Life is personal. So are we.

Let's start with the obvious. Clearstone is a retirement planning and investment management firm located on the border of WA and ID. But that's just part of the story. Because of our specialty, we have clients in a number of states, mostly in the western U.S. 

Personal. We consider ourselves a "boutique firm with a deliberate focus," which means our clients get the personalized advisory attention they deserve. They don't get lost in a corporate structure. They aren't shuffled around from one advisor to another. They don't have to rely on "cookie-cutter" solutions for their personal challenges.  

Focused. We are experts at helping people transition to retirement or, as frequently happens, to a new season of "financial freedom." In this, we go beyond traditional wealth accumulation and focus on coordinating  every source of retirement income such as retirement and investment portfolios, Social Security, pensions, stock options, deferred compensation, even the potential sale of a privately owned business into a reliable stream of retirement income. 

Experienced. After helping more than a hundred business owners and executives transition from their business or professional practice, we understand the unique complexities they'll encounter. We know, for example, that an owner's succession plan - if necessary - can only be effective if it is included in a larger, more personal "process." And we know that many executives will need advanced planning to get the most from their stock options, deferred bonuses, and NQDC (those who need this know what this is!). 

Flexible Schedule. You're busy. We get that. So we've designed our practice around you and meet with you around your schedule and virtually in your home. To meet with us, you don't have to take time off work or have someone watch your kids or drive to an office. In fact, we do a lot of our meetings via Zoom (by now, everyone knows what this means) where you can get comfortable, have a glass of wine, and discuss what's on your mind. 

Flexible Fees. First, you need to know that we do not receive any commissions or payment from third-parties for any of our investment recommendations. Never have. Never will. Nor do we try to force you into a single, inflexible fee arrangement. Instead, we'll first get to know you and try to understand the best way we can help. Then, together, we'll agree on the fee arrangement that is best for you.

Casual. And finally, we've found that in today's age of automated and institutional financial planning, our clients want a different experience. One that is highly personal (since no one is like them) and approachable (because no one likes working with a "stuff shirt"). 

That's who we are. When you're ready, we'd enjoy learning about you. 

My roots are in the Midwest where I was born in Minnesota, raised in Iowa (both the state and the state of mind – GO HAWKEYES!), and lived in Illinois before packing the U-Haul and moving our family to the Pacific Northwest. It was here my wife and I discovered we enjoyed taking long motorcycle trips, going to the ocean, and watching our kids become adults. 

After completing my master's degree in business, I went to work for a large CPA/Consulting firm where I helped small business owners and their families who were starting their transition to retirement; a process that was met by a number of expected and unexpected challenges. 

In this, the owners were not alone.  Many executives, licensed professionals, self-employed entrepreneurs, and their families have questions regarding the value and sale (or transfer) of their small business, stock options, deferred income, and other non-conforming investments. Unless these are brought together into a solid, unified, and comprehensive plan, their retirement dreams could fall short. 

That’s why I started Clearstone with a commitment to work with and help this incredible group of people – as well as other families - make a confident transition to and through their retirement. And since life and circumstances are ever-changing, our "planning" is both continuous and dynamic; adjusting to your needs and desires. 

In other words, we help you define your "rich life" - what's important to you - and create plans and investment strategies to support your life what's important to you. 

And now, after fifteen years, we still find this rewarding. 

If you want to find out more, reach out for a no-strings, no-bull, no-obligation meeting. You can schedule a call online now. 

Paul Brown M.A., RMA®

Founder/CEO