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Start Your Next Chapter with a Trusted Financial Partner

Michelle Francis, Founder of Life Story Financial

Michelle Francis headshot

I believe open and honest conversations about life and money can lead to overall well-being. 

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But taking action isn't always easy. Maybe you're overwhelmed with information, uncertain about your financial decisions or feel unprepared for the future.

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I provide a judgment-free space where you can talk openly about your finances. Together, we’ll clarify your goals and create a plan that empowers you to make informed, confident decisions.

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As a fee-only financial planner, I offer comprehensive financial planning and investment management —always with your best interests in mind.

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Let’s build a plan as unique as your life story.​​

  • If I'm male or LGBTQ, can I still work with you?
    Of course! I believe in equality. While I tend to work most often with female executives and their partners, if you're financially responsible, want a well-organized financial life, a coach to hold you accountable and are serious about accomplishing meaningful goals, I could be the financial planner for you. There's no obligation to schedule an intro call to see if we're a fit. If not, I'm happy to refer you to another financial planner who might be.
  • Can we work together even if I don't live in Colorado?
    Absolutely! I utilize Zoom and other technology that allows me to work with clients throughout the U.S. in a virtual capacity.
  • What services do you offer, and how are you compensated?
    As a fee-only planner, I'm always transparent about what and how I charge, which includes: Comprehensive Financial Planning The minimum annual financial planning fee starts at $4,000, based on your income, assets and overall complexity. This fee can be paid as a flat fee for financial planning, an asset-based fee with investment management, or a combination of both. ​ After the first year, you have the option to renew our planning engagement for an ongoing financial planning and/or asset-based investment management fee. Investment Management I don't receive commissions for trades. Instead, investment management for individual accounts and small-business retirement plans are billed an asset-based fee between 0.60% - 1.25% of account balance, based on account type, size and investment strategy. Specific fees are shared during our initial meeting together.
  • What does fee-only compensation mean?
    As a fee-only financial planner, I'm compensated directly by my clients for financial advice and ongoing investment management. I don't receive commissions or kickbacks from financial or insurance products, which minimizes conflicts and ensures I'm acting as a fiduciary.
  • Do you act in a fiduciary capacity? What does this mean?
    Yes I do. This means I'm under oath and law to put your best interest first and to act in a transparent manner by providing you with all the relevant facts. I strive to offer advice that's both accurate and thorough. This is the highest legal and ethical standard for financial advisors.
  • Is the financial planning experience a one-time deal?
    In a word, no. Whether you lack the time, skill or discipline, I'll motivate you to remain proactive about taking action on your financial plan. It’s easy to put my recommendations on paper and let you walk away, but if someone isn’t in your corner looking out for your financial well-being, it’s easy to get off track. My approach is based on creating an action plan that's unique to you. Life changes, and so should your plan. With that said, if you're just looking for advice on a topic or two, you can engage with me on an hourly basis. I'll share a cost estimate in your intro call.
  • Why Life Story Financial vs another firm or a robo-advisor?
    It's important to let clients know I'm considered “independent.” That means I'm not required to sell proprietary investment products or a one-size-fits-all approach. I first develop a partnership with my clients and share customized advice before offering solutions. And while I realize that technology solves many money and investment challenges, it can also dehumanize the financial planning process. Answers aren’t always black and white, and emotions can make it more difficult to achieve financial success.
  • Is there a cost for the initial call and meeting?
    No, there is no cost for the intro call or meeting. I first want to discuss your goals and aspirations to determine if we're the best fit for each other.
  • Does Life Story Financial hold my money?
    No, the firm does not hold custody over client assets. We partner with AssetMark Trust as the custodian. They provide secure, reliable and flexible supervision of your investment assets.

Your Personalized Step-by-Step
Financial Planning Experience

EXPLORE & ALIGN

Define your most important values, goals and financial situation.

CLARIFY & PLAN

Model different scenarios and outcomes to align your plan with your life.

PLAN DELIVERY

Share advice on savings, taxes, cash flow, investments, insurance, etc.

IMPLEMENT PLAN

Support with implementing advice and coordinating action items.

PLAN CHECK-IN

Track your progress, address roadblocks and celebrate wins.

Financial Planning Topics
Address Each Aspect of Your Financial Life

Retirement / Work Optional Planning

Saving on Current & Future Taxes

Optimizing Employer Benefits

Rebuilding After Divorce or Widowhood

Stock Compensation Analysis

Small & Mid-Size Business Planning

Investment Analysis & Management

Real Estate Investment Analysis

Insurance and Estate Planning

What My Clients Say: Real Stories, Real Impact

MDT, Current Client

“We've never worked with a Financial Advisor before, but Michelle made us feel comfortable from the beginning. She has been very patient with us as we merged numerous retirement accounts and either took care of those she could herself, or walked us through how to make the changes. She has advised us on retirement, life insurance, health insurance, long-term care insurance, and numerous other items. She really gets to know your financial and life goals, and risk tolerance to advise appropriate solutions. We highly recommend her."

Anonymous, Current Client 

"Michelle is not only professionally adept at her assessment and handling of our financial needs, but she listens and remembers our concerns, timing issues, and - yet - remains flexible as life "happens". We enjoy our meetings and have found the outcome of our selection of how and where to place our investments to be productive and fitting. She has excellent customer service with empathy and an appropriate sense of humor. Further, she is technologically adept and patient to assist us through the various online processes. We appreciate her so much!"

Todd Ball, Current Client 

"My wife and I had saved all of our working lives, but never sat down with anyone to formulate a plan for retirement. As retirement approached, the lack of a plan became more and more unsettling. Fortunately, we got connected with Michelle Francis. Over the course of a few short meetings, she helped identify our priorities and formulated a workable plan to achieve our goals. A solid strategy but with plenty of flexibility if needed. We are now retired and sleeping well knowing we have Michelle guiding us. We would recommend Michelle to anyone needing to have a plan for retirement."

Testimonials were provided by current clients of Life Story Financial and may not be representative of the experiences of other clients. Clients were not compensated, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given testimonials. You can view a complete list of the firm's Wealthtender Certified Advisor Reviews™ on the reviews page.

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