Whether you’re ready to dive in or you just want some questions answered, our team is here to listen and help.

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This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a solicitation or offering of any security and:

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION

Representatives of a Registered Broker-Dealer (“BD”) or Registered Investment Advisor (“IA”) may only conduct business in a state if the representatives and the BD or IA they represent (a) satisfy the qualification requirements of, and are approved to do business by, that state; or (b) are excluded or exempted from that state’s registration requirements. 

Representatives of a BD or IA are deemed to conduct business in a state to the extent that they would provide individualized responses to investor inquiries that involve (a) effecting, or attempting to effect, transactions in securities; or (b) rendering personalized investment advice for compensation. 

Prefer to contact us directly? Call or email us any time.

We work with people and monetary amounts typically ignored by the industry. 

Why? - Because we love what we do, and we know that a little support can go a long way.

Is this even for people like me?

As fiduciaries, we aim to minimize conflicts of interest, practice radical transparency, and live up to the trust our clients place in us. 

It is our duty to put clients' best interests before our own, seeking on their behalf the best terms and prices available. Simply put - we’ve got your back.

How can I trust you?

Our industry is notorious for technical jargon and double-talk.

Our goal is to say it like it is, in plain language that regular people can
understand. We choose to educate and empower, because we believe
that with better understanding comes better results for our clients.

Will it be over my head?

Financial planning by yourself or with a robo-advisor is 100% possible, but not always what people expect and hope.

Those who go it alone often feel overwhelmed and nervous. Those who use robo-advisors feel disconnected and often get up-sold by their provider into the human-to-human advice they needed in the first place.

Can’t I just do it myself?

We’re not in the business of judging you or your life situation.

Be honest in communicating your financial goals - even if you feel they are out of reach or risky. We’ll help you consider the pros and cons in real terms you can understand.

Will you judge me?

I’m getting married/divorced and I don’t know what to do.

I received an inheritance and want to make the most of it.

My job/benefits have shifted and I need to respond.

I’m interested in tax planning and abatement strategies.

I’m considering a big purchase, but I don’t want to mess up.

BrokerCheck (FINRA) 

Research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisors & firms

BROKERCHECK

Securities & Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The LPL Financial Registered Representatives associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: OR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, WA, KS, MA, SC

Care-based guidance to get you organized, confident, and focused back on life.

FINANCIAL COACHING, PLANNING, & MANAGEMENT.

Wherever you’re focused in life.

Get Organized

Optimize Work-Life

Plan Retirement

Enjoy Retirement

I want to better understand my financial situation.

I’m nearing retirement and want to make sure I’m on track.

I’m worried I’m missing important opportunities to optimize.

I want to make sure I can take care of my family.

You want to get organized and moving toward your financial goals, but you have questions and aren’t sure who to trust.

YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.

WE’RE NOT YOUR  TYPICAL ADVISOR.

We help you understand it for yourself, because
we know it creates better, longer-lasting results.

We believe in educating and coaching our clients, not in just telling them what to do.

Our job is to help you understand how to get from where you are to where you want to be.

You’re the expert - we’re your guide.

Because we know every client’s life
situation and goals are unique.

Some clients just need a nudge to get over the fence. Others face significant financial barriers.

We get to know our customers better than other advisors because we know that if we understand you, we can better advocate for you.

We create every plan from scratch.

Even if you need help getting to the
starting line.

Some of our clients need help moving safely past difficult life
events and obstacles.

That’s why we don’t start by talking about our latest favorite
investments. Instead, we listen to your life situation, goals, and
challenges.

We meet you wherever you’re at.

99% of our new clients come
through word-of-mouth referrals.

We don’t buy ads online or hand out slick marketing materials.

We focus our energy on listening to and working with our existing clients.

Through word-of-mouth we’re introduced to friends, family members, and coworkers.

We thrive by doing  right by people.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

Specializing in the unique needs of public employees.

SERVING PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE PNW.

Education

Health

Public Safety

City

State

Flexible financial advice and guidance when and where you need it.

