Launching Simplify Wealth Planning
Hi, I’m Marcel Miu, the founder of Simplify Wealth Planning (SWP). I started SWP to help tech professionals like you master your money and live your best life.
I’ve been in your shoes: working hard in the corporate world with little time for anything else. Personal finances were falling by the wayside.
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â—† The Six-Figure Struggle â—†
You're crushing it in tech, but your finances? That's another story.
→ Stock options and RSUs gathering dust
→ Tax implications that make your head spin
→ Retirement plans getting lost in the shuffle
Sound familiar?
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​◆ High Cost of Financial Neglect ◆
• $10,000s potentially lost in tax oversights each year
• Your dream retirement pushed further away
• Sleepless nights worrying: "Am I making a huge mistake?"
• The gnawing guilt of neglecting your financial future
→ Every day of inaction could be costing you.
â—† Your Financial Lifeline â—†
I've walked your path - from New York finance trenches to decoding my own equity maze.
Now, I'm here to be your guide.
At Simplify Wealth Planning, we transform confusion into clarity:
• Unlock the hidden value in your equity compensation
• Slash your tax bill to ensure you only pay what you must
• Design a retirement strategy that lets you sleep soundly
• Secure your family's financial future
→ Imagine: Financial confidence without sacrificing your work-life balance.​
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â—† Beyond the Numbers â—†
Beyond the office, my world revolves around family, food, and joyful moments with my dog, Nellie. Every day, these passions remind me of the importance of cherishing the present while planning for the future.
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â—† Let’s Connect â—†
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Schedule your a consultation for your free "Are You On Track" analysis.
Stop wondering. Start thriving.
About Us
SWP's Expertise
I started SWP to help tech professionals like you master your money. I know from experience that small decisions can compound into large outcomes over time.
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Our credentials are foundational to being the steward of your hard-earned money:​
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I’m a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), which means I operate among those with the highest level of education and ethics in the industry
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I honed my finance skills in the New York City investment management industry for 13 years while also navigating my own equity compensation
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SWP is a member of NAPFA, a leading organization of fee-only financial advisors who are committed to high standards of ethics and competence
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As the investments, tax, and regulatory landscape continuously evolves, having an advisor committed to learning will be crucial in helping to navigate your financial picture. I’m one of the few advisors with multiple leading industry credentials. All require immense dedication to the financial industry (click logo to learn more):
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is your typical client?They're the people who have found themselves working in the technology industry. Along with their incredible potential comes the need for a solid financial foundation. That's where SWP comes in and sets them up for a better financial future. Our clients understand the importance of following a strategic approach to reaching their goals. They seek out a financial planner who can serve not only as a guide but also as an accountability partner. We work together to navigate the complex world of finance and make their dreams a reality.
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Which types of equity do you help with?We advise on all forms of equity compensation. Our clients earn everything from early-stage founder stock, restricted stock awards (RSAs), stock options (ISO and NSOs), RSUs (private and public companies), and ESPP shares. With the equity landscape constantly evolving, we stay on top of all the new and less popular forms of equity compensation that our clients need help navigating.
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Do I have to use all your services to work with you?No! Our packages revolve around financial planning, but you aren't required to have us manage your investments (optional added fee). We place an emphasis on implementation and accountability of your financial plan. Many financial plans miss their mark when an advisor doesn't serve in this capacity. But don't worry, if you're not quite ready for a long-term commitment, we've got you covered too. We offer one-time financial planning engagements. So whether you're ready to dive into a long-term relationship or just need a helping hand for a brief moment, we're here to provide the financial guidance you need.
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Do I need to have a certain amount of money to work with you?No! Financial planning is essential for everyone, regardless of their financial status. Whether you're starting out or have achieved great success, we offer customized services to suit your needs and budget. We know the tech industry is unpredictable, so early planning is crucial. We can be your trusted partner on the journey to financial security and success.
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Can I work with you if I don't live in Austin, Texas?Yes! We are based in Austin, Texas but are location-independent, meaning regardless of where you are in the United States, we can work together. As long as you have an internet connection, we're good to go! Unfortunately, we are unable to work with individuals who live outside of the United States.
