Our Investment Philosophy

A Disciplined Approach to Growing and Protecting Your Wealth

Successful investing isn’t about chasing trends or timing the market—it’s about following a disciplined, evidence-based plan designed for the long haul. Our mission is simple: help you grow and protect your wealth so you can live your life with confidence.

Built on Academic Research

  • Strategies positioned to capture broad market returns
  • Risk managed to fit your comfort level and goals
  • Low costs and high efficiency at the core
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Access to Institutional Level Strategies

  • We partner with Dimensional Fund Advisors (and others), a globally respected investment firm whose strategies are backed by rigorous academic research.
  • Broad diversification across asset classes
  • Lower turnover to reduce unnecessary costs
  • Long-term focus over speculation

Always Independent: We receive no compensation from Dimensional or any other fund provider. Our recommendations are made solely with your best interests in mind.

What This Means for You

Avoid Emotional Decisions

Stay disciplined through market highs and lows.

Manage Risk Wisely

Invest at a “speed limit” that matches your goals and comfort.

Improve After-Tax Results

Use cost- and tax-efficient strategies to keep more of your gains.

Stay Aligned

Rebalance periodically to keep your plan on track.

The Carlson Wealth Advantage

Evidence-Based Investing

  • Grounded in proven financial research
  • Diversified to manage risk and capture opportunity
  • Disciplined, long-term approach

Tax-Conscious Wealth Management

  • Strategies tailored to your tax situation
  • Direct CPA expertise in every plan
  • Retirement & estate planning for after-tax value

Cost Efficiency & Transparency

  • Fee-only fiduciary—no commissions or hidden incentives
  • Low-cost, no-load mutual funds and ETFs
  • Clear, upfront communication on all fees

Disciplined Portfolio Oversight

  • Regular rebalancing to keep you on track
  • Adjustments as your life and markets evolve
  • Detailed performance reporting

A True Partnership

  • We listen first—your goals shape every decision
  • Ongoing education and clear communication
  • A relationship built on trust and transparency

Risk Analysis with Riskalyze

  • Next-Generation Risk Assessment
  • We all look at risk differently based on our varying life experiences
  • Based on an academic framework called Prospect Theory

Ready to put our philosophy to work for you?

Schedule a complimentary consultation and see how our approach can support your goals.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does it mean that you’re a fiduciary?

    As a fiduciary financial advisor, we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times. This means every recommendation we make—whether about investments, tax strategies, or retirement planning—is guided solely by what benefits you most.

    For more details on fiduciary standards, visit the CFP Board’s explanation of fiduciary duty.

  • How are you compensated?

    Our compensation depends on the type of service you choose:

    For investment management:
    We charge an annual percentage-based fee depending on your total assets under management (AUM).

    • 1.25% for accounts under $100,000
    • 1% for balances over $100,000
    • Additional price breaks over $500,000

    This fee is billed quarterly and automatically deducted from your account—saving you money when using pre-tax funds such as IRA assets.

    For financial planning services:

    We offer fixed-fee or hourly engagements depending on project scope.

    • Hourly rate: $180/hour for CPA-level help
    • Fixed-fee engagements: starting at $1,200

    You can review our firm and fee structure by visiting BrokerCheck and searching Carlson Wealth, LLC.

  • Do you work with my CPA or attorney?

    Absolutely. We believe coordinated financial planning works best when your entire team—financial planner, CPA, and attorney—are aligned.

    If you don’t currently have a CPA or need additional tax expertise, our affiliated firm, Carlson Tax and Accounting, LLC, can provide comprehensive tax and accounting support.