FAQ

"How are you paid? Is there a minimum balance required to work with you?"

Jason Howell Company is compensated exclusively by our clients. We are a fee-only firm and do not receive commissions, referral fees, or incentives from outside parties. This structure allows us to act solely in the best interest of the families we serve.

Our fee is typically* driven by an assets under management calculation:

• 1.00% annually on the first $2 million
• 0.75% on assets between $2 million and $5 million
• 0.50% on assets between $5 million and $10 million
• 0.25% on assets above $10 million

Our work is best suited for families who are financially secure and entering life after wealth—often with $1 million or more available to be managed—who want thoughtful stewardship, not just portfolio oversight.

*For business owners approaching a liquidity event or families with significant but illiquid assets, we may offer flat-fee arrangements that reflect the planning, governance, and coordination required at that stage. Our goal is to ensure alignment and clarity before, during, and after major transitions.

If you believe you are entering this stage of life and wealth, we welcome a conversation about fit.

"What is your investment philosophy?"

Our investment philosophy begins with context, not markets—who the money is meant to support, when it will be needed, and how it fits into life after wealth. At this stage, the greatest risk is often not missing returns, but losing flexibility, confidence, or peace of mind.

We build diversified portfolios by first understanding the risk required to pursue specific outcomes. Portfolios typically include low-cost exchange-traded funds, money markets, U.S. Treasuries, and, where appropriate, structured notes. For families with concentrated stock positions, we help evaluate diversification strategies while carefully managing tax considerations.

Our approach is grounded in academic research and long-term discipline. We do not trade frequently or attempt to outguess markets. Instead, we design resilient, “all-weather” portfolios intended to support family goals across market cycles. For accredited investors, we may incorporate select private or alternative investments when appropriate.

As fiduciaries, we view investing as one part of stewardship—supporting family governance, continuity, and intentional giving—so wealth serves both financial needs and the values it represents. 

For more about our investment strategy, click here. 

"When you manage my investments, where is it managed?"

As a registered investment adviser, Jason Howell Company (JHCo.) has an independent, "institutional" relationship with custodians. For example, new accounts are opened with Schwab Advisor Services. Schwab Advisor Services serves independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading and support services of Schwab. Independent investment advisors are not owned by, affiliated with or supervised by Schwab. Charles Schwab Co. Inc (Schwab). All rights reserved. Member SIPC. You will have a private login to monitor your account.

In addition to our reports and monthly client letter, you will also receive brokerage statements directly from Schwab.

"What's the profile of your typical client? Who do you work with?"

We help families navigate life after wealth - that weird moment when money stops being about survival. We use family governance to structure giving, to help grow and preserve what they've built and most importantly help the family stay together."

Most are successful professionals, business owners, or couples who have built meaningful savings through work and discipline and now want to be intentional about how their wealth supports their family, their values, and their giving. Our clients tend to be Gen-X and Baby Boomers, with some Millennials, who value transparency, expertise, and thoughtful partnership. Many are navigating life after a liquidity event, the transition to retirement, or a shift from accumulation to stewardship.

While many of the families we serve are based in the Washington, DC area—particularly Northern Virginia—we work with clients across the United States through a long-established virtual practice.

Our best clients are typically just good savers (or inheritors) - sometimes, business owners - who are trying to do the right thing for their families and communities. For more, see Who You Are.

"What is "proactive philanthropy?"

Many of our clients donate time, talent and "treasure" to causes and organizations they believe in. There are multiple ways we partner with our clients for financial philanthropy. Some of those methods include using:

• Donor Advised Funds
• Fiscal Sponsorships
• Community Foundations
• Direct Donations

Developing a proactive plan for philanthropy begins with understanding our client's personal life goals. The discussion begins with the first iteration of a client's financial plan and continues as we document their values through our unique family governance process. After multiple discussions we identify an amount that works for our clients giving (and tax) strategy while still supporting their life plans.

"What is Family Governance?"

Family governance is how we help families use wealth well once financial security is established. It’s a structured yet personal way of aligning money with values, relationships, and long-term decision-making—so wealth supports the family rather than complicating it.

Many of the families we work with naturally play leadership roles within their families and communities. Our role is to support both their financial lives and their responsibility as stewards, helping them bring clarity and intention to decisions that will affect multiple generations.

We begin by equipping families with three practical tools:

• Your Personal Roadmap – a clear set of prioritized recommendations that outlines what can strengthen your financial life.
• Your Implementation Guide – a practical timeline that clarifies when and why to act.
• Your Family Constitution – a shared framework that connects financial decisions to your values, history, and intentions as a family.

Together, these tools form our family governance process. It goes beyond traditional financial planning by integrating values, education, and family alignment—providing structure for thoughtful stewardship, continuity, and meaningful giving across generations.

"What is the process like for getting started?"

Your first step is still to contact the firm to schedule a free introductory phone call:

• You will likely speak with Jason Howell to discuss what currently concerns you about your life and finances
• You will then receive an email that includes a review of the conversation, sample agreements and an invitation to meet again (virtually or in-person)
• You will have multiple opportunities to ask questions and finally make a decision about working together

If we mutually decide to work together, there is no need to print anything. We will resend our agreements through DocuSign for your signature.