Frequently asked questions

  • Yes, Ruda Financial is a fiduciary, which means I am legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times. I do not sell financial products or accept commissions or referral fees.

  • Ruda Financial works with a diverse range of clients, including professionals in government and related fields, particularly in the Washington, DC metro area. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, managing significant assets, navigating life transitions, or seeking to optimize your tax strategy, I tailor my services to meet your specific needs.

  • Ruda Financial provides personalized financial planning and investment management with a focus on tax-efficient retirement planning and wealth building.

  • My fees are transparent and straightforward. For project based financial planning, there is a one time flat fee. For ongoing clients, there is a flat annual fee of $6,500 that includes up to $1 million of assets under management or a competitive 0.65% of assets under management for clients with more than $1 million. 

  • Yes, all mutual funds, even low cost index funds, have a small yearly fee called an expense ratio. This fee covers the fund’s operating costs. In the portfolios I typically recommend, these expenses are very low (usually under 0.05% per year, or $500 per $1 million invested).

  • I believe successful investing is about focusing on what you can control: costs, taxes, diversification, and discipline. My portfolios are designed to be:

    • Low-cost

    • Tax-efficient

    • Broadly diversified

    I primarily use publicly traded securities, mutual funds, and ETFs from leading providers such as Vanguard, Schwab, and Fidelity.

  • Your assets are always held in your name at a third-party custodian. I recommend that my investment management clients custody at Charles Schwab & Co., an independent, SEC-registered broker-dealer with whom Ruda Financial is unaffiliated.

  • We’ll meet regularly throughout the year, especially during the first year when we’ll develop your financial plan over a series of structured meetings. In subsequent years, we typically have at least two formal meetings annually, plus additional check-ins as needed.

    Most clients prefer virtual meetings for convenience and flexibility, but I’m also happy to meet in person in Maryland, Washington, DC, or Northern Virginia.

  • Yes. I offer a complimentary introductory call to learn more about your goals and see if we’re a good fit.

    Click the SCHEDULE A CALL button to get started.