Business Details
Trusted Fee-Only Financial Planning Services in Grand Rapids, MI
Elevate Financial Planning operates as a fee-only fiduciary financial advisory firm dedicated to providing personalized financial and tax planning services. Our approach prioritizes client needs over product sales, eliminating conflicts of interest by refusing commissions and focusing solely on hourly or project-based compensation. With expertise in retirement planning, investment strategy, tax-efficient accumulation, and risk analysis, we serve clients at all financial stages. Our founder, John Bush, combines a science background with advanced finance education to deliver actionable, consultant-style advice.We emphasize transparency through clear pricing structures and maintain affiliations with independent firms like Garrett Investment Advisors and CGN Advisors, LLC. Our mission centers on making financial planning accessible while advocating for industry-wide fee reductions and improved consumer protections. Through continuous learning and a commitment to fiduciary standards, we help clients navigate complex financial decisions with confidence.
Services
Retirement Planning
Investment Advice
Tax Planning
College Planning
Debt Management
Risk Analysis
Roth Conversions
Portfolio Design
Highlights and features
- We offer hourly and project-based pricing with no hidden fees or commissions
- Our fiduciary status legally requires us to act in clients' best interests
- We maintain no product sales relationships that could create conflicts of interest
- Our founder holds CFP, EA, and MBA credentials with science-to-finance expertise
- We provide personalized financial plans without minimum asset requirements
Services
Retirement Planning
We create customized retirement strategies considering tax implications, investment performance, and lifestyle goals. Our analysis includes Social Security optimization, pension evaluations, and sustainable withdrawal plans. Clients receive comprehensive projections showing probability of success under various market scenarios.
Tax Planning
Our Enrolled Agent specializes in minimizing lifetime tax liability through strategic Roth conversions, tax-efficient investment placement, and coordinated retirement account distributions. We focus on long-term tax reduction rather than annual tax minimization alone.
Investment Advice
We provide evidence-based investment recommendations aligned with risk tolerance and financial goals. Services include asset allocation, fund selection, and ongoing portfolio reviews. We emphasize low-cost index funds and tax-efficient investment vehicles.
College Planning
Our planning considers financial aid implications, 529 plan options, and savings strategies that balance college costs with retirement needs. We help clients optimize savings while maintaining financial priorities.
Debt Management
We develop structured debt repayment plans prioritizing high-interest obligations while maintaining emergency savings. Our approach integrates debt reduction with overall financial goals and cash flow management.
People
John Bush
Financial Planner
Certified Financial Planner with science background and MBA in Finance. Former tax preparer and Enrolled Agent specializing in fee-only fiduciary advice. Focuses on tax-efficient retirement strategies and accessible financial planning.
Questions
What services does Elevate Financial Planning offer?
We provide retirement planning, investment advice, tax-efficient strategies, college planning, debt management, and risk analysis services tailored to individual client needs.
Are there minimum asset requirements?
No, we work with clients at all financial levels without minimum investment requirements.
What credentials does your team hold?
Our lead planner holds Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Enrolled Agent (EA), and MBA credentials.
How are you compensated?
We charge hourly rates or fixed project fees with no commissions or product sales relationships.
Do you offer tax preparation services?
Yes, annual tax planning and preparation can be added to ongoing planning engagements.