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Published
March 27, 2026
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What Is a Fee-Only Financial Advisor?

If your financial life includes equity compensation, multiple investment accounts, and/or long-term retirement planning, the way your advisor is paid matters more than you might think. 

In this short video, we explain what a fee-only (fiduciary) financial advisor is, how this structure works in practice, and why many executives and business owners choose it when navigating complex financial decisions.

If you’d like to understand how a fee-only financial advisor could fit into your financial strategy, reach out today by calling (785) 340-3434.

Transcript

Hello, busy executives and dual-income professionals. If you have a growing balance sheet with 401(k)s, taxable investments, equity compensation, restricted stock, or deferred bonuses, you’ve probably come across the term “fee-only financial advisor.” It sounds reassuring, but what does it actually mean, and why does it matter? 

Hi, I’m Brigham Glaves with CGN Advisors. In this video, I’m going to explain what a fee-only financial advisor is and how the fiduciary standard works in practice and why this structure can be especially relevant for professionals and families who are 10 to 15 years away from retirement.

What Is a Fee-Only Financial Advisor?

What does “fee-only” actually mean? A fee-only financial advisor is compensated directly by clients and only by clients. There are no commissions from investment products, insurance policies, or third-party incentives. That distinction matters. When advice is tied to commissions, recommendations can be influenced by what an advisor gets paid, not what fits in your financial plan.

How Fee-Only Advisors Provide Transparent Advice

With a fee-only financial structure, compensation is transparent and aligned with the services being provided, such as financial planning, investment management, tax planning, and retirement planning. For example, if you’re deciding how to invest proceeds from vested RSUs or whether to exercise stock options, a fee-only financial advisor is evaluating strategies based on tax impact, cash flow, and long-term portfolio construction, not on whether a specific product generates additional compensation.

The Fiduciary Standard in Action

Fee-only advisors are fiduciaries, meaning they’re legally required to act in your best interest at all times. Consider a mid-career executive with concentrated company stock; a pension decision coming up or a spouse with a separate retirement plan; a fiduciary advisor looks at the full picture, including equity compensation timing, diversification strategies, tax brackets, retirement income projections, and risk exposure across the household.

Instead of isolated recommendations, the focus is on coordination. That’s especially important for households approaching retirement with $1 million or more in investable assets.

Why High-Income Clients Need Fee-Only Financial Advisors

So why does this matter for high-income and high-complexity clients? For professionals with substantial income and assets, the challenge isn’t just growing wealth, it’s managing complexity across restricted stock, bonuses, business income, multiple accounts, and evolving tax rules.

A fee-only financial advisor typically works within a wealth management framework that integrates things like financial planning, equity compensation analysis, tax-aware investing, and long-term retirement modeling. The goal isn’t activity for activity’s sake, but disciplined decision-making.

This approach tends to resonate with executives and business owners who value structure, accountability, and data-driven recommendations without the product sales layered into the relationship.

Is a Fee-Only Advisor Right for You?

Are you evaluating whether a fee-only financial advisor is the right fit? The key question is whether your financial situation calls for integrated planning rather than one-off advice.

If you’d like to understand how a fee-only financial advisor could fit into your financial strategy, I invite you to start a conversation with CGN Advisors and explore how our approach aligns with your goals. To schedule a meeting, call 785-340-3434.

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Michelle Lancaster
Compliance Manager
Michelle Lancaster is a Compliance Manager at CGN Advisors, a fee-only financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In her role as Compliance Manager, Michelle executes the day-to-day tasks of the firm’s compliance program, working to support the alignment and effectiveness of the firm’s policies and procedures with regulatory requirements. She also assists with the onboarding process for new Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs), facilitating the transition process for new team members. With a detail-oriented and proactive approach, she enjoys helping create processes designed to support both the firm and its advisors.