Coaching

Discover where you are, and decide where you’re going.

Planning

Making your investable dollars work for you and the needs of your financial plan.

Management

You might be thinking…

Common interests

What we offer.

I want best-in-class investment advice but in a down-to earth way.

I want to make the most out of all the effort and savings I’ve put in.

I’m not sure my current advisor has my best interests in mind.

I want to take advantage of the market but am nervous of the risk.

I want to invest in a way that sets my family up for success.

Flexible financial advice & guidance when and where you need it.

FINANCIAL COACHING.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE?

Ongoing support after Financial Planning. 

Make the most of financial opportunities and windfalls.

Safely respond to unexpected financial challenges. 

Get expert advice on major purchases and expenses. 

Simplify tough decisions with a trusted partner.

Financial coaching is generally reserved for clients who have gone through comprehensive financial planning with our team. This allows us to effectively advise you on emergent needs or burning questions with our existing understanding of your financial landscape and goals.

WHO IS FINANCIAL COACHING FOR?

I’m getting married/divorced and I don’t know what to do. 

I received an inheritance and want to make the most of it. 

My job/benefits have shifted and I need to respond. 

I’m interested in tax planning and abatement strategies. 

WHAT DO I GET?

Life is full surprises. That’s why we offer flexible coaching on a wide variety of topics where and when you need.

Sometimes “Googling” just doesn’t cut it. Our clients love having real people to talk to about their questions and concerns.

Whatever is on your mind - retirement, taxes, insurance, benefits, cash flow, investments - just try us.

An expert who meets you where you’re at.

We field all kinds of questions across finance, tax planning, investing, insurance, health care, work, and life.

Some of our clients need help moving safely past difficult life events. Others just want to brush up on a topic they don’t understand well.

Whatever your interest, we’ll help you understand what’s happening and empower you to do something about it.

A focused work session on your area of interest.

We live in the details, but are holistic with our
advice. Our aim is to support the “whole” you.

We are experts in our field. We’re ready to dive deeply into the financial details of your topic of interest.

But our super power is in being able to combine those details in a way that delivers positive long-term outcomes.

Guidance with depth & breadth.

We don’t just tell you “yes” or “no”. We learn what a
topic means to you, then give personalized advice.

An open-minded thought partner.

Learn how to invest for your short, mid, and long-term needs. 

Understand risks, and balance them against target returns. 

Benefit from global market research through a local advocate.

Coordinate your investments within your broader financial plan. 

Minimize taxes by synchronizing your account and investment types. 

Know you're in safe hands with a fee-based, fiduciary partner.

Based on total amount of client funds managed.

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT.

>Create a financial plan to focus and guide your investment strategy!


GOALS

You wouldn’t climb into a car and just start driving in a random direction. We need to understand where you’re headed and how we’ll get you there.

A financial plan details your cash flow needs for years to come. This awareness is precisely what we need to safely and effectively invest your money.

CAN’T YOU JUST INVEST MY MONEY?

We are 100% committed to conducting Financial Planning before working with new Investment Management clients.

To this end, we incentivize new customers by crediting back ALL Financial Planning fees for those who continue on with us into Investment Management. 

Why do we do this? Because we feel it is our job to help people with their financial lives - not just chase dollars.

[FINANCIAL PLANNING](/products/planning)

NOT CONVINCED? WE DO IT FOR FREE.

Our approach to Investment Management adapts to the unique needs, goals and personalities of every client. Still, we follow a core set of steps & phases:

HOW IT WORKS.

I want best-in-class investment advice but in a down-to earth way. 

I want to make the most out of all the effort and savings I’ve put in. 

Crooks & Company works with individuals and monetary amounts typically ignored by the industry. We provide Investment Management services to individuals and families with $250k or more in investable assets.

WHO IS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FOR?

>Build a concrete understanding of the inherent risks in investing.

>Clarify what your personal tolerance is for investment risk.

>Identify where your risk tolerance does or doesn’t match your potential investment path.

You don’t have to prepare much for this meeting. We will walk you through a risk assessment tool and ask for your honest, intuitive feedback.

