First Step Financial

First Step Financial is a registered investment adviser that provides comprehensive financial planning and an ongoing subscription advisory service to individual and high‑net‑worth clients rather than acting as an asset custodian or active trader. Its services include delivery of written financial plans, quarterly subscription meetings, and ad‑hoc hourly engagements, with investment advice that typically focuses on mutual funds and ETFs (largely broad index funds and select precious‑metal ETFs).

The firm’s investment approach emphasizes modern portfolio theory and a long‑term trading horizon, recommending diversified portfolios built principally with index mutual funds and ETFs. It delivers tailored, holistic planning through individualized interviews, plan delivery, periodic reviews when engaged, and proactive outreach to clients when legal, regulatory, or economic developments may affect their financial situations.

Notable differences from many investment managers include offering subscription and hourly fee arrangements while not charging percentage‑of‑assets or performance‑based fees, and reporting no assets under management as of the most recent disclosure; the firm also does not trade, custody, or exercise investment discretion over client accounts. The firm uses a client‑selected, flexible fee model for planning engagements and confirms annual subscription participation, practices that are uncommon among peers in the investment‑manager category.