Michelle earned a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies from Washburn University and brings more than ten years of experience as a compliance professional. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in monitoring and testing compliance programs, interpreting regulatory requirements, and supporting firms in their efforts to maintain strong compliance practices.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors with her fiancé. Together, they can often be found fishing, exploring local walking trails, tending to their garden, and enjoying time in nature.
Sheila Coomes, CPA
Tax Advisor
Sheila Coomes, CPA is a Tax Advisor at CGN Advisors, a fee-only financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. With more than 22 years of experience spanning public accounting, industry leadership, and higher education, Sheila specializes in tax strategy and business advisory services for individuals and small business owners.
At CGN, Sheila supports clients with tax preparation and works collaboratively with the firm’s financial advisors to deliver thoughtful, proactive tax planning. She is known for her people-centered approach. She is able to combine her technical expertise with an exceptional ability to listen, simplify complex tax concepts, and translate them into clear, actionable guidance. Her background as both a CPA and an educator fuels her passion for helping clients feel confident, informed, and in control of their financial decisions.
Sheila earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University, with an emphasis in taxation. She began her career in public accounting at Ernst & Young in Kansas City, where she spent seven years and advanced to Audit Manager. She later served as Director of Accounting for Alco Stores, Inc. in Abilene, Kansas, overseeing public company financial reporting and worked closely with external auditors and tax teams. Sheila then returned to Manhattan as Controller for Purple Wave Auction, where she led financial reporting and external audit coordination.
Before joining CGN Advisors, Sheila spent nine years teaching accounting and auditing at Kansas State University, where she also developed and directed the Herbel Accounting Academy for incoming freshmen.
Outside of work, Sheila is a proud mom of three and she and her husband also share their home with three Boston Terriers. They enjoy traveling whenever they can.
Matt Schlossman, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Matt Schlossman, CFP® is a Financial Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. He works directly with clients while also partnering with fellow advisors to support their client relationships. Matt’s greatest passion in his role is helping reduce financial stress by bringing clarity to complex financial situations and confidence to important decisions. He believes that when clients understand their financial picture, they are better equipped to focus on what matters most in their lives. Matt also has a strong interest in tax planning and enjoys collaborating closely with clients and their CPAs to develop and implement effective tax strategies.
Matt earned his degree in Personal Financial Planning, with a minor in Business, from Kansas State University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. He values CGN Advisors’ collaborative, team-oriented culture and finds it both rewarding and energizing to work alongside colleagues in pursuit of the best outcomes for clients.
Beyond his work at CGN, Matt has been actively involved with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) for nearly three years, serving on the NexGen GATHER planning committee. In this role, he helps organize the FPA’s annual national conference, which supports the next generation of advisors by providing community, education, and resources to help professionals grow with confidence.
Outside of the office, Matt is married to his high school sweetheart, Randi, and they enjoy life with their young son, Teddy. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family, cheering on K-State sports, golfing, and watching stand-up comedy.
Cheryl Rauh
Financial Planner
Cheryl Rauh is a Financial Planner at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, KS. In her role, Cheryl supports CGN’s Financial Advisors by putting together clients’ current financial picture and their financial plan, empowering advisors to help clients take action toward achieving their financial goals. She enjoys the variety in financial planning—there are so many ways a person can live and plan for their best life. Each household is unique and dynamic.
Cheryl earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado, as well as a Master of Arts in English and a Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning, both from Kansas State University. She has previously worked in technical writing, grant writing, and college academic support. Helping college students navigate financial challenges and plan for financial transitions after graduation led her to financial planning as a career.
Outside of work, Cheryl trains her dogs to compete in dog sports, fixes up an old house with her husband, gardens, and is always reading a book.
MaKenna Eilert
Client Service Associate
MaKenna Eilert is a Client Services Associate at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In her role, MaKenna supports lead advisors with client interactions, day-to-day operations, and special projects. Known for her collaborative mindset and organizational skills, she brings thoughtful structure to client service workflows. With a background in nonprofit leadership and a strong foundation in public administration, MaKenna enjoys working in mission-driven environments that prioritize people and community.