To prepare, you can:
- Brush up on your financial plan to identify what funds you will need and when. We’ll review this part of your plan together as well. 
- Be realistic. How much could you really lose before you said, “get me out!” 
- Be prepared to go with your “gut” reaction as you answer questions. This is a starting point for our discussion, not a final decision.

HOW TO PREPARE

We provide risk assessment services through the Riskalyze platform because:
- Riskalyze skips the technical jargon, instead giving you real-life scenarios to consider.
- The platform provides us access to global leaders in market research and strategy. 
- It provides us with comprehensive tools to measure how well an investment product is diversified and how efficient it is (how well it performs VS its level of risk). 
- Access to this institutional portfolios through Riskalyze bypasses standard manager and strategist fees of around .35% - saving you money.

Risk assessment questions vary, but typically ask you to choose between two hypothetical options: Would you be willing to risk a loss of $100k for a chance of gaining $200k? Or are you the type of person who would prefer a lesser gain of $50k with little to no risk?


![Management](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/37461123/161441910-fc93c52c-0d43-4de7-b877-0fe5800b221b.svg)


Answering these questions helps us determine how tolerant of risk you are and generates your “risk score”. Think of this score as similar to how fast you’re willing to drive in a car:

- Driving faster can get you farther, but risks collisions that can set you way back. 
- Driving slowly helps avoid collisions, but won’t get you as far in the same amount of time.


DURING YOUR SESSION

After the session, we compare your natural risk tolerance score with that of your financial plan approach.

We design your financial plan conservatively - at around a risk tolerance score of 35 - ensuring your financial plan goals don’t require a high-risk approach and that they are relatively straightforward to achieve. 

Large differences between your natural risk tolerance and the risk tolerance of your plan may require a conversation and some adjustment:

- If your risk score is lower than 35 (more conservative) we update your plan’s financial goals to be less ambitious. 
- If your risk score is higher than 35 (more aggressive) we may expand on your plan’s financial goals if we feel it is safe to do so.

We also compare your preferred risk tolerance to your existing investments (if any), to determine whether they are too risky, not aggressive enough, or just right.

- If your existing portfolio is too risky we’ll let you know, and recommend steps to reduce its volatility. 
- Similarly, if it looks like your portfolio could be more growth oriented we will discuss options to increase your potential returns.

AFTER THE SESSION

>Identify leading investment funds that meet your financial plan requirements. 

>Vet and validate fund managers, strategists, and historical performance.

>Ensure target investment funds match your ideal risk tolerance score. 

>Adjust portfolios to better align with your personal financial plan and goals.

>Collaboratively discuss recommended funds and answer your questions.

>Align on our initial investment strategy and target assets.

Heads up - we’re not here to help you “beat the market”. We manage client investments in service of helping them live better lives and achieve their financial goals.

Because of this, we focus on building structured investment strategies that meet the cash flow and timeline needs of your financial plan. Investing this way maximizes the likelihood that the money you’re counting on is there when you need it.

Our investment philosophy is conservative:

1. Always think long-term, even as you invest for short and mid-term needs. 
2. Never speculate. We help you set and maintain realistic goals. No gambling required. 
3. Avoid volatility and “big swings” by carefully diversifying portfolio assets. 
4. Leverage the best global research and strategy, but tailor recommendations to each client. 
5. Ensure your financial plan is up to date by updating it as life takes twists and turns.

OUR APPROACH TO INVESTING

Your financial plan spells out the details of what your cash flow needs will be over time. We segment this information into:

![ShortTerm](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/37461123/161416758-53f080e7-645f-4490-a785-241ecceb57ae.png)

For each of these segments, we look for investment portfolios capable of providing the returns we’re looking for while balancing risk and volatility.

- Short-term portfolios tend to be lower risk and lower reward since you’ll need the money soon and don’t have time to recover from big losses. 
- Long-term portfolios can afford greater volatility since you won’t need the money for some time, allowing for greater potential returns.

