Business Details
23 Years
experience
Fee-Only Financial Planning Services in Potomac, MD
Lighthouse Financial Planning was founded in April 2003 as a fee-only fiduciary financial planning and investment management firm. We operate under a fiduciary standard, prioritizing client interests without external influences, and serve clients in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area including Maryland and Virginia. Our approach combines academic research with practical application, emphasizing asset allocation, diversification, and low fees tailored to individual goals and risk tolerance.We specialize in comprehensive financial planning for families, retirees, professionals, and individuals in transition, addressing retirement, college planning, insurance, and wealth transfer. Our firm maintains custody of client funds through Schwab and utilizes Dimensional Fund Advisors for investment products. As a Registered Investment Advisor, we adhere to strict compliance standards while maintaining personal service through direct client communication.
Services
Financial Planning
Asset Management
Retirement Planning
College Planning
Insurance Planning
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We operate as a fee-only fiduciary with no product commissions
- Our investment approach is grounded in 50+ years of academic research
- We've served clients in the Washington DC area since 2003
- We provide personalized service through direct client communication
- Our portfolios utilize Dimensional Fund Advisors' evidence-based strategies
Associations and certifications
- Registered Investment Advisor (Maryland & Virginia)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Services
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service creates customized roadmaps for clients' financial futures. We analyze cash flow, set realistic goals, and develop strategies for retirement, education funding, and wealth transfer. The process includes ongoing reviews to adapt to life changes while maintaining fiduciary standards that prioritize client interests above all else.
Asset Management
We implement evidence-based investment strategies grounded in academic research. Our approach emphasizes proper asset allocation across domestic and international markets, with broad diversification within each asset class. We utilize Dimensional Fund Advisors' products and maintain low fee structures while avoiding market timing tactics for long-term growth.
Retirement Planning
This service focuses on creating sustainable retirement income strategies. We optimize 401(k), IRA, and Roth IRA contributions while developing tax-efficient withdrawal plans. Our approach considers Social Security optimization, healthcare costs, and longevity factors to ensure financial security throughout retirement years.
College Planning
We specialize in 529 plan strategies and other education savings vehicles. Our planning considers financial aid implications, tax advantages, and investment time horizons. We help clients balance college savings goals with other financial priorities while maintaining overall portfolio balance.
Insurance Planning
This service evaluates life, disability, and long-term care insurance needs within the broader financial plan. We help clients determine appropriate coverage levels while avoiding conflicts of interest through our fee-only structure. Our recommendations focus on protecting financial goals against unexpected life events.
People
Barry R. Korb
President and Chief Planner
Barry Korb, CFP, founded Lighthouse Financial Planning in 2003 after careers in environmental policy and technology. He holds advanced degrees in mathematics and physics, and has earned numerous financial planning certifications. His expertise combines technical analysis with practical financial solutions for diverse client needs.
Questions
What services does Lighthouse Financial Planning offer?
We provide comprehensive financial planning, asset management, retirement planning, college savings strategies, and insurance planning services tailored to individual client needs.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve clients in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, including Montgomery County Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Are you a fiduciary financial advisor?
Yes, we operate as a Registered Investment Advisor and maintain a fiduciary duty to put client interests first in all our services.
How are your investment strategies structured?
Our strategies emphasize asset allocation, broad diversification, and low fees based on academic research, tailored to each client's goals and risk tolerance.
How long have you been in business?
Lighthouse Financial Planning has been serving clients since April 2003, with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.