A Manhattan native, MaKenna earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Kansas State University and went on to complete her master’s in public administration. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and minors in Leadership Studies and Primary Texts.
Before joining CGN, MaKenna served as Director of Marketing at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, where she led communications efforts and supported strategic community initiatives. She remains actively involved as a current Young Trustee of the Foundation and as a member of the LightMHK Events Marketing Committee. She also fosters animals through Purple Power Animal Welfare Society (Purple PAWS), where she adopted her dog, Karma. On weekends, you’ll likely find her crocheting, watching Big Brother, or tailgating at a K-State football game with friends and family.
Kendall Smith
Senior Client Service Associate
Kendall Smith is a Senior Client Service Associate at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. Kendall works alongside lead advisors, providing solution-oriented support both in meetings and in client services. She enjoys problem-solving and creating and maintaining relationships with both clients and advisors. Her diligence, timeliness, and attention to detail, along with her empathy and passion for people, make her a perfect fit on the team. Kendall appreciates being mentored in a way that pushes her to step out of her comfort zone, learning how to be successful in the industry, and being a part of a firm that encourages young professionals and provides resources for development.
Kendall obtained a degree in personal financial planning with minors in Business administration and communication studies, from Kansas State University. Outside of the office, she is a Greater Manhattan Community Foundation Young Trustee and a volunteer with the Common Table organization in Manhattan.
Cal Shimkus, CFP®
Associate Portfolio Manager
Cal Shimkus, CFP®, is an Associate Portfolio Manager at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In his role, Cal combines his interest in finance with his passion for helping people. Mainly working with lead advisors and the investment team, he enjoys being a part of what helps clients realize their goals. Cal believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be financially independent and live their desired lifestyle. He loves providing clients the help today that can guide them for the rest of their lives, removing stress and fear of the unknown so they can live freely now and in the future.
Cal graduated from Kansas State University in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning and minors in business administration and leadership studies. He also graduated with the Investment Management certificate and Kansas Insurance certificate. He started at CGN as an intern in May 2021 and continued working part-time through graduation, after which he joined the firm full-time. Cal appreciates the tight-knit group of talented and hardworking people he works alongside every day, and his communication and adaptability skills serve him well as a versatile member of multiple teams at CGN. Cal’s favorite hobby is traveling, and he often visits family in Raleigh, NC, or Oxford, KS. He also enjoys watching K-State and Kansas City sports teams and playing golf or exercising most evenings and weekends.
Kailen Jacobsen
Client Service & Office Administrator
Kailen Jacobsen is a Client Service & Office Administrator at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. Kailen excels as CGN’s front-office “greeter” and always strives to be the first to answer the phone. With a passion for connecting with people, client interaction and customer service are her natural strengths. Kailen says, “I think it’s obvious that the people are the best part of my job—whether it’s the ones I work with, the ones I work for, or the ones I get to assist!” She also enjoys her wonderful coworkers and feels like her true self when getting creative with event planning.
Outside of work, Kailen loves spending time with her husband and three sons, being outside, traveling, reading (about 50 books a year!), and hosting events at her house. Her specialty is throwing huge, themed birthday parties for her kids. On their annual vacation with extended family to Lake McConaughey in Nebraska, they camp on the sandy beaches in campers for a week—their secret slice of Midwest paradise!
Brigham Glaves, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Brigham Glaves is a Financial Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. Brigham leads his own client relationships and assists lead advisors with client relationship management. Brigham loves watching clients progress toward their goals over time and observing the integration between the relationship with an advisor, building a financial plan, and navigating investment management. He enjoys diverse client backgrounds and the relationship with early wealth builders as well as retirees. A quick learner who’s good with computer software and client education, Brigham is always looking to expand his toolbox of financial planning strategies.
Brigham obtained a Personal Financial Planning degree from Kansas State University and holds the CFP® certification. Since joining the CGN team, he has fallen in love with the culture and business model of the firm. Brigham enjoys spending time with his wife, fishing, and watching football, however, golf is his biggest hobby and consumes the majority of his free time.
Kathy Switzer
Senior Operations Associate
As Senior Operations Associate on our Operations team, Kathy Switzer is responsible for client invoicing and billing and QuickBooks administration for CGN Advisors. Prior to joining CGN Advisors, she was an Account Administrator at The Trust Company in Manhattan, KS, for 15+ years. Kathy also worked as an elementary school teacher for 15 years (1 year in Riley and 14 years in Dwight, KS).
Kathy earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Educational Administration, and a Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University. She also completed the Trust & Financial Services School and Advanced Trust Administration School offered by the Schools of Banking.
