Financial Consulate

Financial Consulate We are a fee-only financial planning firm dedicated to acting in our clients' best interests at all times. What makes us different? See notes for disclaimer.

For over 40 years, Financial Consulate has served pre-retirees and retirees who've quietly built $1M+ in assets and want one simple thing: peace of mind that they're not making costly mistakes. Unlike most advisors who just coordinate with your CPA, we ARE your CPA. Nearly half our advisors are CPAs, backed by a dedicated tax team. We integrate tax planning into every financial decision—from pre-r

etirement Roth conversions to managing RMDs, QCDs, and IRMAA thresholds. We deliver a comprehensive Financial Physical—complete financial plan, tax audit, insurance review, and estate analysis—BEFORE asking you to become a client. You get tangible value immediately and can evaluate our work based on actual results, not promises. We grew organically through our radio show and client referrals because our advisors focus on teaching, not selling. As a fee-only fiduciary and NAPFA member, we're legally bound to put your interests first. Tune in to our radio show, Money, Riches & Wealth, every Wednesday from 6-7pm on WCBM AM 680, or visit our website to schedule a complimentary introductory meeting.

Most financial advisors pitch their services up front, asking for a commitment before delivering results. We prefer to p...
06/17/2026

Most financial advisors pitch their services up front, asking for a commitment before delivering results.

We prefer to prove ourselves first.

Before you ever become a client, we deliver a comprehensive Financial Physical®, a deep dive that includes a complete financial plan, a 3-year tax audit, and an insurance and estate plan analysis. You receive tangible deliverables and can evaluate our capabilities based on actual work, not just promises.

Why rely on a pitch when you can see the work? Learn more about the Financial Physical® at

Financial Consulate has a team of financial advisors in Hunt Valley, MD providing guidance for individuals and families. Contact us today to get started!

Q2 IRS estimated payments are due today! 📅While the process is straightforward, the IRS website can be a bit intimidatin...
06/15/2026

Q2 IRS estimated payments are due today! 📅

While the process is straightforward, the IRS website can be a bit intimidating if you aren't familiar with it.

Watch our quick video for a step-by-step refresher on how to check this off your to-do list today:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

If you've been wondering whether a Roth conversion makes sense, the answer depends on more than just your current tax br...
06/12/2026

If you've been wondering whether a Roth conversion makes sense, the answer depends on more than just your current tax bracket.

In this video, we break down the scenarios where conversions can save you money in the long run and when they might not be worth it. We also cover how to time conversions strategically to avoid pushing yourself into a higher bracket or triggering Medicare surcharges.

Most investors focus on whether to do a Roth conversion, but timing matters more. Learn when Roth conversions make sense and how to reduce taxes in retirement.

RMDs force you to take money out of your IRA starting at age 73, whether you need it or not.For some people, that's fine...
06/10/2026

RMDs force you to take money out of your IRA starting at age 73, whether you need it or not.

For some people, that's fine. For others, it pushes them into a higher tax bracket, increases Medicare premiums, or creates taxable income they didn't plan for.

If you're still working in your early 70s and don't need the money, there are strategies to reduce the impact. We help clients plan for this years in advance so they're not caught off guard.

Many families with an advisor and a CPA assume their bases are covered. But often these two professionals haven't spoken...
06/09/2026

Many families with an advisor and a CPA assume their bases are covered. But often these two professionals haven't spoken in years. This silence creates a gap where significant planning opportunities are missed.

We reviewed four families who felt their finances were handled. By looking at their taxes and investments together, we identified a $26,000 tax-free Roth conversion and an $8,500 refund from a classification error.

New 2026 tax law phase-outs make this coordination even more vital. Read our latest article to see why separate conversations are getting more expensive.

Many families with an advisor and a CPA assume their bases are covered. But often these two professionals haven't spoken in years. This silence creates a gap where significant planning opportunities are missed.We reviewed four families who felt their finances were handled. By looking at their taxes....

Is your family shielded from "financial chaos"?Most couples have one person who handles the bills, the investments, and ...
06/08/2026

Is your family shielded from "financial chaos"?

Most couples have one person who handles the bills, the investments, and the long-term planning. It works great…until it doesn't.

In this video, we explain why organizing your financial life is actually an act of love. Watch to learn:

-> Why both spouses must be in the conversation (even if one "hates" the numbers)
-> What a "Financial Physical" looks like and why you need one
-> Why consolidation is the secret to safeguarding your loved ones

Don't leave your family trying to piece together a puzzle during their hardest moments.

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Most couples have one spouse who handles the finances. And for years, maybe decades, that works just fine.Until it doesn't.When the financially savvy spouse ...

06/05/2026

At Financial Consulate, we’re proud to be NAPFA-registered financial advisors. This designation means we adhere to a strict code of ethics and a fee-only model, prioritizing your financial well-being.

NAPFA-registered advisors:

✅ Act as fiduciaries, always putting your interests first
✅ Work on a fee-only basis, with no commissions or referral fees
✅ Take a comprehensive approach, looking at your entire financial life
✅ Complete 60 hours of continuing education every two years

Out of over 326,000 financial advisors in the U.S., only about 1.5% meet the high standards required for NAPFA membership.

Chris O'Shea took a pay cut to become a financial advisor. Then he left the firm for nearly a decade to coach high schoo...
06/04/2026

Chris O'Shea took a pay cut to become a financial advisor. Then he left the firm for nearly a decade to coach high school sports and work with students at his church. He came back with a completely different sense of what this work is really about. Read his story.

Chris O'Shea took a pay cut to become a financial advisor. Then he left the firm for nearly a decade to coach high school sports and work with students at his church. He came back with a completely different sense of what this work is really about. Read his story.

You've been putting money into your 401(k) for decades. But here's what gets overlooked: once you retire, that money nee...
06/03/2026

You've been putting money into your 401(k) for decades. But here's what gets overlooked: once you retire, that money needs to last 30+ years.

The withdrawal order matters. Pull from taxable accounts first, and you give your tax-deferred money more time to grow. Wait too long to tap your Roth, and you miss out on years of tax-free income.

This isn't something to figure out on the fly. We map out withdrawal sequences during the Financial Physical® so you know exactly where your income will come from each year.

Want to see what your retirement income strategy looks like with real numbers? Visit financialconsulate.com to schedule an intro call.

06/02/2026

Are you staying at a job you hate just for the health insurance? If you’re over 60, there’s a bridge strategy to Medicare that most people completely overlook.

Address

11019 McCormick Road, Suite 200
Hunt Valley, MD
21031

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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