John Abernethy, MSFP, CFP®

Hourly Financial Planner for DIY Investors

Helping you simplify your finances and build long-term wealth—without ongoing fees or investment management requirements.

About Me

I’m John Abernethy, a fee-only, hourly financial planner helping DIY investors take control of their finances. Whether you’re planning for retirement, optimizing investments, or just getting started, I provide clear, practical guidance—without sales pitches or asset management fees.

How It Works

My five-step planning process ensures you receive a structured, actionable financial plan tailored to your goals.

  1. Introductory Call (20 min, free) – A chance to learn more about your financial situation, goals, and how my planning process works.

  2. Sign Agreements & Gather Data – You’ll receive a secure document upload link to provide the necessary financial details.

  3. Plan Consultation (2 hours) – We’ll review key areas of your financial plan, discuss important decisions, and address your questions. This session helps refine the final recommendations.

  4. Final Plan Delivery – Within a week, you’ll receive a finalized financial plan with clear action steps tailored to your goals. You’ll also have two months of follow-up access for any additional questions or clarifications at no extra cost.

  5. Ongoing Support (As Needed) – Financial planning is an ongoing process. As your life and financial situation evolve, you can schedule additional planning sessions at my current hourly rate to update your plan, address life events, or revisit specific financial decisions.

Common Financial Questions

  • Can I retire? – Retirement readiness & income planning

  • Am I saving enough? – Cash flow & savings optimization

  • How should I invest? – Portfolio allocation & tax-efficient investing

  • What tax strategies should I use? – Reducing your tax burden

  • Do I have the right insurance coverage? – Life, disability & long-term care

  • Is my estate plan in order? – Protecting your assets & legacy

  • How do I manage my debt? – Mortgage, student loans & other obligations

  • What should I do with my employer benefits? – 401(k), stock options & more

Services & Pricing

I offer transparent, hourly financial planning with no asset minimums or long-term commitments.

Comprehensive Financial Plan

  • One-time flat fee of $3,240—no ongoing costs or hidden fees

  • Full financial plan covering all major areas

  • Preliminary Plan Consultation Meeting to review key recommendations

  • Final plan delivered within one week as a PDF

  • Follow-up questions and additional meetings included for two months at no additional cost

Beginner Investor Consultation

  • $270 (1-hour session)

  • Designed for new investors with high-level questions

  • Covers selecting accounts, understanding investments & avoiding mistakes

Ongoing Hourly Planning

  • $270/hour (For returning clients)

  • Available for plan updates, check-ins & additional guidance

  • Only available to clients who have previously completed a Comprehensive Financial Plan

Let’s Get Started

Ready to take control of your financial future? Let’s chat.