Kathy grew up in Council Grove, KS, in a close family of six children. She has been married to her husband, Kelly, since 1984. They raised their two daughters, Abby and Ally, in Dwight, KS. They currently reside in Salina, KS, near their two grandsons, Hayden and Easton. In her free time, Kathy loves spending time with family.
Kathy Bettencourt
Senior Client Service Associate
Kathy Bettencourt has lived and worked in the Manhattan area for many years, first as a travel agent coordinating team travel for K-State athletic teams and escorting groups, and then as office manager for Kansas State Women’s Basketball under Coach Patterson prior to joining Scott at Professional Planning Services.
For the last 18 years, Kathy has assisted Scott with all aspects of client service and office management at PPS prior to joining CGN Advisors as a Senior Client Service Associate, where she will continue to assist Scott and local Manhattan office advisors with client relationship management.
She and her husband, John, have lived and raised their two children in the Wamego area. Their son, Blaine, is a K-State graduate living with his wife in Chandler, AZ, and their daughter, Bailey, is a Baylor graduate living with her husband in Waco, TX.
Kathy is an active member serving and volunteering in many roles at their church, St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Together Kathy and John have 10 siblings and 50+ nieces and nephews, so they enjoy visiting and watching their many activities, along with biking, hiking, long walks, and traveling to many spots on their bucket list.
Lindsay Adams, CFP®
Lead Advisor
Lindsay Adams is a Lead Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and holds the Certified Farm Succession Coordinator designation. In her role, Lindsay aims to walk alongside her clients as they navigate financial decision-making, and she loves seeing them accomplish their goals with actionable steps and experience the financial freedom to do what their heart desires. With a mission to serve others, she genuinely cares about what goes on in her clients’ lives, the big and the small, beyond the financial.
Lindsay graduated from the Personal Financial Planning program at Kansas State University with a minor in business. Prior to joining CGN as an Associate Advisor, Lindsay gained experience in different aspects of the financial services industry. She worked in banking during high school and college and helped fellow students at a financial counseling on-campus job, which showed her many different ways people interact with money and spurred a desire to assist others in financial planning. Outside of work, Lindsay is active in her church, enjoys singing and being outside, whether running or hiking, and spending time on the farm. She’s always looking forward to the next travel adventure.
Jamie Bosse, CFP®, RFC, CCFC
Senior Advisor
Jamie Bosse, CFP®, RFC, CCFC, is a Senior Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In her role, Jamie works with individuals and families to organize their financial lives, maximize their human capital, and move closer to their life goals. She specializes in working with parents in their 30s and 40s, a life stage where many can feel “stuck” balancing career advancement, family time, and financial goals. Jamie helps clients navigate these competing priorities and make real progress. Her empathetic approach, grounded in her own experience as a working mother of four, resonates with clients, who appreciate her non-judgmental, forward-focused guidance. An advisor since 2004, Jamie finds immense satisfaction in partnering with clients on their financial journey. She loves hearing them say, “We are finally turning into the people we aspired to be.”
Selected from a nationwide pool based on her accomplishments, contributions, leadership, and promise, Jamie was named to the “Investment News 40 Under 40” list in 2020 and was part of the Leadership Manhattan Class of 2020. She is also a passionate advocate for financial literacy, creating educational videos and articles, and has been featured in the Kansas City Star, KC Parent, The Journal of Financial Planning, Manhattan Neighbors, The Register, Solutions, Investment Advisor Magazine, CNBC, and Kansas City PBS.
Jamie holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, is a graduate of the Kansas State University Personal Financial Planning Program, and the author of Money Boss Mom: Helping Young Parents Be the “Boss” of Their Financial Future and the Milton the Money Savvy Pup children’s book series. Outside of work, she enjoys watching the K-State Wildcats and her kids’ soccer and baseball games. Her time is filled with hobbies including writing books, reading, traveling, and entertaining friends.
Scott Emley, CFP®
Senior Advisor
Scott comes to CGN Advisors as a Senior Advisor after more than 30 years in the wealth management and financial planning industry. He served as President of Professional Planning Services Inc. from 1997 until 2022. Prior to entering the financial services industry, Scott was a corporate pilot for ADM Milling Company in Salina and Koch Industries in Wichita. He holds a degree from Kansas State-Salina and has held the CFP® certification since 2001.
Having grown up in Manhattan, Scott has remained active in giving back to the community he loves. Over the years he has actively served on several boards and committees at his church and for several local non-profit agencies. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Greater Manhattan Community Foundation, the Board of Directors at Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice, as well as the Board of Directors at Shepherd’s Crossing. He has served as President of the Manhattan Rotary Club and was recognized as Rotarian of the Year in 2016. In 2018, Scott was recognized as the Professional Advisor of the Year by the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.
Scott and his wife, DeeAnn, enjoy spending time with their three children and six grandchildren. They split time between homes in Manhattan and The Woodlands, Texas. In his spare time, Scott loves to golf and travel.
Nicola Cyr, CFP®, EA
Director - Operations & Compliance
