daily money management, long-term goals, and peace of mind all come together. A solid financial wellness plan helps you handle everything from everyday expenses to those big life dreams while keeping stress levels in check.
Just like physical wellness isn’t just about the number on your scale, financial wellness isn’t just about your bank balance. It’s about creating a healthy relationship with money that lets you sleep better at night and wake up excited about your possibilities.
When you’re financially well, you’re not constantly checking your account balance or stress-shopping at 2 AM — you’re confidently making money moves that align with your values and goals.
Why is financial wellness important?
Money impacts pretty much every part of our lives. When you have your finances in order, you’re better prepared for unexpected expenses, and you’re setting yourself up for less stress and more options in life.
Financial wellness helps you make smarter financial decisions, whether diversifying your investments or saving for a home. It’s about creating a lifestyle where money works for you, not against you.
Think about how many daily decisions involve money: your morning coffee, where you live, what you eat, how you get around, and what you do for fun. When you’re financially well, these choices become opportunities rather than sources of stress.
How can I improve my financial wellness?
How can a financial planner help me achieve financial wellness?
Are financial wellness services only for people with a high income?
Absolutely not! Everyone deserves access to financial wellness support, regardless of their income level or where they’re starting from. Whether you’re just beginning your career, dealing with student loans, or already have some investments under your belt, there’s value in getting expert guidance.
We believe in making professional financial guidance accessible to everyone who wants to level up their money game.
Security
Who owns my data?
Your data will always be yours.
We employ industry best practices to keep your data safe. We will never sell your data.
When it comes to protecting you and your data, we do not believe that simply checking boxes to ensure compliance is adequate. We employ industry best practices to ensure information security is at the core of our technology and business operations, yet strive to set a new standard for bank-level security and privacy.
Why does Facet ask me to "link" my accounts?
While never a requirement, you will be invited to enter your online financial institution credentials. We never see those credentials, nor do we store them. Your credentials are securely passed to your financial institution and we are provided with a read-only feed of balance and transaction information. We do not have access to your money nor can we make any changes to your account. If for whatever reason you want to remove our read-only access, you will be able to de-link those accounts.
Where does Facet store my data?
We host our servers using Amazon Web Services (AWS). All data is encrypted in-flight and at-rest to ensure only the right people view your information for the right reasons: providing you a customized plan for achieving your financial goals. If you have any questions, let us know: [email protected].
How do I get started?
Click here and you're a minute away from scheduling a free, no obligation session with one of our Facet expert.