Why Fee Only?

The Problem

When it comes to financial advice, the industry is confusing and often misleading. As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), Petra Financial operates under a fiduciary obligation, meaning we are legally required to act in your best interest at all times. This standard applies to all RIAs.

What makes firms differ, however, is how they deliver advice and how they are compensated. Some RIAs or advisors are permitted to receive both fees and commissions, depending on the products they offer. In those cases, it can be difficult for clients to know which capacity, or “hat,” the advisor is wearing at a given moment.

At Petra Financial, we’ve chosen to be fee-only, which means our compensation comes only from our clients. We do not receive commissions or third-party incentives for the investments or insurance products we recommend. This structure eliminates the ambiguity around when advice is given in your best interest … because for us, it always is.

Our goal is simple: to provide advice that is objective, transparent, and fully aligned with your financial life and long-term goals.

Petra Financial Advisors, Colorado Springs Wealth Management, Estate Planning, Why Fee Only
Petra Financial Advisors, Colorado Springs Wealth Management, Estate Planning, Why Fee Only

Petra is Aligned With You

Unfortunately, the industry often lacks transparency. Most investors have little insight into how their advisors are being paid or how that might influence the advice they receive. This opacity makes it difficult to know whether your financial plan is truly aligned with your goals … or someone else’s bottom line.

One of our main goals is to be aligned with you, and to sit on the same side of the table. Petra was one of our nation’s first Fee-Only Financial Planning firms and we were founded by one of the first 42 CFPs that graduated in the first ever CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® class in 1973. We believe clarity, honesty, and fiduciary responsibility should be the standard. Not the exception.

As of December 31, 2024, there were 230,648 Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professionals worldwide, according to the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB).

We Turn Doubt Into Direction.

Petra’s Proven Process

At Petra, we believe that smart financial planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all checklist … it’s a structured, thoughtful approach designed around your life, goals, and values. Our proven process ensures clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies every step of the way.

  • Alignment

    We begin a financial relationship with a non-financial conversation. We start by getting to know you: your goals, priorities, and concerns. Through deep conversations and a review of your current financial picture, we uncover what matters most to you. We want to see the world through your eyes and know what you would do if you had the time and expertise to dedicate to financial advice.

  • Planning Phase 1

    Next, we begin to create a personalized financial plan tailored to your unique situation focusing first on balance sheet and cash flow. This plan addresses everything from investments and tax strategies to insurance, retirement, and legacy planning … always aligned with your goals. Remember, as a Fee-Only firm, our advice as it relates to insurance comes without the conflict of interest of commission payments.

  • Planning Phase 2

    A plan is only as good as its execution. We guide you through each step, helping you put strategies into action while keeping the process simple, transparent, and stress-free. We will also take a deeper dive into risk review, estate planning, and taxes. Our client service team acts as a concierge to make implementation as stress-free as possible.

  • Lasting Relationships

    One of the original founders of Petra, Dave Forbes use to teach that the value in Financial Planning comes in the “ING.” Lasting Relationships are what we are all about. Life changes, and so should your plan. We continuously track your progress, adjust strategies as needed, and keep you informed, so you always feel confident about your financial future.

With Petra, you get more than advice — you get a proven roadmap, delivered with clarity, integrity, and a commitment to your best interests.

Take the First Step of Your Journey