Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly do you do?
We provide tax-integrated, comprehensive financial planning, with optional ongoing investment management for clients who want continuous support.
Our goal is to help you make confident, well-aligned decisions—especially during big financial transitions—while keeping everything as simple and human as possible.
What does “tax-integrated” planning mean?
It means we don’t treat taxes as an afterthought.
Every recommendation—Roth conversions, retirement timing, portfolio moves, charitable giving, you name it—takes your tax picture into account. Good planning requires tax awareness, so we build it in from day one.
What types of clients do you work with?
We work with people from all walks of life, but especially resonate with those going through major income or wealth changes—retirement, inheritance, business sales, stock option events, professional jumps, etc.
Those moments can feel overwhelming, and we love being the calm, steady guide who simplifies the puzzle and helps you take the right next steps
Do you work in person or virtually?
We work 100% virtually, even though I’m based in Tucson, AZ.
This helps us keep costs lower (which keeps your fees lower) and ensures we always have every tool we need to respond quickly, thoroughly, and thoughtfully.
Are you a real person, or do you use AI or virtual assistants?
We are absolutely real and human.
There are no virtual assistants, no outsourced planners, and no AI tools involved in any part of your actual financial planning, recommendations, investment decisions, or trading. Everything meaningful comes directly from your advisor.
That said, we do use dictation software during meetings—mostly so we can stay fully present with you instead of taking frantic notes. Those transcripts simply help us create clear, accurate meeting notes afterward. We personally review, edit, and finalize every document, recommendation, and plan you receive.
If you ever have concerns, we strongly encourage video meetings—most people find it reassuring to see the actual human behind the advice. And if you’d like to verify your advisor’s credentials, you’re welcome to look up their regulatory record on IARD/FINRA BrokerCheck anytime.
(And don’t worry—AI isn’t capable of becoming a CFP® or filing taxes… yet. Spooky.)
Do you have account minimums?
Nope.
There are no account minimums required to work with me.
How much do you charge?
We use a flat-fee structure—no asset-based fees, no commissions, no surprises.
Initial Financial Review
A one-time flat fee of $1,500.
Ongoing Support (optional)
An annual flat fee, based on complexity, with a minimum of $3,000/year.
We don’t charge AUM (a percentage of assets).
However, the size and complexity of your financial life—including your investable assets—helps determine your fee.
Importantly, whether you choose ongoing management or simply ongoing advice, the fee is the same.
Observation, not a guarantee: My total fees are almost always below the traditional 1% of assets charged by most advisors.
How do I pay for services?
Initial Financial Review
You can pay the $1,500 review fee by credit card, debit card, Paypal, Venmo, or Zelle.
Ongoing Annual Support
Most ongoing clients choose to have their fees deducted directly from their investment accounts at our custodians (Schwab or Apex).
When appropriate, we can pull a meaningful portion of the fee from tax-deferred accounts, which often saves you taxes compared to paying entirely from taxable accounts.
But if you prefer, you can absolutely continue paying via the same methods as used for the Initial Financial Review.
What about company retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), TSP, etc.)?
In some cases, it may be possible to deduct fees directly from an employer plan, but it depends heavily on the plan rules. We would look at this on an individual, case-by-case basis.
When do I find out what my ongoing fee would be?
After the Initial Financial Review.
We can’t quote a fee until we fully understand your situation, but at the end of that review we’ll let you know whether ongoing support is a good fit and what your annual fee would be.
If you join within 30 days, your $1,500 review fee is credited toward the first $1,500 of your annual fee.
Do you have to manage my accounts for us to work together?
Not at all.
We’re happy to work in an advice-only capacity if that’s what you prefer. The fee is the same either way.
If you want to manage your own accounts or maintain active trading, you are welcome to do so. We can manage the long-term portion while you handle the more hands-on side, if that’s your style.
Where are my accounts held?
Our primary custodians are Charles Schwab and Apex, both excellent for independent firms.
You don’t have to move your assets there—we can work with accounts held anywhere—but things do tend to run more smoothly there.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes.
As a fee-only fiduciary, we are legally and ethically required to put your interests first, always.
We don’t sell products, accept commissions, or earn referral fees.
You are our client—not a company, not a product provider—and that’s exactly how we run our practice.
Do you prepare taxes?
Yes, but only for ongoing/retainer clients.
As an Enrolled Agent, your advisor represents their clients before the IRS for any tax-related issue, so we only prepare returns for people we know well and work with throughout the year.
We don’t offer standalone tax prep.
What is the process to get started?
All relationships begin with a short introductory call.
From there, the next step is an Initial Financial Review, which gives us a complete picture of your situation and helps us decide whether ongoing support makes sense.
Whether you just want a one-time review or you already know you want full-service planning, that meeting is required before we take the next step.
Do you sell insurance or financial products?
No.
We’re fee-only and product-agnostic.
If insurance or anything similar is appropriate, we’ll explain your options and help you evaluate them, but you won’t buy anything through us.
Do you have a succession plan?
Yes.
Your advisor is part of several large networks and has a formal succession plan in place to ensure continuity for all ongoing/retainer clients if anything were to happen. Your plan—and your peace of mind—will always be protected.
What if I’m in school, a fellowship, or early career?
We’re open to scaling my fee in cases where income is temporarily low, such as graduate school, medical residency, or fellowships. Let’s talk about it.
What if I only want help with one piece of my financial picture?
That’s completely fine.
If you prefer a hands-off advisor who only steps in when needed, we’re happy to take a step back and simply offer recommendations when you ask. No pressure, no micromanaging.
What if I’m looking for someone to actively trade my account?
That’s not what we do.
If you enjoy active trading, you’re welcome to handle that part of your portfolio, while we focus on the long-term, diversified strategy.
We do not engage in active trading.
Do you work with people outside Arizona?
Yes—we work virtually with clients across the U.S. in all aspects of planning, including filing taxes for residents of multiple states.
Can I call or email you with questions between meetings?
Absolutely.
Part of your annual fee includes ongoing access. If you have a question, concern, or “Is this normal?” moment, reach out anytime. We’d much rather hear from you early than fix something later.
How many advisors are there?
Elion has one advisor (Dr. Mishra, PhD, CFP®, EA)—and that’s who you’ll work with directly for every part of your financial plan, investment management, tax strategy, and ongoing support. Your relationship is always personal, never outsourced.
Behind the scenes, we do have a small team that includes our receptionist, IT professionals, and compliance experts who help keep everything running smoothly.
We also occasionally mentor emerging financial planners, but they never access client information unless a specific client gives explicit permission. Your privacy and the quality of your experience always come first.