FAQs

Do you sell any products, receive commissions or get referral fees?

No, we do not sell any products and, as a fee-only advisory firm, Trendline Financial Solutions receives compensation from you, the client, and in certain instances, a referral fee from a broker in case the client needs insurance products. We do not accept commissions.

What is Hourly, Fee-Only financial planning and why should it be important to me?

Because we are Hourly, Fee-Only financial planners, all conflicts of interest regarding compensation are removed.   We do not accept sales commissions; we work solely for our clients. (As noted above, we may receive certain referral fees from a broker in case insurance products are needed for a client).  Because we do not sell financial products such as investments and insurance, there are no third-party influences to color our thinking and financial recommendations.

How does Trendline Financial Solutions get paid?

The type of services you need will dictate the fees charged. Financial Planning meetings, discussions, projects are charged at $180 per hour, except for the My Financial Planner 24/7 program – see that page for details. Comprehensive Financial Planning is charged at the same $180 per hour with an $800 minimum total charge. Asset management is charged based on assets under management – see Investment Management section.  A typical comprehensive Financial Plan may cost between $1,200 to $1,800.

My spouse and I are just beginning to build for our financial future.   There is so much to learn!   We need help and guidance to get started.   Will you accept us as clients?

Yes.   Some firms have minimum income or net worth levels, but at Trendline Financial Solutions, we realize that everyone has financial needs.   We are proud to work with people from all income levels, and all walks of life.   Call us today and let’s get started.

What do I need to bring to the first meeting?

At the first meeting, you should come with an open mind and with some ideas on your short and long-term goals. Most times, Peter Owen will visit you in your Long Island home for the first, and subsequent meetings, so that you feel more comfortable and less anxious about meeting a financial adviser.

Is there a cost for the first meeting?

The first meeting is a one hour consultation session for which there is no charge. You will have an opportunity to evaluate our work together and we will have a chance to determine how we can be of service to you.

What information will I need to provide?

This depends on the questions you want us to address and how you want us to help you.  As we get acquainted, we will focus on your personal goals, values, concerns, and past experiences. We will provide you with a “Confidential Questionnaire” that will help you gather the information and documentation you will need.  Please note that all information is private and confidential.



Describe the typical client of Trendline Financial Solutions.
There is no typical client. We come in contact with people of all ages and backgrounds. Our focus is on people who may not have had enough time in the past to devote to their financial lives who now recognize the benefits of professional guidance in this area.

Once my financial plan is completed, will our relationship end?

That is entirely up to you.   Because financial planning is a process, not an event, we offer and suggest ongoing services, periodic reviews and day-to-day consultation as requested and/or needed. The My Financial Planner 24/7 Program was specifically designed to make our services available to you, especially Divorcees and Widows, for a very reasonable cost. Peter Owen will travel anywhere in Nassau County or Suffolk County on Long Island.

Upon request, we offer expanded office hours to accommodate special needs or emergency situations.

I have limited funds and time, so why should I get started now?

Procrastination is the greatest obstacle to success.  Goals won’t do you any good, and financial problems won’t go away unless you take action.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Trendline can help by providing you with easily understood recommendations and specific instructions for implementing a plan which will enable you to reach your goals. We offer accessible options for beginners or those with limited budgets.

How do I get started?

The first step is an initial inquiry from you.   Call us at (516) 317-2860 or email via our CONTACT page.

We offer an initial no-cost, no-obligation Get Acquainted Meeting that can be conducted over the phone or in person. Most clients find the financial planning process to be stimulating and enlightening.   The end result, of course, is greater peace of mind.   We look forward to helping you reach your financial goals.

Trendline Financial  Solutions is a Financial Planner Firm offering Nassau County Financial Planning and Investment Management and Suffolk County Financial Planning and Investment Management with offices in Southold, Great Neck and West Hempstead, NY