Nicola Cyr is the Director of Operations & Compliance at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. An advisor since 2017, Nicola utilizes her in-house tax preparation and planning proficiency to strengthen client relationships with their advisors and the firm as a whole. She appreciates the value and team approach CGN provides, allowing them to offer services in a range of complex planning areas without the need to outsource. Combining her affinity for educating people, financial puzzles, and a personal motivation for excellence, Nicola enjoys the challenge of balancing the quantitative “right answer” with the qualitative aspect of behavioral finance for each unique client situation.
Nicola holds a Bachelor of Science in Personal Financial Planning and a minor in English from Kansas State University, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification, as well as the Enrolled Agent (EA) designation, which permits her to practice before the IRS. Prior to joining the CGN team, Nicola gained experience as a licensed State Farm Insurance saleswoman and as a research assistant for Stu Heckman, PhD, CFP®, assisting with research papers and development of undergraduate class content.
Nicola and her husband, Ryan, have two sons, Ezra and Elias, a daughter, Evangeline, and a faithful hound, Phoebe. Most of Nicola’s free time is spent with family, participating in her children’s extracurricular activities, and nurturing her passion for houseplants (owning and caring for 50+ between the office and home).
Justin Nichols, CFP®
Managing Principal - Operations
Justin Nichols is a Managing Principal - Operations at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In his role, Justin is responsible for advisor development and onboarding, as well as ongoing operations. An advisor since 2003, he loves developing long-term relationships with clients, and thrives off helping them realize their personal finance goals, such as paying off student loans or retiring early. Justin is skilled at simplifying complex topics, and his clients are grateful to have a trusted financial partner who keeps their best interests at heart. He prioritizes listening to their concerns so they know their efforts will be collaborative, with full context and straightforward options that address all their questions and concerns.
Justin obtained a finance degree from Kansas State University and holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. With a passion for financial education, Justin has served in a number of roles with various organizations, including more than six years teaching as an adjunct instructor in Kansas State University’s Personal Financial Planning program. Justin lives with his wife, Edee, and sons, Nate and Luke, in Manhattan, KS. He enjoys traveling with his family, spending time at the lake, snow skiing, and playing tennis a couple times per week. He volunteers at his church as well as for NAPFA, the large professional organization for Fee-Only financial planners.
Mike Greim, CIMA®
Managing Principal - Investments
Mike Greim is a Managing Principal - Investments at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. In his role, Mike is responsible for overseeing investment research and portfolio management. He finds joy in helping clients meet their objectives with quality, disciplined, and cost-effective solutions in a way that lets them focus on their passions. In the financial services industry since 1995, he believes that successful investment strategies require time, desire, knowledge, and discipline; his passion and dedication, along with the appropriate human touch, helps his clients stay the course regarding decisions about their portfolio.
Mike obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor in finance from the University of Central Missouri and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst® designation. Prior to co-founding CGN Advisors, Mike was the Chief Investment Officer for Landmark Bank in Columbia, Missouri, from 2001 to 2010, and then served in the same role for The Trust Company in Manhattan, Kansas, from 2010 to 2016. He and his wife, Tina, and their three children, Zack, Logan, and Bentley, enjoy relaxing at nearby lakes or rivers. A musician and vocalist, Mike enjoys playing a number of solo acoustic guitar shows around the Manhattan area each year. Whenever possible, he supports local nonprofits and educates others on how to do so as well.
Chad Chase, JD, CTFA
Managing Principal - Senior Advisor
Chad Chase, JD, CTFA is a Managing Principal - Senior Financial Advisor at CGN Advisors, a Fee-Only, financial advisory firm based in Manhattan, Kansas. CGN’s team of financial advisors is made up of native Midwesterners who are passionate about helping clients plan for the future. While prioritizing personal relationships with clients, Chad has a passion for financial education, helping them better understand their situation and why certain recommendations are made. He enjoys getting to know clients and their families and seeing how their partnership helps them realize their goals. To some extent, he’s also a nerd who really enjoys numbers and problem-solving.
Chad obtained an associate’s degree from Butler Community College, a finance degree from Kansas State University, and a Juris Doctor from University of Nebraska College of Law. He is also a graduate of the American Bankers Association Graduate Trust School and has obtained the Certified Trust & Financial Advisor certification from the Institute of Certified Bankers. Prior to entering the wealth management industry, Chad worked in commercial banking for four years in Kansas City and Derby, Kansas, and practiced law in Manhattan. Before co-founding CGN Advisors with his business partners, he served as Vice President & Trust Officer at The Trust Company of Manhattan, Kansas, providing his clients with financial advice, investment management, and trust administration services. 
Chad grew up on a 100-year-old ranch in Butler County, KS, which he still helps manage and operate. His wife, Segen, is a Manhattan native, a fellow KSU graduate, and a local physician practicing in internal medicine. They have two children, Solveig and Gantt. Both Chad and Segen are accomplished musicians and very active in the local music and art scene. In addition to music, he enjoys golf, basketball, KSU athletics, and traveling.