SHORT, MEDIUM, & LONG-TERM STRATEGIES

Our clients love our small, local office, but it’s not where we get our market research done. For that, we look to global leaders in money management and strategy.

For our clients - it’s the best of both worlds: Insights from the biggest market research and strategist companies in the world, but tailored to your unique life situation and goals by a local fiduciary.

![Group](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/37461123/161416807-cbd414a1-8427-479e-a098-2a30fbf4da76.png)



GLOBAL STRATEGY. LOCAL ADVOCATE.

We scrutinize global money managers and strategists on your behalf, selecting those investment opportunities capable of delivering against the targets set out in your financial plan. 

We monitor return and performance across these portfolios, ensuring they continue to adhere to your financial plan requirements over time.

Currently, we look to the following global leaders to shortlist investment opportunities that meet your needs:

![Logos](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/37461123/161416661-e9bf3c94-3e67-4ef3-b220-2c541d0a0670.png)

Finding the right investments.

We don’t rush clients through investment decisions.

Once we’ve identified the investment funds best suited to fulfilling your financial plan goals, we discuss these recommendations with you, aligning on target returns, timelines, associated fees, and levels of risk.

We understand that most clients do not have a strong background or interest in global markets or investment strategies. Still, we find that discussing options transparently before making decisions helps customers feel more involved, more empowered, and better able to make the right choices for their unique life needs.

![Fiduciary](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/37461123/161416827-bec41021-68e0-46a2-b587-c7296155d000.png)

As fiduciaries, it is our duty to operate exclusively in the best interest of our clients. We will always give you our best advice and are legally prohibited from benefiting from incentives - like commissions - that could create a conflict of interests.

In other words, we’ve got your back.


WORKING TOGETHER WITH TRUST.

>Allocate funds according to your investment strategy.

>Review initial investment approach at the 45-day mark.

>Develop your ability to track and monitor your funds.

Once we’re aligned on your investment approach, we will move your funds into the appropriate assets and portfolios. This phase is largely procedural since we’ve already selected those investments that best meet your needs.

We still like to conduct a 45-day check in to ensure all funds have been distributed correctly and more importantly to help you understand your new portfolio reporting and management tools. 

In this session, we will walk your through:

- Your overall portfolio and account distribution. 
- How to read your portfolio statements, confirmation reports, and any other regular correspondence. 
- Your client portfolio dashboard, where you can monitor funds and performance.

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR GOALS ARE.

>Ensure your investments are meeting your financial plan goals.

>Update under-performing portfolios or assets.

>Track account or market changes that may impact our strategy.

>Respond to major life events and/or changing financial goals. 

>Keep your lifetime tax liability as low as possible through ongoing tax planning.

We are constantly tracking your investment account performance against the expectations and needs set out in your financial plan. We encourage our clients to do the same and share any questions or concerns.

At our discretion we will add, change, or remove assets that are not serving your best interests. Aside from under-performing portfolios, we may recommend a shift in strategy if:

- Your financial goals or life situation take a dramatic turn, requiring a new approach. 
- Your portfolio becomes out of alignment with your desired risk (e.g. if you have stocks that over-perform the rest of your portfolio, driving up your potential volatility). 
- An institutional portfolio you are invested in has changed in a way that we do not feel is in your best interest.

KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR INVESTMENTS.

Regular check-ins make sure that the performance we’re seeing across your portfolio continues to line up with the projections we made in your financial plan. We also provide you with ongoing tax planning to identify approved methods of keeping your lifetime tax liability as low as possible as your assets grow. 

We conduct these check-ins once or twice a year, but also encourage clients to reach out pro-actively when they face a significant life change or discover a new financial goal. Common examples include:

- Getting married or divorced. 
- Facing new expenses, challenges, or health concerns. 
- Approaching or entering your retirement. 
- Pulling out funds for a large purchases or financial gifting.

STAYING CONNECTED TO YOUR LIFE.

