Dowd Financial Planning

The firm provides fee-only, comprehensive financial planning to individuals and families through annual open retainers, project retainers, and shorter Financial Fitness Reviews. Services cover tax planning and preparation (when included), retirement and estate-plan reviews, insurance and cash-flow analysis, goal setting, and investment strategy recommendations.

The firm operates in an advisory, non-discretionary capacity: it makes tailored recommendations based on a client’s tax situation, risk tolerance and goals but does not take custody of client assets or execute trades—clients are responsible for implementation unless they specifically request assistance. Investment guidance typically emphasizes no-load mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, U.S. government securities and bonds, and portfolio construction that considers tax effects and external market risks.

What distinguishes the firm from many peers is its business model and credentials: it relies on flat annual retainers and project fees rather than percentage-of-AUM billing and does not provide portfolio management or discretionary trading services for client accounts. The owner’s tax credentials (Enrolled Agent) and the inclusion of tax preparation or review in some engagements, together with membership in fee-only planning organizations, underscore a planner-centric practice focused on integrated tax and financial planning rather than asset management.