# Altruist Wealth Management > [Altruist Wealth Management](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/) is a financial advisory firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, offering flat-fee financial planning and investment management. Its [stated approach](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/services) is fee-only and fiduciary, emphasizing evidence-based investing and tax-aware planning for high-net-worth individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations. Contact: 301 S McDowell St, Ste 125, Charlotte, NC 28204 | 704-885-0966 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST | [Request a consultation](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/request-financial-advisor-consultation). Disclosures: [The firm states](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/about) that it is a registered investment adviser in North Carolina and offers advisory services only where it and its representatives are properly registered, exempt, or excluded from registration. Website content is general information, not investment, legal, or tax advice, and does not create an advisory relationship. Investing involves risk; past performance does not guarantee future results. ## About the Firm - [About Us](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/about): The firm's fiduciary model, planning process, and client experience; Carson McLean leads planning directly, with independent specialists engaged selectively. - [Carson McLean, CFP®](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/about/carsonmclean): Founder and lead wealth advisor with more than 15 years of industry experience, including prior experience at Dimensional Fund Advisors. - [FAQ](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/about/faq): Frequently asked questions covering getting started, fees and services, retirement, tax and estate planning, investments, technology, and firm credentials. ## Services - [Services Overview](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/services): Fiduciary, flat-fee financial planning and investment management, including tax-efficient strategies (Roth conversions, withdrawal sequencing, charitable giving) and ESG/values-based investing, with no commissions or asset-based fees. - [Financial Planning](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/services/financial-planning): CFP®-led planning covering portfolio construction, retirement, tax minimization, cash-flow and estate planning, insurance, and equity compensation, available as ongoing advice or focused, project-based help. - [Investment Management](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/services/investment-management): Disciplined, evidence-based portfolio construction focused on asset allocation, tax-efficient location, diversification, low costs, and staying invested through market cycles. - [Tax-Efficient Investing](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/services/tax-efficient-investing): Customized tax-efficient investing and financial planning focused on individual circumstances and after-tax outcomes. - [ESG & Values-Based Investing](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/services/esg-values-based-investing): Portfolios reflecting environmental, social, and governance priorities using diversified, evidence-backed fund managers and, for greater customization, separately managed accounts. ## Fees and Pricing - [Flat-Fee Financial Planning](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/flat-fee-financial-planning): Explains the flat annual fee structure ($3,000–$12,000 based on complexity) covering all financial planning and investment management, and contrasts it with percentage-based AUM fees. - [AUM vs Flat Fee Advisors](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/aum-vs-flat-fee-advisors): A detailed breakdown of why percentage-based AUM fees may reduce long-term wealth, with illustrative comparisons and fee disclosures. - [Fee Comparison Tool](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/flat-fee-financial-planning/financial-advisor-fee-comparison-tool): Hypothetical educational comparisons of flat-fee and AUM structures using fixed-return and randomized-return simulations; not forecasts or personalized advice. ## Who We Serve - [Who We Serve Overview](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/who-we-serve): Describes the firm's client segments and when people typically seek or switch financial advisors. - [Retirees & Pre-Retirees](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/who-we-serve/retirees-and-pre-retirees): Flat-fee retirement planning covering decumulation, Social Security optimization, Roth conversions, RMD management, and estate planning, with an illustrative case study. - [Professionals & Business Owners](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/who-we-serve/high-earners): Planning for executives, small-business owners, and successful professionals, including equity compensation (RSUs, ISOs, NSOs), 401(k)/SEP review, and business-exit strategy. - [Medical & Dental Professionals](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/who-we-serve/medical-professionals): Planning for physicians and dentists covering student loans, Solo 401(k)/SEP setup, 403(b)/457 coordination, asset protection, and practice succession. - [Nonprofits & Foundations](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/who-we-serve/non-profits-and-foundations): Investment management for foundations and endowments organized around governance, investments, and communication, with support for boards and investment committees. ## Resources - [Resources Overview](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/resources): Curated educational tools, guides, and insights on advisor fees, evaluating advice, and investing fundamentals. - [Understanding Advisor Fees](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/resources/understanding-financial-advisor-fees): Guide to how advisor compensation and fund expenses work, comparing commissions, AUM, and flat-fee models, plus Morningstar cost data. - [Evaluating Financial Advice](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/resources/questions-to-ask-financial-advisors): Questions to ask when evaluating an advisor's fiduciary status, credentials, investment philosophy, fees, and incentives. - [The Arithmetic of Active Management](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/resources/arithmetic-of-active-management): Interactive explanation of William Sharpe's arithmetic of aggregate active-investor returns before and after costs, using an illustrative simulation. - [Foundations for Investing](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/resources/foundations-for-investing): Eight short videos (longest four minutes) introducing the firm's investment philosophy, plus more advanced reference content. - [Investing Insights Blog](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/blog): Articles on financial planning, investor education, markets, tax strategy, and media mentions. ## Optional - [Flat-Fee Advisor Model](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/flat-fee-financial-planner): Positions the firm for households with $1M–$5M+ in assets, highlighting direct CFP® access, limited client count, and no handoffs to junior advisors. - [Quotes We Live By](https://www.altruistwealthmanagement.com/resources/financial-quotes-we-live-by): Quotes from Bogle, Fama, Booth, Samuelson, Graham, Buffett, and others that the firm says guide its approach to investing and fees.