Dowd Financial Planning
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
About
The firm provides fee-only, comprehensive financial planning to individuals and families through annual open retainers, project retainers, and shorter Financial Fitness Reviews. Services cover tax planning and preparation (when included), retirement and estate-plan reviews, insurance and cash-flow analysis, goal setting, and investment strategy recommendations.
The firm operates in an advisory, non-discretionary capacity: it makes tailored recommendations based on a client’s tax situation, risk tolerance and goals but does not take custody of client assets or execute trades—clients are responsible for implementation unless they specifically request assistance. Investment guidance typically emphasizes no-load mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, U.S. government securities and bonds, and portfolio construction that considers tax effects and external market risks.
What distinguishes the firm from many peers is its business model and credentials: it relies on flat annual retainers and project fees rather than percentage-of-AUM billing and does not provide portfolio management or discretionary trading services for client accounts. The owner’s tax credentials (Enrolled Agent) and the inclusion of tax preparation or review in some engagements, together with membership in fee-only planning organizations, underscore a planner-centric practice focused on integrated tax and financial planning rather than asset management.
Client services
Expertise
Fee options
Open Retainer: $3,400-$13,600 annually (flat fee, payable quarterly in advance); Project Retainer: flat fees, negotiated per project; Financial Fitness Review: $1,500 flat fee
Up to $300 per hour for specific project requests
Fee-only: Annual flat fees between $3,400 and $13,600 for Open Retainer
Main office
Montclair NJ
Advisors at this office
1
Most active in
New Jersey · New York
Also doing business as
Dowd Financial Planning · Dowd, David A
Disclosures
Exclamation point means they have disclosures of this type. Check mark means no disclosures of this type were found.
Business activities & affiliations
Is not active or affiliated with:
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Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
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Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
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Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
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Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
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Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
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Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
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Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
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Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
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Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Forms ADV
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