FINANCIAL PLANNING TOOLS & MATERIALS

RISK ASSESSMENT TOOLS & MATERIALS

INVESTMENT SELECTION TOOLS & MATERIALS

IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS & MATERIALS

Understanding Portfolio Reporting - Video

MONITORING TOOLS & MATERIALS

We employ the research capabilities of the largest institutional money managing firms.

We help you stand on the shoulders of giants by providing access to some of the best market research and strategy firms in the world.

Our job is to help you select investments that limit risk, while meeting target financial plan returns.

Access to global market research & strategy.

We don’t just chase dollars. We invest in ways that meet your financial needs throughout life.

We use your financial plan to determine what income needs you’ll have over the short, medium, and long term.

Then we invest in ways that ensure you have what you need when you need it.

A portfolio that serves  your financial life plan.

We use real life examples to help you better understand and set your tolerance for risk.

We move “risk” out of abstraction by walking you through different real-life investment scenarios.

In this way, we help you understand where and how you’re willing to be aggressive VS where you need to be conservative.

An informed balance between risk & reward.

Global research is great, but having a local fiduciary who understands your life is even better.

We are able to scrutinize leading investment strategies on your behalf because we understand where you are and where you want to go.

We personalize our advice based on our unique understanding of your life and goals.

A local guardian & advocate.

Regular check-in meetings keep your portfolio focused on your goals - even as they evolve with life.

We don’t “set and forget” your investment strategy. We consistently check in to ensure your portfolio is performing in accordance with your financial plan requirements.

We’re also there to help you navigate through market shifts, important life milestones, and surprise events.

Ongoing financial & investment guidance.

Understand your unique financial landscape. 

Know what to expect by playing out possible futures. 

Create and understand a plan that gets you where you want to be.

Discover where you are and decide where you’re going.

FINANCIAL PLANNING.

>Get to know you, your interests, and your goals.

>Identify all the components involved in your financial life.

>Align on how we will model out your financial future.

You don’t have to prepare much for this meeting. Simply consider or jot down a few notes around the following:

- Where are you at in life? What are you trying to accomplish? 
- What questions or concerns do you have about your current situation? 
- What future events do you imagine influencing your financial situation? 
- What do you wish you knew more about but are afraid to ask?

This first meeting can be nerve-racking for new clients, but don’t worry - we’re not here to judge you or your past financial decisions. We’re here to learn about you, your priorities, and identify all the components involved in your financial life.

We will use a flexible worksheet questionnaire to accomplish the following:

- Address any open questions you have about our company and process. 
- Gain an understanding who you are and what’s happening in your life. 
- Listen to your priorities and help you set realistic financial goals. 
- Identify financial risks and discuss concerns you might have. 
- Align on your ideal timeline and educate you on important dates. 
- Clarify and discuss opportunities you may have missed. 
- Moderate difficult conversations and differences in opinion between partners. 
- Identify and consider all the components involved in your financial life.

After your Discovery session, you will be asked to collect a variety of information and documentation that will help us better understand the details of your financial situation and accurately model out your potential future scenarios.

Our approach to Financial Planning adapts to the unique needs, goals and personalities of every client. Still, we follow a core set of steps and phases:

I want to better understand my financial situation. 

I’m nearing retirement and want to make sure I’m on track. 

I’m worried I’m missing important opportunities to optimize. 

Financial planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It is a process and methodology for anyone looking to minimize risks, optimize opportunities, and generally take the guess work out of financial decision making.

WHO IS FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR?

>Collect all the documents listed on your Discovery “homework” checklist.


We know life gets busy. That’s why we give clients several weeks to gather all their financial documentation. We’ll need each and every piece of the puzzle to accurately model out your future financial scenarios.

Things to remember:
- All documentation must be turned in 2 WEEKS BEFORE your first financial planning session. 
- You may turn in documents in person or via Crooks & Company secure email. 
- We do not accept screen shots. Official documents only. 
- When in doubt, give us a call. We often help clients track down elusive documents.

TIPS ON GATHERING MATERIALS

>“Play out” a variety of possible future scenarios using your real-life data. 

>Select and prepare 2-4 ideal future scenario plans for you to review.




