Services

Hourly financial planning and investment advice

We offer integrated financial planning on an hourly basis for people in Houston, Texas and beyond with complex financial lives. Every engagement starts with a personalized plan built around your situation, and we don't require account minimums.

What it costs

Implementation

$450/hour

Help putting your plan into action after it's delivered.

Ad hoc planning and tax consulting

$600/hour

For targeted questions. 2-hour minimum ($1,200).

No asset minimums, no commissions, no percentage-of-assets fees. On a $1 million portfolio, a typical 1% advisory fee is $10,000 every year.

How an engagement works

  1. Introductory call

    A free conversation to understand what you need and whether we are a fit.

  2. Discovery and data gathering

    We use the Kinder method of life planning, then securely collect your financial information.

  3. Your financial plan

    A written, personalized plan for a flat $5,000.

  4. Implementation and follow-up

    We help you act on it at $450 per hour, only when you need us.

Personal financial planning

Our financial plans are designed to give you clarity about:

  • Cash flow planning: understanding and directing your spending patterns
  • Estate planning guidance: easing the burden on loved ones through marriage, the birth of a child, divorce, or death
  • Risk management: making sure you and your assets are protected (we do not sell insurance products)
  • Employee benefits: choosing the right retirement plan if you're self-employed, or the right elections within your employer's benefits
  • Investments: diversification for risk management, low costs, and minimal tax drag

Want to see what a plan looks like? Watch this example of a financial plan we created for a prospective client.

Tax consulting for individuals and businesses

Tax consulting is available on a stand-alone basis. That can include reviewing your tax returns and recommending strategies to potentially lower your tax bill. We don't provide tax compliance services such as preparing returns, but we're glad to refer you to a qualified tax professional.

Business consulting

Business consulting suits owners who need help managing the financial side of their companies. We can serve as an outsourced Chief Financial Officer (CFO), or as an outsourced financial planner to other investment advisers. We don't provide attestation services; we can refer you to a licensed CPA firm for compilation, review, audit, or agreed-upon procedures.

Service questions

How much does an hourly financial planner cost at Mercer Street?

A comprehensive financial plan is $5,000. Implementation work after the plan is billed at $450 per hour. Ad hoc planning is billed at $600 per hour, with a two-hour ($1,200) minimum.

Do you prepare tax returns?

No. We provide tax planning and consulting, including reviewing your returns for planning opportunities, but we don't prepare returns. We're happy to refer you to a qualified tax preparer.

Do you sell insurance or investment products?

No. We are fee-only. We don't sell insurance policies, annuities, or investment products, and we don't accept commissions.

Talk through your situation with a CPA and CFP®

Comprehensive plans are $5,000, implementation is $450 per hour, and there are no asset minimums or commissions.