Top Financial Planning Questions We Hear from New Clients

Financial planning doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Damon & Travis Paull’s firm, we get asked a lot of the same questions—from “Am I saving enough?” to “When should I start investing?” In this post, we break down the most common questions we hear from new clients in Houston and Williamsburg, offering straightforward answers that apply whether you're just starting or reevaluating your plan mid-career.

 

1. How do I know if I’m on track for retirement?

This is the most common concern we hear, and the answer is: it depends on your age, goals, savings rate, and lifestyle vision. We walk through expected income sources (Social Security, pensions, investments) and expenses to create a retirement readiness map. You don’t need a million dollars to retire—you need a plan that works for you.

 

2. What should I be doing with my cash right now?

If you’re sitting on excess cash—whether from a windfall, inheritance, or just disciplined saving—it’s important to put that money to work. We help clients evaluate whether it should go toward investing, paying off debt, boosting emergency savings, or a combination.

 

3. How much life insurance do I really need?

Many new clients either don’t have coverage or have a policy they bought years ago that no longer fits. We evaluate your family’s needs, existing assets, and goals to make sure you’re neither under- nor over-insured. We also explain how insurance fits into risk and estate planning.

 

4. Is it too early to work with a financial advisor?

Not at all. Many of our clients in their 30s or 40s are building momentum—starting businesses, raising kids, or buying homes. This is the ideal time to get ahead of the curve. Our approach is collaborative, technology-forward, and built for long-term partnerships—not just people nearing retirement.

 

5. Do I have to come to your office? I’m busy.

We get it. Life moves fast. That’s why we offer virtual meetings, online account access, and texting (where compliant). Whether you’re in Houston, VA, or traveling across the country, you’ll never lose access to guidance when you need it.

 

6. Can I invest in something other than mutual funds and ETFs?

Yes. As independent fiduciary advisors, we offer access to structured notes, private credit, and alternative investments from partners like BlackRock, Apollo, and Voya. We help determine if those options fit your goals and explain them in plain English.

 

 

7. Do you offer tax planning help?

We collaborate with vetted tax professionals to coordinate your investment and tax strategies. While we don’t file your returns, we help you understand how to manage capital gains, retirement distributions, and charitable giving efficiently.

 

You’re Not Alone

If these questions sound familiar, you’re not behind—you’re just ready for a more proactive, personalized approach. Damon & Travis Paull specialize in helping clients get organized, get clear, and move forward. Want to start with your top question? Let’s talk. Whether it’s investing, retirement, or just understanding your next move, we’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

 

Schedule your first meeting with Damon & Travis Paull today.