No person was compensated for the testimonials (statements provided by current clients) and endorsements (statements provided by persons who are not current clients) presented here. Each person gave permission for Thriving Musician LLC dba Motif Planning to publish their testimonial or endorsement. Outcomes are personal and specific and one person’s experience does not guarantee identical outcomes in the future for another person.
Pricing
Financial planning with Motif includes ongoing advice, full plan development, and year-round support. You pay one flat annual fee, billed monthly.
| Annual fee (billed monthly) | $10,000/yr ($834/mo) |
Billing begins on the 1st of the month and continues monthly.
We work with high-earning executives who want a proactive, long-term financial strategy.
What makes Motif Planing unique?
- We’re a fiduciary, advice-only planning firm built for people who want clarity and control without sales or commissions.
- We connect your financial decisions to your values, goals, and priorities so your money supports your life, not the other way around.
- We provide detailed, actionable plans covering cash flow, taxes, benefits, investments, insurance, and estate planning.
- We coordinate with your CPA, attorney, and other professionals so everything works together.
- We charge a flat annual fee for ongoing, year-round planning and proactive updates as laws, markets, and your life change.
- You get a trusted partner who thinks ahead, spots opportunities, and keeps your plan moving forward.
- You gain clarity, confidence, and peace of mind knowing someone is always looking out for your financial life.
- We’re a fully virtual firm serving clients across the U.S., offering flexibility and convenience without sacrificing personal connection.
- We work with people from a range of lifestyles who value expert guidance and a planning process that fits their goals and pace.
- We specialize in executive and equity compensation, helping you make smart decisions around RSUs, options, bonuses, and benefits.
What is value of financial planning?
| Motif | Broker | DIY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build personalized cash flow, savings, debt, and mortgage plan. | ☑️ | ☑️ | |
| Create lifetime tax plan with coordination and tax-efficient strategies. | ☑️ | ||
| Review insurance coverage, identify gaps, optimize cost efficiency. | ☑️ | ||
| Guide asset allocation, diversification, rebalancing, and tax efficiency. | ☑️ | ☑️ | |
| Model retirement timing, Social Security, and Medicare surcharge planning. | ☑️ | ||
| Design education funding with 529 plans and tax integration. | ☑️ | ||
| Advise on home, career, childcare, and inheritance decisions. | ☑️ | ||
| Optimize 401(k), HSA, ESPP, and deferred compensation benefits. | ☑️ | ||
| Plan RSU and stock options, diversification, and liquidation. | ☑️ | ||
| Coordinate estate plan, tax strategies, and “red file” checklist. | ☑️ | ||
| Improve accountability, reduce behavior gaps, and debias decisions. | ☑️ | ||
| Save time, reduce stress, and build financial confidence. | ☑️ |
Flat fee vs AUM pricing
| Motif Planning (Flat-fee fiduciary) | Traditional AUM advisor | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee model | Flat fee – $10,000 | 1+% of assets under management |
| Annual cost on $1M portfolio | $10,000 | $10,000+ |
| Annual cost on $2M portfolio | $10,000 | $20,000+ |
| Annual cost on $3M portfolio | $10,000 | $30,000+ |
| Fiduciary standard of care | ☑️ Always | ❓Mixed (some fiduciary, some not) |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Who do you help?
Motif Planning primarily works with executives and high-earning professionals. Our clients include senior leaders, business managers, attorneys, operators, and creative executives navigating complex compensation structures, equity awards, tax exposure, and long-term wealth decisions.
We also work with select professionals across music, entertainment, media, and adjacent industries, as well as high-income professionals in other fields who want comprehensive, advice-only financial life planning built for complexity.
If you’re unsure whether we’re the right fit, schedule a call to discuss your financial needs.
What am I committing to?
Financial planning is a collaborative process. Your success depends on your commitment. You’ll need to gather key financial documents, engage in honest discussions, and take action on recommendations.
Planning engagements start on the 1st of the month and require 30 days’ notice to cancel. No questions asked. But if you’re not fully committed to the process, this likely isn’t the right fit. The clients who see real results are the ones who actively participate and follow through.
What do meetings look like?
All meetings are virtual and structured to keep your financial plan on track.
- Initial planning: We start with 3–4 meetings to build your plan and prioritize next steps.
- Ongoing check-Ins: We meet twice a year to update your plan, adjust for life changes, and refine strategies.
- On-demand support: Reach out anytime between meetings to schedule a call when major decisions arise.
We act as your accountability partner, helping you stay on track and make informed financial decisions.
Do you manage or take custody of my investments?
No, Motif Planning does not manage or take custody of your investments. We provide independent advice, analysis, and ongoing monitoring to help you make informed investment decisions.
You stay in control of your assets. We guide you on strategy, allocation, and tax efficiency while ensuring your investments align with your financial goals.
Download our Investment Philosophy white paper (PDF)
Do you sell products or make commissions?
No. Motif Planning is a fee-only fiduciary, which means we are paid solely by our clients. Never by commissions, product sales, or third parties.
We always act in your best interest, and our only compensation comes from the flat fee we agree upon. No hidden fees.
What if my situation isn’t ‘complex’ enough?
Many people assume they need a complicated situation to work with a planner, but complexity looks different for everyone. If you earn six figures or more, holistic planning can help uncover priorities and opportunities you didn’t even know to look for.
How do I know you’ll add value?
I’ve spent years in both creative industries and financial planning, and I’m a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) who’s worked with clients across all income levels, career stages, and major life transitions. My work is combines lived experience with technical training. Clients get a written comprehensive financial plan built around their goals, not guesswork.
I like the approach, but is it really worth the cost?
Yes, the financial value is real. Many clients recoup the fee through smarter tax moves, equity decisions, and benefits planning. But the bigger return is peace of mind, having a professional to take it off your plate, and confidence that you’re making the right calls.
Is the fee tax-deductible?
Personal financial planning fees aren’t deductible under current law, but a portion related to business planning may be. It’s worth checking with your CPA.
Can I cancel or pause?
You can cancel at any time with 30 days’ notice, and I’ll refund the unused portion of your retainer.
How do I pay?
Payments are processed securely through AdvicePay using either a credit card or direct deposit. There are no additional fees for credit card payments.
Motif Planning does not store or collect your payment information. All transactions are handled through a secure third-party platform.
Where do I upload documents?
You’ll upload your documents to RightCapital, a secure platform that consolidates all your financial information in one place.
RightCapital also offers a mobile app, allowing you to easily access and manage your documents on the go.
