John Abernethy, MSFP, CFP®
Your Money. Your Future. Make Sure You're Doing It Right.
A professional review to eliminate doubt and get a clear plan for winning with money.
About Me
I’m John Abernethy, a fee-only financial planner specializing in second-opinion financial reviews for DIY investors. My goal is to help you validate your financial strategies, uncover potential blind spots, and eliminate uncertainty—so you can move forward with confidence.No sales. No asset management. Just clear, professional guidance tailored to your goals.
Services & Pricing
I offer financial reviews for DIY investors who want an expert's second opinion—without sales pitches or long-term commitments.
Financial Review & Consultation
One-time flat fee of $3,240—no ongoing costs or hidden fees.
Comprehensive review covering all major financial areas – Including retirement readiness, investment strategy, insurance coverage, tax efficiency, cash flow, and estate planning.
2-hour in-depth review consultation – We'll go through your finances together, discuss findings, and refine your strategy.
Review Summary delivered within one week - A clear, actionable document tailored to your goals.
Two months of follow-up support included - For any additional questions or clarifications.
Ongoing Hourly Planning ($270/hour) - For Returning Clients
Available for plan updates, financial check-ins, and additional guidance.
Can be used to review tax planning, investment strategies, or major financial decisions as needed.
Only available to clients who have previously completed a financial review.
How It Works
My streamlined process ensures you receive a thorough financial review with clear, actionable insights.
Introductory Call (20 min, free) – We'll discuss your financial situation, goals, and whether a professional review makes sense for you.
Sign Agreements & Gather Data – You'll securely upload your financial details for an in-depth review.
Financial Review Consultation (2 hours) – We'll examine key areas of your finances, identify opportunities for improvement, and address your questions.
Delivery of Review Summary – Within a week, you'll receive a customized review with clear next steps.
Follow-Up Support (Included) – You receive two months of follow-up access for any additional questions.
What Your Financial Review Covers
Your financial review will help answer questions like:
Can I retire? – Evaluating retirement readiness & income planning.
Am I saving enough? – Optimizing cash flow & saving strategies.
How should I invest? – Reviewing portfolio allocation & tax-efficient investing.
What tax strategies should I use? – Identifying opportunities to reduce your tax burden.
Do I have the right insurance coverage? – Assessing life, disability, and long-term care needs.
Is my estate plan in order? – Ensuring your assets & legacy are protected.
How do I manage my debt? – Analyzing mortgage, student loans, & other obligations.
What should I do with my employer benefits? – Maximizing 401(k), stock options & more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does a financial plan take?
A: I spend 12–18 hours reviewing your financial details, analyzing your situation, and building a customized plan. For you, the process is simple - you'll have a 2-hour consultation, and within a week, you'll receive your final plan with two months of follow-up support for any questions.
Q: Do I have to pay this fee every year?
A: No. The $3,240 fee is a one-time cost for a comprehensive financial plan. If you ever need updates, you can book additional sessions at my hourly rate ($270/hour) as a returning client.
Q: What’s included in the financial review?
A: Your plan covers:
✔ Retirement readiness – Can you retire, and how much do you need?
✔ Investment strategy – How to allocate and manage your portfolio.
✔ Cash flow & savings – How much to save and where to put it.
✔ Insurance review – Are you properly covered?
✔ Estate & tax planning – Key considerations for protecting your wealth.You’ll walk away with a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your goals.
Q: Why can't I just pay for an hour of your time?
A: Financial planning isn't just about one topic - all the pieces are connected. Reviewing only one area at a time can lead to blind spots, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities. It's also more expensive in the long run, as you may need multiple sessions to address issues that could have been solved in one comprehensive review.
What if I don’t have all my financial documents ready?
A: No problem! Many clients start without everything perfectly organized. I’ll guide you through what’s needed, and we’ll work with what you have.
Let’s Get Started
Your finances deserve a second look. Let's make sure you're on the right track.