Common questions

Answers before you ask.

Straight answers to the questions people ask before working with Lifeway. If yours is not here, ask us directly.

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Working with Lifeway

Who we serve, how we are paid, and what a first conversation looks like.

We work with people approaching or already in retirement, people navigating a divorce or another major life transition, and households who want comprehensive planning where the pieces are coordinated rather than handled separately.
Yes. Lifeway is an independent, fee-only fiduciary paid only by clients. We do not sell products or accept commissions, so our advice stays focused on what we believe is right for each client.
We are fee-only and paid directly by our clients. The initial financial plan is a flat fee based on complexity. Ongoing financial planning and investment management are billed quarterly. We sell no products and accept no commissions. Current fee ranges and billing details are described in our Form ADV Part 2A.
No. We sell no products and receive no commissions, so our only job is to recommend what fits your plan.
The first conversation carries no cost and no obligation. We listen to what is on your mind, answer what we can, and help you decide whether Lifeway is the right fit before anything is committed.
No. We work with clients by phone, by email, by video meeting, or in person at our Plano office, whichever is easiest for you.

What comprehensive planning covers and where the boundaries of our advice sit.

Six coordinated disciplines: retirement and financial independence, investment management, tax planning, estate planning, risk management, and cash flow and net worth. Each one affects the others, so we consider all six together.
No. Your plan determines where we focus first. Some clients begin with one pressing question, and the other areas come into view as the plan grows. We review all six together so nothing works against the rest.
Yes. We look at retirement income, Social Security timing, the order and size of withdrawals, and healthcare and Medicare coverage, then test your target date to see whether it holds up before you commit to it.
No. We provide tax planning and coordinate with your tax preparer, but we do not prepare returns and we do not provide tax advice.
No. We review your estate documents and coordinate with your estate attorney, but we do not draft documents and we do not provide legal advice.
Yes. Investment management is disciplined and goals-based, and it sits inside the coordinated plan. That means portfolio decisions are made with your goals, taxes, and risk in view rather than in isolation.
Yes. Risk management is one of the six areas we plan around. We review your coverage, identify gaps, and coordinate with the professionals who hold the policies. Because we accept no commissions, there is nothing for us to sell you.

Our signature area of experience and how we work alongside your other advisers.

Yes. We serve as your financial adviser throughout the process, working alongside your attorney and the other professionals at your side, from settlement analysis through rebuilding the plan for your next chapter.
We stay in the financial seat. We provide the analysis your attorney, tax preparer, and other advisers need, keep everyone working from the same numbers, and translate the choices in front of you into plain language.
Settlement analysis, asset division and understanding a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), tax considerations coordinated with your tax and legal advisers, cash flow after the transition, and rebuilding the plan around your next chapter. We do not provide legal representation.

The rhythm of the relationship once your plan is in place.

The work settles into a steady rhythm. We meet two to three times a year in set months, revisit your goals annually, and reach out first when something needs your attention.
Two to three times each year during set months for structured review and analysis. Each year we revisit your life and goals, not only your portfolio. All meetings and communications through the year are included, and we reach out first.
You work with a coordinated team. Financial planning, investment management, operations, technology, and compliance are handled by professionals who work together and know the details of the plan, so the advice does not sit with only one person.
Client Corner is the single place to start. From there you can reach the planning portal for your plan, goals, and shared documents, your custodian for investment account positions, performance, and statements, and the secure vault for sensitive documents.
Give us a call and we will help you get in.

If your question is not answered here, ask us directly. We will listen, answer what we can, and help you decide whether Lifeway is the right fit.

Tell us what is on your mind. We will listen, answer what we can, and help you decide whether Lifeway is the right fit.