FAQ — Optimus Advisory Group

Question 1

What type of financial firm are you?

Accepted Answer

We are a boutique fee-based Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) specializing in retirement planning. We maintain offices in Southern California and Middle Tennessee and serve clients throughout the greater Nashville area and Southern California.

Question 2

What is your primary focus?

Accepted Answer

Our primary focus is practical retirement planning. We help clients develop adaptive strategies for generating sustainable retirement income, making Social Security decisions, managing taxes in retirement, addressing sequence-of-returns and longevity risks, and aligning their investment portfolios with those goals.

Question 3

Do you create traditional multi-page financial plans?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not produce lengthy, static financial plans that sit on a shelf. Retirement spans decades and is shaped by changing markets, tax laws, health situations, and personal goals. We focus on living strategies that can evolve as real life unfolds.

Question 4

How are you compensated?

Accepted Answer

We are fee-based. Most of our compensation comes from asset-management fees paid directly by our clients. In limited cases involving life insurance or fixed annuities, we may receive a commission — these situations are extremely rare. All forms of compensation are fully disclosed in advance. Complete details are available in our Form ADV.

Question 5

Are you fiduciaries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As a Registered Investment Advisor we are held to a fiduciary standard. This means we must act in our clients' best interests, seek to avoid conflicts of interest, and fully disclose any material conflicts that remain.

Question 6

Where are your offices and how do we meet?

Accepted Answer

We have offices in Irvine, California, and in Dickson, Tennessee. Both advisors are available for in-office meetings, phone calls, or secure video meetings — whatever works best for you. For Middle Tennessee clients who aren't close to Dickson, most conversations start with a phone call. If a face-to-face meeting makes sense, video is a convenient option, or Steve can find somewhere closer to you.

Question 7

Who do you typically work with?

Accepted Answer

We primarily work with pre-retirees and retirees who want thoughtful guidance on retirement income planning, tax-efficient distributions, and long-term financial security. Many clients come to us when they are ready to shift from accumulating assets to generating reliable income in retirement.

Question 8

Do you help with Social Security and tax planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Social Security claiming strategies and tax-efficient distribution planning — including analysis of Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and tax-bracket management — are core parts of the work we do for most clients.

Question 9

Is there a minimum investment required?

Accepted Answer

We work with clients at various stages of their financial journey. Reach out and we'll have an honest conversation about whether we're the right fit for your situation.

Question 10

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

The process begins with a complimentary introductory conversation focused on your timeline, goals, and current questions. If it appears to be a good fit, we move into a more detailed discussion of how we can help and outline services and fees. There is never any pressure to proceed.

Question 11

Where can I find complete details about your fees and services?

Accepted Answer

Please review our current Form ADV Part 2A brochure and Form CRS (Client Relationship Summary). These documents contain the full disclosures required by regulators and are available on our website or upon request.

Questions We Hear Most Often

Still Have Questions?