Leaving a Large Brokerage Firm? What to Know Before You Move
Considering a new adviser? Compare actual account costs, understand fiduciary relationships, and review holdings and tax questions before moving your accounts.
Independent · Fee-only · Fiduciary · Houston, TX
Advice without a product to sell
Work directly with Todd Smurl, CFA, for independent, fee-only financial planning and customized investment management, with close attention to investment costs and taxes.
- Independent
- Fee-only, no commissions
- Fiduciary at all times
- CFA charterholder, 30 years
Published fees
Investment management
1.0%/yr
On the first $1 million; 0.85% above that.
Financial planning
Included
Part of the investment management fee. No separate planning charge.*
Introductory meeting
Free
No obligation, by video or phone.
Commissions
None
Fee-only. Paid only by our clients.
*For clients with assets under management under $500,000, the Advisor reserves the right to charge an hourly fee for financial planning.
A decision worth understanding
Thinking about changing advisers?
Start with a conversation about the advice you need, what you own and what you pay. Todd can help you evaluate the costs, holdings and transition questions before you decide whether a change makes sense.
What we do
Two services, one independent fiduciary
Customized investment management
A straightforward portfolio of low-cost ETFs, individual stocks or a combination, managed by Todd Smurl, CFA, around your accounts and goals. Values screens are included, with optional active tax management for taxable accounts.
Learn more →
Personal financial planning
Retirement income, Social Security, Medicare, Roth conversions, and estate coordination, included in the investment management fee.* Compare your choices using stated assumptions and financial estimates where reasonably quantifiable.
Learn more →*For clients with assets under management under $500,000, the Advisor reserves the right to charge an hourly fee for financial planning.
Why Integrity
Portfolio and plan, one advisor
At Integrity, Todd Smurl, CFA, provides both portfolio management and personal financial planning. He has spent 30 years managing portfolios for banks and wealth-management firms, and your personal financial plan is included in the investment management fee. For clients with assets under management under $500,000, the Advisor reserves the right to charge an hourly fee for financial planning.
We are paid by our clients and do not accept product commissions. We do tax planning, not tax preparation. We are not a CPA firm, and we coordinate with your tax preparer rather than replacing them.
We are members of the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard and publish our fees on this site.
Who we work with
- Retirees and pre-retireesRetirement income, Social Security and Medicare timing, RMDs, and turning a portfolio into a paycheck.
- Values-based investorsFaith-based and ESG portfolios with client-directed exclusions. Screens can cause returns to differ from the index, positively or negatively.
- Oil and gas professionalsConcentrated employer stock, deferred compensation, and layoffs and buyouts that come with the cycle.
Ready to talk?
A free, no-obligation introductory meeting. Pick a time with Todd Smurl, CFA.
Insights
Selected reading
Roth Conversion and IRMAA: A Houston Retiree's Guide
Considering a Roth conversion in Houston? Review Medicare premium effects and compare scenarios with a fee-only fiduciary before deciding.
From Building Wealth to Living on It
Retirement changes the questions your portfolio needs to answer. Review actual costs, company-stock exposure, cash needs and tax trade-offs with Todd Smurl, CFA.
Common questions
How do I get started?
Start with a free introductory meeting. Schedule one online or contact us and we'll discuss your situation, what you need, and whether we're a fit. There is no obligation.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes, at all times. We are a fee-only registered investment adviser and a member of the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard. We are compensated only by our clients and accept no commissions or product incentives.
What does fee-only mean?
Fee-only means our compensation comes from clients through advisory or planning fees, not commissions or product incentives. Fee-based is a different description and may include commissions, so ask each adviser how they are paid and what conflicts apply.
How much do you charge?
Personal Index Portfolios are billed at 1.0% on the first $1 million and 0.85% from $1 million to $10 million, and a negotiable rate above $10 million. Financial planning is included as part of the investment management fee; there is no separate planning charge. For clients with assets under management under $500,000, the Advisor reserves the right to charge an hourly fee for financial planning. Full details are on the fees page.
As seen in
Featuring Todd Smurl's work prior to founding Integrity Financial Planning.
Talk with a CFA about your situation
A free introductory meeting, no obligation.