Scholar Financial Advising is a specialty firm built for complex wealth. Our clients are independent-minded DIY investors, typically with at least $2 million in assets, who need more than generic advice. They prefer to stay in control of their financial accounts, but value having a trusted partner backed by expertise to navigate consequential decisions. 

Our team of expert Ph.D. and CFP advisors specialize in the challenges that come with complex wealth, including equity compensation, private business ownership and exits, multigenerational planning, and charitable giving. As a fee-only fiduciary, we deliver highly customized planning without AUM fees or commissions. Every recommendation is objective, strategic, and tailored to your goals. We operate under a collaborative advising model that ensures each client benefits from the insight and precision of multiple specialists. When your financial life becomes more complex, we help you move forward with clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Stephan holds a Ph.D. in Finance with a support area in econometrics from Florida State University. He is also a CFA Charterholder and a CFP® Professional. His experience and research related to investor behavior, executive compensation, and investor protection has led him to be a regular media contributor and work with regulators on new laws related to investment advisor fee disclosures. In addition to his experience as an advisor, he has taught university finance courses at Wake Forest University, University of New Hampshire, and Florida State University.

Our Services and Fee Structure

Flat-Fee Comprehensive Financial Plans: For clients who want depth and expert-level planning without handing over their portfolio or paying an AUM fee.

All new client relationships begin with a comprehensive initial plan starting at $5,000 based on your unique financial situation. Typical complexity plans fall between $10,000 and $15,000. Please visit the case studies page on our website for examples. After your initial plan is complete, we provide hourly advice at our rate of $385/hour, exclusively available to current clients with a plan on file presented within the past 12 months. This is so that our advice remains accurate and consistent. 

Signature Client Program (Monthly Retainer): We provide monthly retainer services to clients who want extensive and ongoing financial monitoring and support. Through our family office, we provide CFO-level guidance with family financial education and legacy coaching, responsive and holistic planning, and coordination with your other professionals, like CPAs, attorneys, and business consultants. 

All retainer clients start with a flat-fee comprehensive plan ranging from $15,000–$30,000 followed by a bespoke strategy that fits within one of our three service tiers: $3,000, $6,000, or $10,000 per month.