How We Work

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We work with independent women — whether single, divorced, widowed or married — who want a partner in their financial decision-making.

Most of our clients are 45+ years old and are starting to think about retirement in one form or another.

Smart women like you come to Sofia Financial feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed because finance is not your area or interest or expertise. You want to learn and understand, without feeling like you’re studying for an advanced degree.

Working with Sofia, you’ll be heard and seen for the individual you are. We offer a judgement-free zone where you’ll find encouragement, education and a caring team of experienced professionals to truly partner with - so you don’t have to face their financial future alone!

Phase One: Exploration & Design

Through several meetings and in-depth personal conversations, we’ll explore what you want, what you value, how you want to live, and what money means to you. No homework is needed for these first meetings — you know the answers already!

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What we’ll cover:

  • Values & Vision: What do you want your life to look like?
  • Money Relationship: What does money mean to you?
  • Dollars & Sense: What does your current financial picture look like?

Next, we’ll look toward and design your future, imagining various possibilities and understanding the tradeoffs inherent in each decision. We’ll also discuss various financial strategies (in plain English), and make a plan, choosing specific actions and guidelines around income, spending, saving and investing that will work for you going forward.

What we’ll cover:

  • Customized Projections: Number crunching and scenario building.
  • Collaborate on Strategies: Making a plan by choosing specific actions and guidelines that will work for you going forward.
  • Preferences & Guidelines: Setting up your financial life so it doesn't stress you out, so you have the amount of engagement you feel comfortable with.

Using custom tools we have developed including the Money Map, Money Policy Statement, and Itinerary Action Plan, by the end of Phase One you’ll be ready to take action.

Cost for Phase One is $5,000 (payable in one or two payments).

Phase Two: Implementation

It’s great to think and talk about money moves, but nothing is accomplished until you actually take action. This is where things start moving and we put your money to work in appropriate accounts and products.

It’s great to think and talk about money moves, but nothing is accomplished until you actually take action. This is where things start moving and we put your money to work in appropriate accounts and products.

What this looks like:

  • We will discuss reasonable expectations and set up our system for ongoing evaluation and review.
  • Our team works on the messy details so you don’t have to, keeping you informed and aware along the way.
  • At regular review meetings, together we’ll look at how we’re doing, what has changed, whether our chosen strategies are performing as expected, and if we need to update our assumptions or re-run projections. We also emphasize knowledge and empowerment, so your financial confidence and resilience continues to grow over our time together.
  • At any time between review meetings, we are your accountability partner and decision coach for whatever comes up along the road. Never hesitate to reach out with a question or concern.
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Cost for Phase Two is $4,200 per year (payable in one annual or four quarterly payments).

Fees for Investment Management, if applicable, are based on the following Tiered schedule:

Investment Management
$1-$500,0001.25%
$500,001-$1,500,0001.00%
$1,500,001-$5,000,0000.80%
$5,000,001+0.50%

What if I just have a couple of burning questions?

  • THE QUEST is designed as a cost-effective way to give you direction on the one or two issues that are most pressing. Access to a fiduciary, objective financial planner without a long-term commitment (or being pressured to buy a product!).
  • In a ninety-minute face-to-face session, we ask the key questions, listen deeply, and review any documents you have to share. Together we’ll come up with specific, actionable recommendations. You’ll likely have homework, but also clarity on next steps.

We offer a limited number of appointments for Quest sessions each month.

One session costs $500
Two sessions plus research and analysis by our team in-between costs $1,200

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will I meet with for my first conversation?

Your free 20-minute intro call is with Janice Guinn, our associate advisor. Janice has been in financial services for over 20 years and is the team member who walks every new prospective client through what we do, how we do it, and whether we're the right fit for what you're navigating. If you decide to work with Sofia, Janice will be your primary point of contact, with Stephanie involved in shaping your overall financial plan.

Are these meetings in person or virtual?

Sofia Financial is a virtual-first practice. We meet with clients in many states via secure video conferencing, which means no commuting, no parking, and no rearranging your day around our office hours. We also have a Berwyn, PA office for occasional in-person visits if you're local and prefer that, but the vast majority of our clients work with us entirely online.

How should I prepare for my intro call?

You don't need to bring anything to your intro call, no spreadsheets, no statements, no homework. Just bring whatever's on your mind. The first conversation is about understanding your situation and answering your questions, not gathering data. If we move forward together, we'll send a structured intake form to collect the financial details we need, with plenty of time and support to fill it out.

Will I get to meet Stephanie?

Yes. Most clients meet with Stephanie during their initial planning phase, when she helps shape your overall financial plan, particularly around investment philosophy and big-picture planning decisions. Day-to-day, Janice is the person you'll be in touch with most often. Janice and Stephanie are the two advisors you'll meet with directly.

What does it cost?

The first conversation is complimentary, there's no charge for your intro call. If you decide to work with us, our financial planning fees are based on the scope of work you need, and we'll walk you through pricing transparently before any engagement begins.

What if I'm not sure I'm ready?

That's exactly what the intro call is for. You don't need to have your finances figured out, and you don't need to know whether you want a financial advisor. You just need about 20 minutes and a willingness to talk it through. Janice will help you figure out the rest.

How do I get started?

Book your intro call using the button below. You'll choose a time that works for you, fill out a quick scheduling form, and we'll send a confirmation with the video conferencing link.

Ready to have a partner in your financial decision-making?

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