General Questions About Our Firm
What Makes Western Reserve Capital Management Different from Other Financial Advisors?
We’re fee-only fiduciary advisors, which means we’re legally and ethically bound to put your interests first. We don’t earn commissions from selling products. Both of our partners, Jim Sexton and Gage Paul, are CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals with specialized expertise in retirement planning and tax strategies.
What Does "Fee-Only" Mean?
Fee-only means we’re compensated directly by our clients, never through commissions, product sales, or third-party payments.
What Is a Fiduciary, and Why Does It Matter?
A fiduciary is legally required to act in your best interest at all times. Some financial professionals operate under a suitability standard, which requires recommending products that are suitable but not necessarily optimal. As fiduciaries, we are held to a higher standard of care and must act in your best interest.
Who Do You Typically Work With?
We primarily serve individuals and families in Northeast Ohio who are either:
- Mid-career professionals looking to optimize their financial strategy
- Pre-retirees (within 5 years of retirement) preparing for transition
- Current retirees managing their income and legacy
We also work with small business owners on retirement plan design and succession planning.
What Areas of Ohio Do You Serve?
We’re based in Hudson, Ohio, and serve clients throughout Summit, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties, as well as the broader Northeast Ohio region including Akron, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, and New Philadelphia. We also work with clients virtually throughout Ohio and beyond.
Do I Need to Come to Your Office, or Can We Meet Virtually?
Both! We offer in-person meetings at our Hudson office and virtual meetings via video conference. Many clients prefer a hybrid approach—initial meetings in person, with ongoing check-ins conducted virtually for convenience.
How Much Do Your Services Cost?
Our fee structure is transparent and disclosed before you engage our services. Fees depend on the complexity of your situation and the services you need. We may charge asset management fees (a percentage of assets under management) or project-based fees. Please see our Form ADV Part 2A for detailed fee information, or we’ll discuss fees during your initial consultation.
Working With Our Advisors
Will I Work Directly With Jim and Gage, or Will I Be Handed Off to Junior Advisors?
You’ll work directly with Jim Sexton and Gage Paul. We’re a boutique practice, and both partners are actively involved with every client relationship. This collaborative approach means you benefit from both perspectives and areas of expertise.
What Can I Expect From My First Meeting?
Your first meeting is a complimentary 15-30 minute phone or video call where we get to know each other, discuss your goals, and determine if we’re a good fit. If we both want to move forward, we’ll schedule a deeper discovery meeting to explore your complete financial picture before making any recommendations.
This initial consultation is exploratory only and does not constitute an advisory relationship. No personalized advice will be provided until an advisory agreement is signed and our advisory relationship formally begins.
How Often Will We Meet?
Most clients meet with us at least once per year for comprehensive reviews, with additional meetings as needed for major life events, market changes, or specific planning questions. You’ll also have email and phone access throughout the year for questions that arise between meetings.
What Should I Bring to Our First In-Depth Meeting?
We’ll provide you with a detailed checklist, but generally you’ll want to bring:
- Recent tax returns (last 2 years)
- Investment account statements
- Retirement account statements (401(k), IRA, etc.)
- Social Security statements
- Insurance policies
- Estate planning documents (will, trust, powers of attorney)
- Any pension or deferred compensation statements
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything—we can work with what you have and request additional information as needed.
What If I Need Help With Something Outside Your Expertise, Like Legal or Accounting Services?
We work closely with attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive support.
We provide tax planning strategies as part of comprehensive financial planning. Gage Paul, EA, is qualified to provide tax advice and can assist with tax planning strategies. However, we do not provide tax preparation or filing services. We work collaboratively with your CPA or tax preparer to implement tax-efficient strategies.
We do not provide legal advice. We coordinate with your estate planning attorney to ensure your financial plan aligns with your legal documents. If you don’t have an attorney, we can provide referrals to qualified professionals.
We are a fee-only fiduciary financial advisors here to help Ohio families approaching and in retirement navigate complex decisions. We bring specialized expertise in retirement income planning, tax strategy, and wealth preservation.
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Wealth Strategy
Goal-Based Planning
Financial Organization
Long-Term Investing
Family Wealth
Portfolio Coordination
Comprehensive Planning
Retirement Paychecks
Withdrawal Strategy
Income Planning
Cash Flow Planning
Retirement Budgeting
Sequence Risk
Income Sustainability
Evidence-Based Investing
Diversified Portfolios
ETF Investing
Risk Management
Tax-Efficient Investing
Low-Cost Funds
Long-Term Investing