Frequently Asked Questions

What makes ARD different from other financial advisors?

Most advisors focus on investments and hand everything else off to someone else. We build every plan the other way — risk, tax, and wealth transfer aren’t separate items, they’re part of the same conversation from day one. John is a CFP® Professional, which means comprehensive planning isn’t an add-on service, it’s the process. That integration is rare, and it’s what makes the advice you get here different.

What is a work optional lifestyle?

For individuals, it’s your Freedom Point — the moment you could walk away and pursue something else, or keep working because you want to, not because you have to.
For business owners, it’s the point where your business can thrive without you — so you can step back, hand it off, or sell on your terms.

What does it mean that you’re a fiduciary?

It means we’re legally and ethically required to act in your best interest — not a firm’s, not a product manufacturer’s. As an independent fiduciary, we’re not tied to any particular product or platform. We start with your goals and work backward to the tools that get you there, not the other way around.

What types of people do you work with?

We look for high-trust, long-term relationships — the kind where we can add real, measurable value to your life, not just manage a portfolio. That’s what shapes who we take on, more than the size of an account.

I have old 401(k)s scattered across former employers. Can you help?

Absolutely, we can help. Left-behind accounts tend to sit in default investments that no longer match your goals or your timeline. We’ll consolidate them and manage them as part of one complete plan, instead of several forgotten ones.

I already have an accountant. Do I still need an advisor?

Yes — the two roles work together, not against each other. An accountant looks back at what already happened with your money. We look forward, using tax strategy to shape the decisions still ahead of you. Having both in sync is what protects the plan.

How do I know if I’m ready to work with a financial advisor?

If a decision in front of you feels complicated, if a work-optional lifestyle is the goal, or if a big life change has you unsure of the next move — that’s usually the sign. You don’t need it all figured out first. That’s what the first conversation is for.

Do you work with clients outside Central Ohio?

Our roots are in Dublin, Ohio, and that local presence matters to us. That said, we work with clients across the country — if it feels like a good fit, location isn’t a barrier.

What should I expect from a first meeting?

A conversation, not a commitment. We’ll learn about your situation and goals and share how we work — no pressure, nothing required. If it makes sense to move forward, we’ll do a full analysis and meet again to walk through it together. We only recommend a next step when we’re confident we can add real value, and when you’re comfortable with the plan.

Still have a question that’s not answered here? Schedule a call — that’s exactly what the first conversation is for.