Dowd Financial Planning is a fee-only financial planning firm located in Montclair, New Jersey, founded and operated by David Dowd. The firm focuses on holistic financial planning rather than traditional investment management. Dowd Financial Planning does not have the authority to make trades or manage money directly in client accounts; instead, the firm provides personalized recommendations and guidance that clients can choose to implement themselves. Services cover a wide range of financial needs, including tax planning and preparation, retirement planning, budgeting and cash flow management, insurance reviews, estate plan reviews, and investment strategy. The firm operates as a fiduciary, meaning David Dowd is legally required to act in your best interest. Dowd Financial Planning offers multiple service options, ranging from comprehensive annual retainers to focused project-based engagements and short review sessions, with no minimum net-worth or asset requirements to become a client.
Fee Structure
Dowd Financial Planning offers an Open Retainer service that provides comprehensive, ongoing financial planning for an annual flat fee ranging from $3,400 to $13,600, payable quarterly in advance. The exact cost depends on your total income, assets, financial complexity, and requested services.
What you get:
- Between one and nine scheduled meetings per calendar year
- Unlimited face-to-face, email, and phone consultations at no extra charge
- Comprehensive coverage of topics such as investment strategy, retirement planning, tax planning and preparation, insurance reviews, budgeting, estate planning reviews, and asset allocation
- Assistance with trade execution if specifically requested by you
- Project Retainer — Flat fee (or hourly up to $300 per hour) for focused planning on specific areas such as goal setting, cash flow, tax planning, or retirement, without comprehensive ongoing support
- Financial Fitness Review — Flat fee of $1,500 for a two-hour review covering up to three specific financial planning topics chosen in advance
- Amended Tax Return Preparation — Typically $500 per amended return, if applicable under an open retainer agreement
- Dependent Tax Return Preparation — Up to $300 per return for additional tax returns prepared for dependents