Michael Garber Financial Planning
Data sourced from SEC public records (and other sources when available). Refreshed weekly • Updated today.
About
Michael Garber Financial Planning serves individuals and families through an independent, fee-only advisory model, providing holistic financial planning, investment consulting, tax preparation, estate-plan review, risk-management and small-business planning. Services are delivered via annual Open Retainer engagements with multiple scheduled reviews or narrower Project Retainer engagements focused on specific planning tasks.
The firm emphasizes a long-term, fundamental and cost-minimizing investment approach, generally recommending passive vehicles such as no-load mutual funds, ETFs, U.S. government securities and bonds tailored to a client’s tax situation and goals. Adviser does not have discretionary trading authority or custody of client assets and makes recommendations for clients to implement, with periodic reviews rather than continuous monitoring.
Notable distinctions include a retainer- and project-based fee model instead of charging a percentage of assets under management, and a stated policy of not accepting commissions or referral fees. The solo principal integrates tax-preparation services into the planning practice, follows a formal code of ethics and a NAPFA fiduciary oath, and positions the firm as a planning-focused advisory rather than a discretionary portfolio manager.
Client services
Expertise
Fee options
Project Retainer services are typically flat fees quoted per project; up to $500 due at start, remainder on completion.
Project Retainer fees are based on an hourly rate of $350 per hour for specific project requests.
Fee-only: Open Retainer fees range from $7,500 to $25,000 initially, and $4,000 to $25,000 for renewal years; Project Retainer fees are flat fees based on $350/hour quoted per project.
Main office
Gilroy CA
Advisors at this office
1
Most active in
California · Texas
Also doing business as
Garber, Michael Jan · Michael Garber Consulting Services · Michael Garber Financial Planning
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:
-
Insurance agent
They sell insurance products and may earn commissions on those sales.
-
Broker-dealer / trader
They provide brokerage services and may earn transaction-based compensation in addition to advisory fees.
-
Bank
They're affiliated with a bank that may offer its own financial products and services.
-
Trust company
They provide trust and estate administration services, typically for separate fees.
-
Fund sponsor
They manage or sponsor investment funds and may earn management or performance-based fees if clients invest in them.
-
Accountant / CPA / tax prep
They offer tax and accounting services, typically for separate fees.
-
Lawyer
They provide legal services, typically billed separately.
-
Real estate agent
They facilitate real estate transactions and may earn commissions.
-
Other specialized services
They may provide services such as pension consulting or municipal advisory work, typically for separate fees.
Forms ADV
Quick links
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor's Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and referrals are provided by FinanceHQ LLC ("FHQ"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment adviser. We may be compensated by participating advisors. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral. We do not supervise advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to the Warmer Terms of Service and FHQ Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge Warmer's Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ's ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. ("Warmer")