DIWY (pronounced "dee-wee," like “kiwi”) means "Do-It-With-You" financial planning. Get advice-only, "Advice-only" means the advisor provides financial and investment guidance without taking custody of your money or charging based on assets under management (AUM). In contrast, AUM-based models typically bill ongoing fees as a percentage of assets and require clients to delegate custody and trading authority. flat-fee support that puts your goals first. No assets to move, no products to buy, no pressure. Just clear guidance from a CFP® professional, helping you make smarter, more confident financial decisions.
DIWY Financial Planning (DIWYFP) offers a “do it with you” approach that aligns with how planning actually happens in real life. Fees are only charged when active work is being done, keeping costs low and allowing more assets to compound toward long-term goals. As an independent, advice-only firm that does not sell products, share revenue, or accept payments from third parties, DIWYFP delivers objective guidance focused solely on each client’s best interest.
Most people want to maintain or improve their standard of living during their working years and throughout retirement. For many, the best way to achieve this is by putting a plan in place and then monitoring and adjusting that plan as life, markets, and goals evolve.
Traditional financial planning models often fall short. Some charge ongoing fees regardless of whether active work is being done, which reduces the amount of money that can compound for the future. Others only encourage updates when the stakes are high, leaving important changes unattended.
DIWYFP was built to offer an alternative. The “do it with you” approach is designed to align with how planning actually occurs in real life. Clients remain in the driver’s seat, with professional guidance available when it is needed most. Unlike most models, the burden of trust rests with the advisor, not the client. There are no upfront fees or ongoing commitments, and low barriers to entry and exit help foster mutual accountability.
Support is available when needed, and there are no fees when not engaged. Unlike fee-based arrangements, subscriptions, retainers, asset-based pricing models, or hourly structures that add hidden administrative charges, all DIWYFP fees are invoiced directly for advisor–client meeting time. Fees flex with the complexity and level of support required for each engagement. There are no hidden charges, accounts are never debited automatically, and control and custody of assets always remain with the client.
By not selling products, sharing revenue, or accepting payments from third parties, advice remains objective and centered on the client’s best interest. Independence also means there are no restrictions, directives, or sales quotas imposed by a parent corporation. This creates an environment where financial planning guidance is focused solely on the client’s goals and circumstances.
DIWY Financial Planning is best suited for clients who value clarity, collaboration, and flexible, modular planning.
Al Faber is the founder of DIWY Financial Planning, an advice-only Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) offering hourly financial planning to help clients make clear, confident decisions. With more than two decades of experience at firms including JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Bloomberg, and HSBC, Al launched DIWYFP in 2025 so that clients can Plan for yourself—not by yourself™. This “do-it-with-you” approach emphasizes collaboration, education, empowerment, and transparency.
A first-generation American, Al was born in Brooklyn, NY, to parents who immigrated from Central America and the Caribbean. He relocated to California in 1999 with his wife and two children and now splits his time between California, Florida, Nevada and New York.
Al holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University and an MBA in Finance from Long Island University.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, travel, astronomy, cycling, mentoring, and civic engagement. He is also drawn to wind-powered activities, including paragliding and sailing small boats.
Recent college graduates and professionals in the first stages of their careers often need direction to set a strong foundation.
Many clients are the first in their families to accumulate meaningful savings and investments. They want a trusted guide to help build, protect, and pass on wealth wisely.
Life changes often bring financial questions. Job change, relocation, marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one all require careful adjustments.
Buying a home, car, or other major purchase has long-term financial effects. Planning ahead helps prevent regret and debt stress.
Receiving a sudden large sum of money can feel overwhelming. The right plan helps align money with values and goals.
As retirement approaches, questions shift to timing, income, and lifestyle. Planning reduces anxiety and increases confidence.
Some clients want to save aggressively and retire much earlier than traditional timelines. A structured plan helps balance ambition with sustainability.