Services
A motif is a recurring musical idea that builds into something greater. At Motif Planning, we see financial planning the same way—consistent, intentional decisions that create long-term financial security.
We help you build a plan tailored to your career and goals, then guide you in implementing it effectively so you can focus on what you do best.
Motifs we co-write with you
Cash flow
Know where your money is coming from and where it’s going. Build a strategy to manage income uncertainty, pay off debt, and create financial stability.
Insurance
Your emergency fund should be tuned to your career’s risks.
We review your need for health, disability, life, long-term care, property, and liability insurance to ensure you have the right coverage.
Employment benefits
W-2 employee? We analyze your benefits package, including retirement plans, equity and deferred compensation, and group insurance.
1099 contractor? We help you navigate self-employment benefits, set up tax-efficient retirement accounts, and create a plan for long-term financial security.
Investing
Your investment strategy should match your goals and risk tolerance.
We help you understand diversification, smart investing principles, and how to make informed decisions.
Retirement
Financial independence doesn’t happen by accident.
We create a plan to build long-term security, understand when work becomes optional, and turn your savings into reliable income that supports your goals, lifestyle, and family.
Charitable giving
Giving intentionally can reduce taxes and increase impact.
We help you build a strategy for annual giving, donor-advised funds, and estate-level gifts that reflect your values and fit into your overall financial plan.
Taxes
Proactive tax planning reduces your lifetime tax burden. We simplify the complexities of tax strategies specific to your industry.
Major purchases
Buying a home? Starting a family? Signing a major contract?
We help you navigate big financial decisions with a clear strategy that aligns with your goals.
Executive compensation
Your comp package is more than just a salary.
We help you evaluate and plan around stock options, RSUs, deferred compensation, and bonuses so you make tax-smart decisions and align your benefits with your long-term goals.
Education
Saving for your children’s education?
We help you set up tax-advantaged accounts like 529 plans to fund their academic future.
Legacy
Your estate plan should protect your equity, business interests, intellectual property, and other financial assets.
We help you structure trusts, wills, and power of attorney documents to ensure your wishes are carried out and taxes are minimized.
How financial planning fits into your team
Motif Planning is part of your professional team.
We collaborate with accountants, insurance agents, attorneys, and agents to keep every part of your financial life in sync.
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.
Planning process
1. Discovery call
Schedule a complimentary video call to discuss your career path, family, and financial goals.
We’ll explore how our financial planning services can help you build long-term wealth.
2. Sign agreement
Review and sign agreement.
The annual fee (billed monthly) begins on the 1st of the month. ($10,000/yr. – $843/mo.)
3. Data organization
Gather and upload financial documents for review. Your information is securely organized in a private online dashboard.
Here is our document checklist.
4. Fact check
Verify that your information is accurate and discuss your financial priorities and personal values.
We move are you pace so the process never feels overwhelming.
5. Create your vision
We create a vision for your life and develop your statement of financial purpose.
We start with your purpose first, then build a plan that supports it.
6. Plan development
We create a tailored financial plan, identifying opportunities to strengthen both your finances and career.
This process takes up to two weeks.
7. Plan presentation
We present your financial plan, refine it as needed, and prioritize your next steps.
View a sample financial plan.
8. Implementation + monitoring
Now that you’re feeling energized to take action, we help you implement the plan step by step.
We reach out when the world changes to take advantage of new opportunities and stay on track.
9. Ongoing
We’ll meet twice a year to review progress, address new opportunities, and adjust for life changes.
View our annual service calendar.
Annual service calendar
Why Motif Planning?
We are a flat fee, advice only financial life planning firm. You pay for advice, not products or assets under management. You always know what you are paying and what you are getting. Every recommendation is made in your best interest with no commissions, sales goals, or hidden incentives.
Our approach is holistic. We start by helping you define your vision and statement of financial purpose before we talk about numbers. When you are clear on what matters most, decisions about saving, investing, and spending become much easier.
We look at your entire financial life before offering advice: income, equity compensation, taxes, benefits, insurance, family priorities, and long term goals. Real planning connects all the pieces and helps you live intentionally, not reactively.
Clients work with us because they want a trusted partner who pays attention throughout the year, watching for tax law changes, benefit updates, and opportunities to act. We help you stay organized, confident, and focused on what gives your life meaning.
Motif Planning serves clients virtually across the United States with a specialty in executive and equity compensation.
We take your goals seriously and make financial planning feel human.