Frequently Asked Questions
Every question you are thinking but might not ask yet.
We have answered the questions most people are thinking before they reach out. If something is not here, just call or email us.
Common Questions
We believe a well-informed client makes better decisions.
These are the questions we hear most often from prospective clients in Franklin, Brentwood, and the Nashville area. Read through them — and if you have others, just reach out.
Why is financial planning important?
Financial planning is not just about numbers — it is about aligning your money with your life. At Stone Pillars, our goal is to give you clarity, reduce anxiety, and help you live a more meaningful life. People who engage in planning feel more in control and are more likely to reach their goals. The Four Pillars framework, Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances, ensures your plan reflects every dimension of who you are.
What does it mean that Stone Pillars is fee-only and fiduciary?
Fee-only means we are compensated directly by you, never through commissions or third-party payments. Fiduciary means we are legally and ethically required to act in your best interest at all times — not when it is convenient, but every day, in every decision. This combination eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures every recommendation we make is driven entirely by what is right for you.
Do I have to move my investments to work with you?
Not necessarily. Many clients work with us for financial planning and tax strategy without moving any accounts. If, after building your plan, it makes sense to consolidate assets for better management and coordination, we will discuss that — but only if it genuinely serves you.
What are your fees?
We charge based on assets under management for investment management, and separately for comprehensive financial planning engagements. There are no commissions, no hidden fees, and no product-related compensation. We will explain every fee clearly before you commit to anything.
What is a CEPA and why does it matter for business owners?
A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is a credential held by advisors who specialize in helping business owners prepare for the sale, transfer, or transition of their business. Jonathan Jordan holds this designation, making him one of a small number of advisors in the Franklin and Nashville area qualified to serve both the personal wealth and business exit dimensions of your financial life. If you own a business, this matters enormously.
What can I expect in the first meeting?
A conversation, not a commitment. We will ask about your goals, your family, your business, your faith, and what financial success actually means to you. There is no cost for the first conversation and no pressure to engage. You will leave with clarity on whether Stone Pillars is the right fit.
Who do you typically work with?
We serve high-net-worth business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and work-optional families across Franklin, Brentwood, Williamson County, and the greater Nashville area. We maintain a $500,000 minimum investment to ensure every client receives the depth of attention they deserve.
Can financial planning help with a business sale or exit?
Absolutely. Business exits are one of the most significant and often mishandled financial events in a person's life. Without proper planning, owners routinely leave money on the table and face unexpected tax consequences. As a CEPA-credentialed firm, we work with business owners years before the exit to align their business value, personal finances, and post-exit life goals.
How do you handle taxes?
We work proactively alongside your CPA to minimize your lifetime tax burden through year-round strategy, not just at tax time. This includes Roth conversion planning, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving structures, business entity optimization, and more. Reactive tax planning costs families tens of thousands of dollars. We plan ahead.
What is your investment philosophy?
We believe in long-term, diversified investing calibrated to your specific risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals. We do not chase trends or time the market. We build portfolios that support your financial plan and give you confidence to stay the course through volatility. We also offer socially responsible and values-aligned investment options.
Can financial planning help with retirement?
Yes — and it is one of the most important things we do. The transition from accumulating wealth to generating income from it is where most plans fall short. We build written retirement income plans that cover Social Security timing, withdrawal sequencing, inflation protection, and contingency strategies so you can spend confidently knowing your money will last.
What is The Wealth Brief newsletter?
The Wealth Brief is Stone Pillars' LinkedIn newsletter covering wealth management, exit planning, tax strategy, and life in Franklin and Nashville. Subscribe at the link in our Resources section. It is free, practical, and never a sales pitch.
How is Stone Pillars different from a wirehouse like Merrill Lynch or Morgan Stanley?
Wirehouses employ advisors who work within systems designed to maximize firm revenue — product quotas, proprietary funds, and commission structures create conflicts that are difficult to eliminate. At Stone Pillars, there are no quotas, no proprietary products, and no hidden incentives. We are an independent RIA, legally and structurally aligned with you, not a parent company.
Where is Stone Pillars located?
We are headquartered at 202 5th Ave S, Franklin, Tennessee 37064. We serve clients across Williamson County, Brentwood, Nashville, Spring Hill, and the greater Middle Tennessee area. We also work with clients remotely across the country.