Our Firm
A Brief History
First Financial Consulting was started in 1975 to provide a unique approach to those needing financial planning and investment consulting services. That unique approach was “objectivity.”
Our origins were humble; at one point, just a father and son working out of a back room. The greatest challenge in those early days was explaining this new way of providing objective advice. Nobody had heard of, much less experienced, financial advisors really providing advice free from any conflict of interest. It took a while, but the concept caught on.
Our Commitment to You
From Day 1, Fee-Only
Our Commitment to You From Day 1, Fee-Only
Today, 45+ years later, we are still going strong. We employ the best financial talent we can find to provide the best financial advice possible in a truly collaborative environment in which the client’s best interests are our sole focus.
Our commitment to our clients goes beyond just words; it’s the core of our existence. We prioritize your financial well-being, aiming not only to meet but to exceed your expectations. Our foundation is built on three core principles:
Objectivity
Because we do not earn money from selling a product, we provide unbiased financial advice, free of any conflict of interest. Our advice is our only “product”, so there is a direct financial incentive to work in your best interest and develop solutions that fit your specific needs.
Personal, Comprehensive Solutions
We understand that each client is unique, with distinct financial goals and circumstances. That’s why we take a personalized approach to cater our services to your specific needs. By carefully listening to your objectives and concerns, we develop tailored financial solutions that align with your unique situation and goals.
We work to understand the totality of your situation in order to provide advice that will tell you where you are now, where you want to go, what impediments may be in the way, and what steps will actually accomplish your goals.
Predictability & Accountability
At First Financial Consulting, we prioritize predictability and accountability in managing your finances. We believe in setting clear goals and openly discussing the target rates of return achievable over a reasonable period. Transparency is key. By mapping a specific return to your goals, we aim to instill confidence in achieving your dreams.
Moreover, we hold ourselves accountable. When we establish investment target returns and associated risk levels tailored to your preferences, we commit to achieving these returns over time. Similar to a job performance review, we regularly measure your portfolio’s performance against these goals. This approach ensures transparency and drives us to take responsibility.
A Note From Greg & Scott
“Our unique fee-only approach allows us to remain free from any potential conflict of interest. Simply put, our success is measured by the success of our clients in achieving their financial goals.”
Greg Welborn
Scott Sommers
What Services do We Provide?
As part of our commitment to our clients’ ongoing success, our financial consultants offer a comprehensive approach to financial planning by providing the key services which help you plan for retirement, preserve your wealth, and provide a lasting legacy for your family.
Financial Planning
We believe that financial success begins with a solid financial plan. Our financial consulting approach always puts your needs and goals first.
Investment Management
Our financial consultants’ approach to investment management is built on three key concepts: objectivity, predictability, and accountability.
Fee-Only Advice
When faced with important financial decisions that will affect your future, you need to know that the financial consulting you receive is in your best interests.
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning is critical to a successful retirement. Our retirement planners work tirelessly to help you successfully retire.
Tax Planning
Tax planning can drastically decrease the amount of taxes you pay. The key is finding the right strategies that meet your specific financial situation.
Estate Planning
Estate planning is too important to be a neglected after thought. Your estate plan is your way of protecting your family and preserving your legacy.
Wealth Planning
Wealth planning is a specialized area of planning. It is the most comprehensive approach you can take focusing on multiple generations of your family.
Insurance Planning
Insurance planning allows you to identify the greatest risks to your financial future and then develop a strategy to eliminate or mitigate those risks.
Other Planning
Need help with something else? Our financial advisors have experience in every facet of financial planning. Let us know how we can help.
FAQs
Yes, we are a fiduciary, but we even go beyond that. We are a fee-only fiduciary, putting us at the top of the spectrum of fiduciaries. We are both legally and morally bound to only act in our clients’ best interests, and we do not sell any financial products or accept commissions for sales. We provide 100% objective advice to help our clients achieve their financial goals.
We do everything we can to align our interests with those of our clients. We charge on an hourly basis, flat fee, or as a percentage of assets under consultation. The method of charging is determined at the outset of the engagement before any work is begun and is based on mutual agreement of both the client and the firm.
We do not have any formal requirements to become a client, but we have found that our services are best suited for people who are seeking a long-term relationship with an advisor who will provide 100% objective advice and who takes a holistic approach to planning. Generally speaking, clients who have at least $500,000 will find the most benefit and value from our work.
We work best with clients who are seeking a long-term relationship with an objective advisor who is committed to developing, implementing, and managing a financial plan which will help them accomplish their financial goals leading up to and through retirement. In many cases, our work leads into also working with the next generation.
We are distinct from other advisors because of our commitment to providing 100% objective advice and because of the holistic approach we take to planning and working with our clients. We’re also committed to providing predictability and accountability in the investment management process – benefits which are offered by only a few advisory firms.