Investment Management
Your Money Is Invested. That Doesn't Mean It Has a Strategy.
Fee-only investment management that coordinates every account you own, explains every decision clearly, and adjusts as your life changes. No commissions. No product sales.
You're invested. But are you actually building wealth?
Most people in their 20s and 30s have money in a handful of places: a 401(k) from work, a Roth IRA they opened a few years ago, maybe a brokerage account they haven't touched. It all technically counts as investing. But scattered accounts with no coordination between them aren't a strategy.
The gap shows up in quiet places. Too much cash sitting in a savings account earning next to nothing. An old 401(k) with poor fund options that never got rolled over. A portfolio that's never been rebalanced since the last big market move. Nobody's losing money obviously. They're just not building it as fast as they could be.
How We Manage Your Investments
A coordinated strategy across every account
We look at your 401(k), IRA, Roth, brokerage, and anything else, and build a strategy that treats them as one portfolio. The right investments in the right accounts for the best after-tax outcome.
Evidence-based fund selection
We favor low-cost index funds over actively managed ones. S&P Dow Jones SPIVA data shows over 90% of active managers underperform their benchmark over 15 years. We keep costs low and let compounding work.
Regular rebalancing
Over time, your portfolio drifts from its target allocation as different assets grow at different rates. We rebalance when needed so your risk level stays where it should be, especially after big market moves.
Tax-efficient investing
The same funds in different account types have very different after-tax outcomes. Putting bonds in your IRA, growth stocks in your Roth, and managing capital gains in taxable accounts adds up over time.
401(k) guidance at work
We review the fund lineup in your employer plan, build the optimal allocation inside it, and coordinate it with all your outside accounts so everything works together as one strategy.
Ongoing management
Your life changes. Your plan should too. We monitor, adjust, and act when an opportunity or risk appears. You don't have to watch the market.
Investment Management FAQ
Is it worth paying a financial advisor to manage my investments?
For a lot of people, yes. The value isn't just returns, it's having a coordinated strategy across every account, a tax-efficient approach, and someone who adjusts things when life changes. Most people are leaving money on the table somewhere, whether that's holding too much cash, ignoring asset location, or not rebalancing after a big market move.
Should I use a robo-advisor or a real financial advisor?
Robo-advisors are fine if your finances are simple. But if you have multiple accounts, a complex tax situation, student loans, equity compensation, or major goals to plan around, a human advisor who can see the full picture is worth it. We don't use a questionnaire to decide your allocation. We understand your actual life.
How much money do I need to start working with you?
There's no asset minimum. Chris works with clients who are actively building wealth, not just managing what they already have. If you're in your 20s or 30s, earning well, and trying to get a real strategy in place, that's exactly who this is built for.
What is your investment philosophy?
Low-cost, diversified, and evidence-based. We favor index funds over actively managed funds, keep fees as low as possible, and build portfolios around your actual risk tolerance, not just the one you claim to have on a questionnaire.
What happens to my investments if the market drops?
We plan for it in advance. Your portfolio is built with your risk tolerance in mind, which means you should be able to sit through a down market without panic selling. And if a drop creates a tax-loss harvesting opportunity, we act on it.
Can you manage my 401(k) at work?
We can't take direct control of a 401(k) at your current employer, but we review the available funds and build the optimal allocation inside your plan. We coordinate it with your other accounts so everything works together.
What clients say about working with Chris
"Knowing that my financial advisor is assisting me in a fiduciary capacity regarding my retirement, liquidity needs, budgeting, and tax planning allows me to have tremendous confidence in my financial situation. My advisor is well-trained, qualified, and knowledgeable. I foresee doing business with Villaire Financial for quite some time."
"I've had the pleasure of working with Chris on my personal financial planning over the past few years. He's taught me so much about money and has managed my investments thoughtfully and effectively. He's helped me make smart decisions with my brokerage account and Roth IRA, while also planning ahead for a future home purchase. Chris communicates clearly, explains things simply, and is honest. I highly recommend him if you're looking for someone to help with your financial planning."
"I can't say enough good things about Chris! He makes everything easy to understand and always takes the time to answer my questions without making me feel overwhelmed. He's helped me plan for my retirement, prepare financially for grad school, and improved my overall budgeting, so I feel much more confident about my future. I truly feel supported and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for trustworthy financial guidance."
Testimonials from current clients of Villaire Financial, LLC. No compensation was provided for these reviews. Individual experiences and results will vary. These testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients.
A fiduciary CFP® who built this firm for people in their 20s and 30s.
Chris Villaire started Villaire Financial because most wealth management firms won't work with you until you have $250,000 or more. The decisions that matter most, how to allocate your first 401(k), when to start Roth conversions, how to handle a job change, happen well before that. He built this firm specifically to help people in the wealth-building stage, not after it's already done.
Based in Grand Rapids, MI. Serving clients nationwide.
Simple to get started. Straightforward from there.
Book a free 30-minute intro call
Tell us what's going on. We'll answer your questions honestly and tell you upfront whether we think working together makes sense.
Build your financial plan
We go deep on your income, spending, investments, debt, and goals, then deliver a complete financial plan in about 30 days. You understand every piece of it.
Ongoing planning and support
Twice-a-year reviews, ongoing investment management, and an advisor who's available when something comes up between meetings.
Ready to Build a Portfolio That Actually Makes Sense?
Book a free 30-minute intro call. You'll walk away with clarity on your biggest investment question and an honest answer on whether working together makes sense.
Guides on Investing
Index Funds Explained: Why Boring Investing Is Usually the Best Kind
Index funds are boring — and that's exactly why they usually win. A plain-English explainer on how index fund investing works and why it tends to outperform active strategies.
What Happens to Your Investments When the Market Drops?
Market drops are uncomfortable. Here's what's actually happening to your money and why the typical reaction makes things worse.
Are Target-Date Funds Actually Good? An Honest Look
Target-date funds dominate 401(k) plans. Here's what they do well, where they fall short, and who they're right for.