About James Schwarz, CFP®

James Schwarz is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and an independent Flat Fee-Only retirement planner. CLEAR Retirement Advice LLC provides comprehensive, tax-efficient retirement planning and investment management services to help San Mateo, CA, and the surrounding area clients achieve their personal financial goals.

A fundamental aspect of his role as a retirement planner in San Mateo is to provide impartial education to those approaching retirement and those already retired, helping them make informed decisions about their options. Unlike many financial advisors, James operates exclusively on a flat-fee basis — meaning he never earns commissions on products sold, and his fees are never calculated as a percentage of your assets.

Credentials & Qualifications

• Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)
• Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Registered Investment Advisor — State of California
• Fiduciary — legally obligated to act in clients' best interests
• Independent — no affiliations with product manufacturers or broker-dealers

Why Flat Fee-Only?

The flat fee-only model is the most transparent and client-aligned way to deliver financial advice. When an advisor earns commissions, there is an inherent conflict of interest — they may be incentivized to recommend products that pay them more, rather than what's best for you. When an advisor charges a percentage of assets under management (AUM), they benefit from keeping your money invested even when other strategies might serve you better.

James charges a flat fee for his services. You know exactly what you'll pay before any work begins. His only incentive is to provide you with the best possible retirement plan.

Services Provided

• Comprehensive retirement income planning
• Social Security optimization strategies
• Tax-efficient withdrawal sequencing
• Roth conversion analysis
• Medicare planning
• Investment portfolio review and management
• Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) planning
• Estate planning coordination