GENERAL Frequently Asked Questions

At IEA, we offer Cooperation, Transparency, and Clearly Communicated Opportunity Costs to develop the optimal plan for you. We understand that a financial plan should encompass more than just finances. For instance, if you're considering early retirement, have you thought about your activities when most of your friends are still employed full-time? We guide you through envisioning retirement, addressing not only the financial aspects but also the quality of life, sense of purpose, and how you'll spend your newfound freedom.

Yes, as a fee-only, fiduciary advisor, I do not sell products or earn commissions. So, you have the confidence that I am recommending the best investments for you and your family's needs and goals. As a fiduciary, I am required to put your best interests above my own and we take that commitment very seriously. While it is impossible to eliminate all conflicts of interest, maintaining a fiduciary status does help to reduce the number of potential conflicts. Learn More About Fee-Only Fiduciaries 

Yes, we offer secure, remote financial planning services nationwide and we offer in person services at our office in Chester, MD for those that live locally on or near Kent Island, MD.

IEA does not hold your funds. Instead, we partner with Charles Schwab to provide third-party custodial services. Your assets are maintained in accounts registered in your name, which you can directly access, while IEA serves as the investment advisor for these accounts.  

Not many financial advisors can offer full fractional CFO or business consulting services to help businesses grow. And most Fractional CFO’s cannot offer advisor services. The combination of our sister company, Fractional CFO / business consulting firm, Islands East Financial Solutions, makes me uniquely qualified to help business owners with all facets of their financials, business and personal. Learn About IEFS 

We take a holistic approach, considering cash flow, tax strategies, retirement, and succession planning across both personal and business domains. If your plan includes growing your business, our sister company, Islands East Financial Solutions (www.islandseastfinancial.com) can help you build the financial foundation and strategy to scale your business. With all of those strategies aligned within two integrated organizations, we fully understand all of your personal and business finances and goals. 

For financial planning and investment management, we work with any business owner. For additional Fractional CFO services provided by our sister company, Islands East Financial Solutions, we work with growth-focused small businesses across many industries, including service providers, construction firms, consultants, digital developers, restaurants, licensed professionals (lawyers, dentists, doctors, vets), and many others. For both firms, we work with clients across the entire United States. 

Definitely.  We help you prepare for transitions, whether selling your business, passing it on, or retiring.  Depending on the overall business needs, you may need to begin an engagement with both IEA and IEFS, but our complimentary consultation will help you determine the services required for your business and personal needs.  We also believe in diversification and do not generally recommend your retirement plans rely solely on selling your business.

 Yes. As a lifelong boater who has owned many boats from a 16 ft. bass boat to a 35 ft. Aft Cabin Carver, I have researched the liveaboard cruising lifestyle for years. We help you structure your finances to support full-time cruising - including budgeting, asset management, and contingency planning. We provide customized financial planning for full-time cruisers, Great Loop participants, and liveaboard boaters who need flexible, mobile-friendly financial strategies and services. How We Serve Boaters 

We offer virtual financial planning services using secure digital platforms, ideal for clients who are constantly on the move. We also offer flexible meeting times, which include nights and weekends, to ensure the timing is convenient for your schedule. Due to this, our cloud-based tools, and our knowledge of the liveaboard, cruising lifestyle, we are the optimal Advisor firm for your planning and investment needs. How We Serve Boaters 

Absolutely. At Islands East Advisors, we specialize in retirement planning tailored to the cruising lifestyle. Whether you're living aboard full-time or planning to cruise during retirement, we help you build a financial strategy that supports freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind.

Our services include:

• Retirement income planning to ensure consistent cash flow while you're underway
• Cruising-specific budgeting that accounts for marina fees, maintenance, travel, and lifestyle choices
• Location-based tax strategies to optimize your financial situation across different states or countries
• Healthcare and insurance planning suited to mobile or international living
• Coordination with trusted service partners and referrals for legal, tax, and vessel-related needs

With years of research, deep connections in the liveaboard community, and firsthand experience working with clients who cruise full-time or aspire to do the Great Loop, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of retiring afloat. Our goal is to help you enjoy the journey with confidence and clarity.