Frequently asked questions
Ask away.
Clear answers about how Bemiston works, how Ryan gets paid, and what you can expect.
The basics
No fine print gymnastics.
If your question isn’t here, send Ryan a note. You’ll hear from a real person.
Get in touch →Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. Ryan does not receive commissions or any other kickbacks for the advice or investments he provides. Bemiston avoids potential conflicts of interest and puts clients first.
How is a financial plan different from a budget?
A budget helps manage savings and expenses and can be one part of a plan. A financial plan is more comprehensive: it connects your current circumstances to your goals and lays out actionable, measurable next steps.
Where will my money be located?
Your investable assets are held with an independent custodian. Ryan can manage investments inside your accounts but cannot write checks from those accounts.
Do you only work with clients in St. Louis?
No. Bemiston is based in the St. Louis area, but video meetings and virtual planning tools make it easy to work with clients across the country.
How do you get paid?
Bemiston charges for two services: investment management and financial planning. Investment management is 1% per year of managed assets, billed quarterly. Planning begins at $3,000 and scales with complexity. Planning fees are usually waived for managed asset clients.
What happens in the first meeting?
It’s a complimentary, 45-minute conversation—not a high-pressure sales pitch. You’ll talk about your goals and questions, and both sides can decide whether working together feels like a fit.
Still wondering?
Bring your question to Ryan.
A good conversation can make a complicated decision feel much simpler.
Schedule a 45-minute intro →