Our first step is to create a “baseline”, or a picture of your life today, by collecting your relevant financial data and looking at it holistically. 
From there, we input your financial information into a variety of tools that allow us to observe changes in your data as we play-out different “what if” scenarios (What if you bought an investment property? What if you retired early?).

Things to remember:

- We always model out your future to age 100. Why? - So you don’t outlive your money. 
- The more you tell us about your plans and expectations the more accurate we can be. So - don’t hold anything back!

HOW DO WE MODEL OUT YOUR FUTURE?

Once we understand your current baseline and have modeled out possible future scenarios, we optimize each by looking at different ways we might structure your assets to get better returns or reduce your tax burden.

Tax planning refers to our review of your tax return to identify potential abatement and optimization strategies - both now and in the future. Within each model, we look for approved methods of keeping your lifetime tax liability as low as possible. 

This is different than tax preparation (usually done by your CPA or an online service like TurboTax), which is focused on keeping you compliant with what the government thinks you owe each year.

OPTIMIZING MODELS & TAX PLANNING.

>Showcase the best future scenarios discovered through modeling.

>Shortlist those scenarios that best meet client goals and timeline.

>Over 1-3 sessions, refine scenarios down into a best-case option.

>Co-create a financial action plan to make that future scenario a reality.




Clients tend to have a lot of anticipation for the Planning phase after several weeks of collecting documents and waiting for modeling to be completed. 
Keep an open mind as you walk into your first financial planning session. Your best path forward may look different than you expected.

Consider the following:
- If you have to choose between different goals, which would you prioritize? 
- What kinds of future scenarios most excite you? Which would be disappointing? 
- Look at our Financial Planning “How to Guide” in prep to better follow the conversation.

Every client is different, but sessions tend to follow this order:

Session 1 - Discuss the pros and cons of your possible future scenarios and select one or more to refine based on the evolving awareness of your needs. 

Session 2 - Review and discuss the refined, top choice scenario, diving into the details of what actions will need to be taken and when.

Session 3 - We formalize your Financial Plan into a packet that we review together, solidifying your understanding of those actions you will need to take over time to achieve your goals. 

Things to remember:

- The total number of sessions is dependent on the complexity of your situation. Some people just need a slight nudge while others have tough decisions to make. 
- The first financial planning session can feel like a lot of information and numbers. Don’t worry - we’ll never rush you and are happy to take extra time to explain details. 
- Be prepared to adjust your goals and timeline based on what you see modeled out. We will help you prioritize based on your needs and wants. 
- Some financial goals require radical intervention - others just a slight adjustment to what you're already doing. Either way, we always keep scenarios realistic and achievable. 
- A big part of modeling involves identifying untapped funds. We’ll locate these opportunities and help you redirect them toward your goals. 
- Occasionally, we’ll need to consider several equally likely future scenarios. In these cases we’ll prepare your plan for all eventualities, so that no matter what happens, you’ll know what to do.

We schedule your 3 Financial Planning sessions about 3-4 weeks apart. This gives you time to absorb the information, consider your options, and make well-thought-out decisions.

At the end of planning, we will provide you with:

- A printed, bound financial plan outlining details on what to do and when to do it over the long-term. 
- A list of immediate to-dos that will get you moving in the right direction.

BETWEEN & AFTER SESSIONS

>Carry out your financial plan using your new know-how and plan manual.

>Recognize financial and life events that may require a plan “tune up”.


Life is anything but predictable. We provide clients with long-term advice, coaching, and financial planning across all life events and milestones, keeping your plan relevant and effective.
It may be time to collaborate again if:

- You’re getting married, divorced, or have suffered the loss of a spouse or partner. 
- You’re nearing retirement and want advice on next steps. 
- You have inherited funds and want to make the most of the opportunity. 
- You’ve changed or lost your job, or are considering a career shift. 
- You’re considering a consequential purchase or sale (e.g. vehicle, home, business…) 
- It’s been a couple of years and you want to confirm you’re still on track.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Tell us your interests