Exactly what happens, step by step.

From your first Explore Call to ongoing guidance, here’s what the journey looks like.

Schedule Your Explore Call

The Four Steps at a Glance

01

Explore Call

A quick conversation to understand your goals and confirm fit.

02

Strategy Session

A collaborative discussion to surface key opportunities and outline your best-fit path.

03

The Keystone Method™

Four to six months of guided working sessions designed to focus deeply on your priorities while fitting them into the bigger picture.

04

Ongoing Advisory Relationship

Continue with planning and strategy, investment management, and tax preparation—all integrated in one advisory relationship.

Step 1: Explore Call

A short, no-pressure conversation to understand what brought you here and confirm whether moving to a Strategy Session makes sense.

You’ll leave understanding:

  • The next step in the process
  • What we’ll prepare for you
  • What information we’ll ask you to upload

Step 2: Strategy Session

A focused one-hour meeting where we talk through your priorities, identify opportunities and tradeoffs, and show how the Keystone Method™ would flex for your situation.

What you can expect:

  • A clear view of where you stand today
  • Which areas we’d prioritize first
  • What happens next — timing, coordination, and your role



Before the session, we’ll ask you to securely share:

  • Your most recent tax return
  • A recent statement for your investment accounts
  • Any recent estate documents
  • Any business, equity comp, or rental details that may be relevant

Step 3: The Keystone Method™

Over 4–6 months, we’ll guide you through working sessions that align and coordinate the right areas in the right order.

Cadence:  4–6 meetings, about 60 minutes each. Most of the work and coordination happens between sessions.


How it flexes:  Every client follows the same framework, but the emphasis shifts depending on your needs — retirement income timing, equity compensation, business planning, estate coordination, or protection gaps.


Compare Keystone tracks

Step 4: Ongoing Advisory Relationship

After the Keystone Method™ is complete, you can continue with us in a long-term relationship. One advisory fee covers planning strategy and investment management, and many clients also add tax preparation so their strategy, investments, and tax returns are all handled together.

The meetings you need to attend typically scale back to about two per year, with the rest of your strategy, investment, and tax decisions managed by our team.

Common Questions We Hear

Getting Started & Prep

  • Do I need everything perfectly organized before we meet?

    No. Bring what you have; we’ll guide you through what’s needed and fill in the gaps together.

  • Do I have to move my investments to start?

    No. You can begin without moving accounts. If it makes sense later, we’ll outline options and timing.

  • What if I only want help with one thing?

    That’s common. We can start with Keystone Essentials and focus the six-month build on your top priority.

  • How long is the Explore Call?

    About 15–30 minutes. We’ll learn what brought you here, confirm fit, and explain next steps.

  • What happens in the Strategy Session?

    We’ll clarify your priorities, identify opportunities and risks, and agree on the right plan for the six-month build.

  • How long is the Strategy Session?

    Usually 60–90 minutes, adjusted to your situation.

The Keystone Method™ (Six-Month Build)

  • What is the Keystone Method™?

    The Keystone Method™ is Step 3 in our process — a six-month build where we go broad before we go deep. We first look across your whole financial life — cash flow, taxes, investments, estate coordination, and risks — to see how the pieces connect. Then we sequence the work in the right order, so progress is visible and deeper strategies are built on a solid foundation.

  • How long does Keystone take?

    About six months. Cadence is typically 4–6 working sessions; most coordination happens between meetings.

  • How often do we meet during Keystone?

    Often monthly at the start, then as action items are completed.

Accounts, Assets & Minimums

  • Is there a minimum to work with you?

    Keystone itself is a flat fee engagement, so there’s no minimum required to get started. After Keystone, most clients continue with Ongoing Guidance, which typically includes both continued planning and investment management. For ongoing investment management, we do have minimums and a tiered fee schedule — starting at $500k of managed assets or $5,000 annually, whichever is greater. See Pricing.

  • Who holds my investment accounts?

    If we manage assets, they are held in your name at an independent custodian.

Fees & How We’re Paid

  • How do you charge?

    Keystone is a flat fee. Ongoing Guidance typically includes an advisory fee for investment management and continued planning.

  • Do I have to continue after Keystone?

    No. Many clients continue; others pause or return later. We’ll recommend options—you decide.

  • How does Ongoing Guidance work day-to-day?

    We monitor investment strategy, taxes, and cash-flow actions; you’ll have check-ins and on-call support for decisions as they come up.

Taxes & Other Professionals

  • Do you prepare taxes?

    Yes—through Talley Tax, for a separate fee. Strategy is coordinated; preparation is optional.

  • Will you work with my CPA or attorney?

    Yes. We often coordinate with your existing professionals or introduce trusted partners.

Meetings, Location & Logistics

  • Can we meet virtually?

    Yes—Zoom or phone works well. In-person meetings are available in the Tri-Cities/Northeast TN.

  • Do you work with clients outside the Tri-Cities/Northeast TN?

    Yes. We serve clients in many states virtually and will confirm registrations before we engage.

  • What if I need to reschedule or cancel a meeting?

    No problem—use your confirmation link to pick a new time or contact us directly.

Standards, Privacy & Safety

  • Are you a fiduciary?

    Yes—our advice is delivered with a fiduciary standard of care.

  • How do you handle confidentiality and security?

    We use secure portals for document sharing, follow privacy requirements, and restrict access to only what’s needed.

Practical "What to Bring"

  • What should I give you ahead of my Strategy Session?

    Before the Strategy Session, we’ll ask you to securely share a few key documents and details so we can understand your situation going in. This may include recent investment statements, your latest tax return, estate documents if you have them, and anything else that helps us see the full picture. If something isn’t handy, don’t worry—we’ll guide you through it.

Booking & Next Steps

  • How do I book the Explore Call?

    Choose any time on our calendar; you’ll receive a confirmation and calendar invite right away.

Ready to See What This Looks Like for You?

Every relationship starts with an Explore Call — 15 minutes to confirm fit and answer your first questions.

Get Started With an Explore Call

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Updated July 2025 • Written by David Talley, CFP®, EA