Financial Advisor & Retirement FAQs | Coast Wealth

What does it mean to work with a fiduciary?
A fiduciary is legally and ethically required to act in your best interest — not the firm's. At Coast Wealth, every recommendation we make is guided by your goals, not commissions or sales quotas. That means you can trust that the advice you receive is genuinely designed around your situation.
Who do you typically work with?
We work with everyday people, not just the wealthy. Our clients tend to fall into a few groups: pre-retirees and retirees who want a real plan for turning savings into income, people going through a major transition such as a divorce, the loss of a spouse, a career change, or an inheritance, state employees, teachers, nurses, and other public servants navigating pension decisions and retirement benefits, and veterans and military families sorting out how their benefits fit into a broader retirement picture. In short, we work with middle America — hardworking families and individuals who've saved responsibly and want honest, straightforward guidance on making the most of it. If you see yourself in any of these groups, we're likely a good fit.
How is Coast Wealth different from a large financial firm or bank?
At a large firm or bank, advisors often have products to sell and quotas to meet. At Coast Wealth, we're independent. We have no corporate agenda, no proprietary products to push, and no incentive to recommend anything other than what's right for you. You work directly with Flavio or one of our advisors — not a rotating cast of representatives.
Do you work with clients outside of South Carolina?
Yes. We're based in Myrtle Beach but serve clients virtually across the country. You'll get the same personalized, hands-on experience whether we meet in person at our office or by video from wherever you are.

What happens during the first meeting?
The first meeting is a discovery call — a conversation to understand your situation, your goals, and whether we're the right fit. There's no cost or obligation. We'll ask about where you are financially, what's on your mind, and what you're hoping to accomplish. From there, if it makes sense to work together, we'll outline a clear next step.
How do you charge for your services?
Coast Wealth operates on a fee-based model. For investment management, we charge a percentage of assets under management. For standalone financial planning, we offer flat-fee engagements. We're transparent about our fees from the first conversation — no surprises, no hidden costs.
How much money do I need to get started?
There's no minimum balance required to have a conversation with us. Many of the people we work with are still building their nest egg or are just a few years from retirement. We'd rather understand your full picture first and talk honestly about whether our services are a good fit for where you are today.

I have a pension and Social Security. Do I still need a financial plan?
Yes, often even more so. Pensions and Social Security are important pieces of the puzzle, but decisions like when to claim, how to coordinate them with savings and investments, and how they're taxed can make a meaningful difference over the course of retirement. A coordinated plan helps make sure all your income sources are working together instead of being decided on separately.
Can you help me decide when to retire?
Yes. Deciding when to retire is one of the most common questions we help clients work through. We look at your income sources, expenses, health coverage, and goals to help you understand what retiring at different ages would actually look like, so you can make the decision with clarity instead of guesswork.
What if I already have a 401(k) or IRA somewhere else?
That's a common starting point. We'll review your existing accounts, explain your options, including whether a rollover makes sense for your situation, and help you understand the pros and cons before you make any changes. There's never any pressure to move money before you're ready.
Will you help me understand my Social Security options?
Yes. When to claim Social Security is one of the biggest decisions retirees face, and the right timing depends on your health, other income, spousal benefits, and overall goals. We'll walk through your options together so you can decide with confidence rather than guessing.
How often will we meet after I become a client?
We believe an ongoing relationship matters more than a one-time plan. Most clients meet with us at least annually for a full review, with additional check-ins as life changes or markets shift. You're never left wondering where things stand.

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