Our Approach

Genuinely invested to be your trusted partner

Columbus Street Wealth Management’s fiduciary, flat-fee structure, ensures our advice and your best interests are always aligned. We never accept commissions or charge asset-based percentages–so you’ll always know where you stand.

A TRANSPARENT ADVISORY IS A TRUSTED ADVISORY

As a fee-only fiduciary our client’s concerns come first, always. We are not incentivized to make recommendations for any reason other than alignment with your financial goals.

A GUIDE FOR YOUR GREATEST ADVENTURES

Financial health is about much more than money. True wealth is having new experiences, sharing memorable moments with the people you love and getting the most out of life.The right strategies help your finances take you further.

Our Approach

Shawn Ballinger, CFP®

Shawn is a fee-only financial planner helping families prepare for the cost of college and plan for retirement. We help clients achieve their financial goals and live life on their own terms. Columbus Street Wealth Management is located in Columbus, OH and serves clients throughout central Ohio and across the country.

OUR PROCESS

Introduction

On this complimentary introductory call we will discuss your financial situation and goals. Ask me any questions you may have about Columbus Street and how we work and we’ll determine whether or not it’s a good fit.

Alignment

Once we understand the goals, we’ll decide whether or not to move forward with Columbus Street as your planner.

Proposal

Columbus Street will submit a proposal tailored to meet your individual goals and immediate needs. Once you have the opportunity to review and accept, we’ll get to work.

Pre-Agreement
Post Agreement

Discovery

Through the data gathering process, we will begin to assess and understand your qualitative and quantitative circumstances. Inventorying, gathering and organizing all of your pertinent information will begin to provide you the immediate feeling that you are in control.

Goal Identification

Your goals are unique to you. We'll help you define your short and long-term goals and prioritize them. We will also discuss and understand any trade-offs you may be willing to make to reach your goals.

Analysis

Whether you are on track to achieve your goals or need to make adjustments, your planning analysis and our observations will let you know where you stand and any alternative measures you should consider to increase the probability of reaching your goals.

Recommendations

Together with you, we will assess and determine the best course of action based on your planning analysis and ability to reach or maintain your current goals.

Implementation

We will provide you with a clearly defined list of action items necessary in implementing modifications to your savings and budgeting, taxes, insurance coverages, estate documents, and investments.

Collaboration

We will collaborate with your other professional advisors to implement and make necessary changes to all facets of your financial life.

Evolvement

Life changes unexpectedly. We will assist you in monitoring and updating along the way to ensure you're on track to meet your goals.

FAQ

How we work together

Can I benefit from Wealth Management if I am already retired?

Yes. Goals evolve throughout every stage of life. We will help you determine your ability to maintain your lifestyle and assist you with your estate, gifting and philanthropic goals.

Does Columbus Street prepare tax returns?

No. We will, however, maintain a proactive relationship with your tax professional for Wealth Management clients.

Do I have to compensate you for the initial consultation?

Absolutely not. Discovery Meeting conversations are complimentary.

Do we meet in person?

Our client experience is not defined by location. We're always happy to meet in person. Many of our local clients enjoy the time-saving experience of meeting virtually.

Do you recommend individual securities?

No. We believe in a broadly diversified global portfolio approach made up of low-cost mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). We always recommend keeping single stock exposure within your ability and preference to sustain additional investment risk.

Do you work with clients outside of Ohio?

Yes. We can work with clients all over the country.

How do I get started?

Simply click here, call, email, or schedule a time to chat that's convenient for you.

Why hire a CFP® professional versus a DIY approach?

Great question. A recent Vanguard study suggests an advisor can add value through relationship-oriented services such as financial planning and behavioral coaching. Humans have built-in behavioral biases that can lead to financial mistakes. The study suggests a good advisor can add as much as 3% of increased investment returns through behavioral coaching and other factors such tax reduction, mitigating your overall risk of financial loss, and portfolio asset location and periodic rebalancing between asset classes. CFP® professionals represent a high level of competency, ethics and professionalism. Many advisors hold themselves out as a "financial planner;" however, only those who have fulfilled the certification requirements of the CFP Board can display the certification marks. See more at: CFP Board

Why is Columbus Street's flat fee better for me versus firms who charge based on assets?

The asset under management (AUM) model fails to address variances of client complexity and time required by the advisor. Two clients with identical wealth can often need two extremely different levels of wealth management services. We believe advisors should be compensated for their time, not on the amount of your assets. Why should you pay more simply because of your portfolio size? Columbus Street's flat fee model eliminates the excessive cost and inefficiency of the AUM model.

Keep more of what you earn. Do more of what you love.

Want to know more? Get in touch.
*Please do not send any financial information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.