General Questions

Who do you work with?

We specialize in helping individuals and couples earning under $100K who are new to financial planning. Whether you’re looking to take control of your budget, plan for the future, or simply understand your finances better, we’re here to guide you.

What services do you offer?

Financial Planning: Personalized plans tailored to your goals and financial situation.

Budget Done For You + Budget Audit: For those who want to understand, organize, and manage their money in real terms. We help you build and fine-tune a budget that actually works for your life — not a one-size-fits-all spreadsheet.

Ask Me Anything Sessions: Quick, focused sessions where you can ask personalized money questions, get clarity on specific topics, or walk through a real-life money decision.

The Dash Plan - a 6-month retainer service for any of my Budget Done For You, Budget Audit, or Ask Me Anything service for those who need more.

Education Workshops + Speaking: Interactive, customizable sessions for groups or organizations.

Digital Products + Tools: Access downloadable resources, templates, guides, and courses designed to help you manage your finances confidently on your own time.

Is my information protected?

Absolutely. Protecting your information is important to us. We use secure platforms with two-factor authentication (2FA) to safeguard your data. Your information remains confidential.

What makes your services unique?

The Brands + Bands Strategy Group offers advice-only, flat-fee services that are easy to understand and designed to empower you. We focus on providing flat-fee pricing — no asset minimums, no hidden commissions — so you can get professional guidance without barriers.

How are appointments held?

Appointments are conducted virtually via Google Meet or Zoom. If you’re local to Charlotte, NC, we may offer in-person sessions.

Please note: your camera must be on during our sessions — this helps create a comfortable and engaging environment while ensuring clear communication.

We take detailed notes during each session so you have a clear record of our discussion.

What is your cancellation/rescheduling policy?

Cancellations or rescheduling must be made at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid forfeiting your session. This allows us to accommodate other clients who may need assistance.

Please note that all sessions and services are non-refundable once booked.

What does it mean to be advice-only?

As an advice-only firm, The Brands + Bands Strategy Group does not manage or trade investments for you. Instead, we provide flat-fee guidance and educational insights to help you make your own informed financial decisions confidently.

We do not receive commissions, manage assets, or sell products. Our role is to empower you with knowledge and clarity — so you can take control of your financial future.

Disclaimer: Our sessions and services are for educational and advice purposes only. We do not guarantee financial outcomes and are not responsible for any financial losses that may occur from implementing strategies discussed during sessions.

What financial planning topics do you cover?

If it involves your ability to spend, save, or earn, it matters to us. Topics include:

• Selecting workplace/retirement benefits

• Budgeting and cash flow management

• Picking investments for retirement or traditional investing

• Setting children up for success (529s, IRAs, etc.)

• Understanding home and auto insurance

• Goal setting and prioritization

• Using the right credit cards

• Finding affordable travel options

• And more!

Financial Planning

What are your Financial Planning services?

Plan-Only Service: A 30-minute consultation plus a personalized financial plan tailored to your needs.

Comprehensive Plan: 2–3 sessions offering deeper guidance and ongoing support for building and executing a financial roadmap that fits your goals.

Is Financial Planning right for me?

If you're ready to make a plan for your financial future — whether you’re looking for a quick roadmap or a detailed, step-by-step guide — this service is for you.

Most advisors cater to those with $500K+ in assets. We focus on the people who are working to save their first $500 for an emergency fund and build from there. The ones who need financial planning the most often can’t access it — that’s why we exist.

Budget Done For You + Budget Analysis

What does this service include?

A one-time consultation designed to help you:

• Create or refine your budget

• Identify spending leaks

• Optimize your cash flow

This is the perfect starting point for anyone just getting serious about their money. Once your budget is aligned, it serves as the foundation for deeper financial planning.

You’ll also receive two weeks of access to us for follow-up questions after your budget is delivered.

Who is this service best for?

Anyone who feels overwhelmed by budgeting or trying to get a handle on their spending habits. Your budget is the lifeline to jumpstarting your financial journey — and it should work for the real you.

We focus on the reality of your money, not just the ratios.

Ask Me Anything Sessions

These sessions are designed for when you have specific questions, need a second opinion, or want short-term guidance without a full plan. Perfect for quick clarity or a “money tune-up.”

Couples Sessions

We love working with couples who want to align their financial goals and build better money communication. Whether you’re combining finances, managing shared expenses, or planning future goals together, our sessions help both partners get on the same page.

During couple sessions, both individuals must be present and have cameras on for a productive experience. Please be mindful of paying the right rate to having your appointment on point.

Workshops + Speaking

What topics do you cover in workshops?

Our workshops cover topics such as:

• Budgeting basics

• Retirement and employee benefits

• Saving and investing for beginners

• Building a strong financial foundation

• Inflation-proofing your finances
  …and more.

Can you tailor workshops to specific topics?

Yes! We can customize sessions based on the needs and interests of your team, organization, or group. Complete this form for us to learn more.

Digital Products + More

Our Digital Products + Tools are now live! Explore a growing collection of:

• Budget templates and financial trackers

• Mini-courses and eBooks on money management, financial planning, and saving strategies

• Downloadable guides to help you take control of your money, one step at a time

These products are designed for self-starters who want actionable, easy-to-follow tools without needing a 1:1 session.

Visit our Digital Products section to browse the collection.

Ongoing Support & Retainers

What's the difference between an AUM retainer and your flat-fee retainer?

An AUM (Assets Under Management) retainer is typically a percentage of the investments an advisor manages for you — usually 0.5% to 2% annually. You're paying for ongoing management of your money, and check-ins come as part of that relationship.

My retainer works differently. I don't manage your money — you keep full control of your accounts. What you're paying for is the plan, the ongoing sessions, and the support in between. It's a flat fee, so you know exactly what it costs no matter how your accounts perform.

What should I expect at my quarterly planning sessions?

Every quarterly session under the Financial Planning Retainer follows the same core structure:

1. A progress check on the 1–2 goals we focused on last quarter.

2. An honest look at your timeline — ahead, behind, or right on pace.

3. Space for anything new in your life that should shift the plan.

4. Picking the next 1–2 goals to focus on, pulled from your annual blueprint.

5. Open Q&A — whatever's actually on your mind about money.

You'll also get a written recap after each session, so nothing lives only in your memory.

What's the Financial Planning Retainer, and how is it different from a one-time plan?

A one-time plan (Basic Build) gives you a roadmap and sends you off to execute it. The Financial Planning Retainer (Future Build) keeps us connected through the year — four quarterly sessions to review progress, adjust for real life, and make sure your plan doesn't just sit in an inbox.

What if I want more support than a single session, but I'm not ready for a full year?

Ask us about The Dash Plan — a 6-month coaching option for clients who've already worked with us through a Budget Audit, Budget Done For You, or an Ask Me Anything session and want ongoing guidance to actually close the gap between where their money is and where they want it to be. It's not something we sell cold; it comes up naturally once we've worked together and have a real read on what you need.

Payment & Refund Policy

All sessions, services, and digital products are flat-fee and non-refundable once purchased. Payment in full is required to secure your session or access your product.

Have a question that isn’t listed?
Reach out to us at hello@thebrandsandbands.com.