Schaeffer Financial & Tax, LLC

Schaeffer Financial & Tax, LLC provides discretionary investment management and limited-scope consulting primarily to individuals and families, and also serves non-profit organizations, business entities, estates, and trusts. In addition to portfolio services, the firm offers accounting and income tax return preparation as part of its business.

The firm implements strategic asset allocation across mainly low-cost exchange-traded funds and mutual funds, applying both fundamental and technical analysis and rebalancing accounts occasionally to maintain targets. It delivers advisory services through the Altruist custodial platform, uses model portfolios and tax-management tools available there, and schedules at least an annual review while encouraging clients to report material life changes as they occur.

Distinctive aspects of the firm include its integration of accounting and tax-preparation services with investment advice: the owner is an accountant who has prepared tax returns since 2006 and allocates roughly 5 hours per week year-round and about 20 hours per week during tax season to tax work, and the brochure discloses potential conflicts and client choice regarding using those services. The firm also documents operational specifics that are less common among peers — such as participation in Altruist’s model marketplace and the explanation of securities lending and related tax consequences for clients, limited custody arrangements for fee deduction, and management of about $6.22 million for a modest client base.