Start Your Next Chapter with a Trusted Financial Partner
Michelle Francis, Founder of Life Story Financial

I believe open, honest conversations about life and money are the foundation of true well-being. But taking that first step isn’t always easy. You might feel overwhelmed by information, uncertain about big financial decisions, or unsure of where to begin.
That’s exactly why I do what I do. I create a judgment-free space where you can talk openly about your finances and your future. Together, we’ll clarify what matters most and begin building a plan that reflects your unique story—your values, goals and the life you want to live.
As a fee-only fiduciary advisor, I offer financial planning and investing tailored to the chapter you're in, with advice that’s always in your best interest.
Below, you'll find FAQs, an overview of my planning packages and client feedback—so you can learn more before we connect. I’m excited to hear your story and explore how we might work together. Talk to you soon!
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Who do you work with?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.
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Do you work with clients outside of Colorado?Absolutely! I utilize Zoom and other technology that allows me to work with clients throughout the U.S. in a virtual capacity.
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Is there a cost for the initial meeting?No, there is no cost for our introductory call. I first want to discuss your goals and aspirations to determine if we're the best fit for each other.
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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: Start Your Wealth with Entry-Level Planning This engagement is for those who are just starting out and want to get a head start on growing their wealth for the long-term. The fee is $125 a month with the option to move to a deeper engagement as your wealth (and financial complexity) grow. Grow Your Wealth Through Comprehensive Financial Planning This engagement is for those in mid-career with more complex financial lives. The minimum annual financial planning fee starts at $4,500, based on your income, assets and overall complexity. This fee can be paid as a flat fee for financial planning, an assets under management (AUM) fee with investment management, or a combination of both. Sustain Your Wealth Through Comprehensive Financial Planning and Wealth Management This engagement is for those who are close to or are in retirement and want planning, wealth management and ongoing advice to sustain their hard-earned nest egg. I don't receive commissions or kick-backs for investment trades. Instead, comprehensive financial planning and wealth management is billed an annual assets under management (AUM) fee ranging between 0.50% - 1.25% of account balance, based on account size and investment strategy. Specific fees are shared during our introductory call together.
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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.
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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.
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Are the financial planning packages a one-time service?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.
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Why should I consider Life Story Financial?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. Learn more about my client-focused services here.
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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.
Guiding YouThrough Every Chapter of
Your Financial Story
No matter where you are in your financial life, these planning packages are designed to meet you there—with guidance that’s practical, personal and built around your goals.
During our call, we'll explore the planning package that's the best fit for you and talk about what that includes.

1
Start Your Wealth
Plan
Perfect for early-career professionals or anyone ready to become more intentional with their money. This plan helps you get organized, build smart habits, and lay the foundation for long-term wealth.
2
Grow Your Wealth
Plan
Designed for professionals in their peak earning years. You’ll get deeper planning support and guidance for complex situations—like investing, taxes, equity compensation and business ownership, just to name a few.
3
Sustain Your Wealth
Plan
Ideal for those nearing or in retirement who want to make the most of what they’ve grown. This plan focuses on income planning for your lifestyle, reducing taxes and how to sustain your wealth for the years ahead.
What My Clients Say: Real Stories, Real Impact
Here’s how clients felt after taking their first step with an engagement with Life Story Financial.
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.