H. Baker
FAQs
Here's a list of the most frequently asked questions about Austin Creek Capital
What types of clients do you specialize in serving?
Austin Creek Capital specializes in serving families in tech, specifically helping to optimize equity compensation (RSUs, ISOs, NQSOs, ESPP) and ensure concentration risks are effectively managed. We offer a full suite of services beyond equity compensation, so it’s certainly not a requirement to be in that field or even have equity compensation.
How often will we meet, and in what format (video, phone, in-person)?
In the early stages, we will meet frequently as we build out your financial plan. You will always have access to as many meetings as you need to address whatever planning element we are working on. Each quarter, we will work on part of your financial plan - whether we meet or just connect over email is up to you! For clients near my office in Mill Valley, you are always welcome to meet in person. Zoom is available for most meetings, and how the majority of my clients prefer to meet.
How are your fees structured (percentage, flat, hourly)?
I have a few ways that I can structure my fees. Many of my clients prefer to pay an ongoing subscription fee for financial planning services, and then a discounted percentage for any assets that I manage for them. Others prefer to have a standard AUM arrangement, which I can also accommodate. Finally, some clients are only looking for a one-time plan, which I also provide.
Do you provide ongoing wealth management, one-time plans, or both?
I provide both ongoing wealth management and one-time plans.
What is your minimum asset or fee requirement, if any?
I don’t have any minimum asset requirements, but clients with managed assets under 250K will need to have a subscription in place to access ongoing planning services.
What is a fee-only financial advisor?
A fee-only advisor is compensated solely by client fees — never by commissions, referral fees, or product sales. This reduces conflicts of interest and ensures advice is always in the client's best interest.
What's the difference between a fiduciary and a broker?
A fiduciary is legally required to act in your best interest at all times. A broker is only required to recommend "suitable" investments, which may still benefit the broker financially. Austin Creek Capital operates as a fiduciary 100% of the time.
What should I do with my RSUs when I leave a tech company?
When you leave a tech company, vested RSUs are typically yours to keep — but unvested RSUs are forfeited. The key decisions involve timing any sales to minimize taxes, managing concentration risk, and understanding how equity comp interacts with your new compensation package.
Do I need a financial advisor if I work in tech?
Tech employees face uniquely complex financial decisions around equity compensation (RSUs, ISOs, ESPPs), AMT exposure, concentration risk, and high California income taxes — areas where generalist advice often falls short. A specialist in tech employee finances can be worth multiples of their fee in tax savings alone.