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Why should I work with you versus another Planner?When it comes to choosing a financial planner, it's essential to shop around. You want to find someone whose philosophy, process, and personality align with your needs. If you're working in the tech industry, you’re likely better off with a firm that specializes in addressing the unique challenges you face. We understand the intricacies of your world, and we're here to help you navigate it. So, take the first step and explore what we have to offer. It's zero cost for you to learn more. Your financial future deserves the attention of a planner who truly gets you.
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I don’t want to be locked into a long-term contract. Can you accommodate that?We understand the importance of flexibility, which is why you’re free to cancel anytime if you’re not 100% satisfied. With our 30-day satisfaction guarantee, you have the opportunity to experience the value of our services before committing financially. If at any point within the first 30 days you feel the program isn’t right for you, you won’t pay a cent. This allows you to see the results first and feel confident in your decision.
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I don’t think I have enough assets or income to benefit from financial planning services. Can you still help me?Many of our clients start with moderate levels of assets but have equity compensation, stock options, or other benefits with significant growth potential. Simplify Wealth Planning helps you maximize the value of these assets by creating tax-efficient strategies, aligning investments with your goals, and addressing future opportunities. Even if you’re in the early stages of building wealth, our guidance ensures your finances are set up to grow efficiently, empowering you to make the most of every dollar now and in the future.
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I’m not moving my investments over to anyone. Can you still help me?Absolutely! You don’t need to move your money to us for us to help you. We know handing over the reins can be tough, no matter how many safety measures are in place. Our flat fee model uniquely positions us to serve people like you. We don’t need to hold your investments to charge a fee (like most advisors). Many of our clients choose to keep their accounts where they are, and we still provide detailed investment guidance tailored to their goals. Our focus is on optimizing your investment strategy and ensuring alignment with your overall financial plan—no matter where your money is currently held. You retain full control while benefiting from our expert advice.
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Can I easily cancel or change my service selection after I become a client?Yes! At SWP, we understand that life is unpredictable, and your needs might shift along the way. That's why we refuse to lock you into any long-term agreement. You're in control here. So if circumstances change or you simply want to explore different options, you can cancel or modify your service selection at any time. No fuss, no hassle.
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Who will have access to my assets and will they be safe?When it comes to moving your hard-earned money, it's natural to feel a bit uneasy. Federal law has your back. Registered investment advisers (like SWP) must keep client assets with a "qualified custodian." These custody laws protect against any potential theft of assets. It's key to use a reputable company as your qualified custodian. Thankfully, companies like Altruist (which SWP uses), Charles Schwab, and Fidelity have qualified custodian businesses. They provide a secure environment for your money, ensuring that your advisor never has direct possession of it. https://altruist.com/security/ Custody laws also require that advisers must give you notices about how your assets are held, details on your holdings, and undergo annual exams, among other requirements. Your qualified custodian is also required to send you an independent statement. Now, here's a critical point: if you grant an advisor discretion to manage your money, you'll need to sign a limited power of attorney. This document provides the right to manage your money, but it prohibits withdrawals. To ensure your safety, you need to confirm your agreement states that advisor withdrawals are prohibited.
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How do you get paid?We are a fee-only, fiduciary firm, which means that we are compensated solely by you, the client. We don't earn money from commissions, by selling any products, or receiving kickbacks from anyone. Our priority is always to put our clients' interests ahead of our own. Our flat fee model uniquely positions us to serve our clients and we don’t need to hold your investments to charge a fee (like most advisors). Being a fiduciary means we have both ethical and legal responsibilities to act in your best interest. We abide by the fiduciary standard 100% of the time. It embodies what being a Registered Investment Advisor is about.
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What is your investment philosophy?Our investment philosophy revolves around something simple yet powerful: a portfolio that helps you stay invested for the long term. Staying invested reaps you the lion’s share of investment returns. We'll focus on keeping costs low and sound portfolio construction. To determine the best portfolio for you, we’ll discuss the trade-offs associated with investment risk while considering your goals and time horizons. We have a suite of model portfolios and our discussions determine your best option. We'll also be mindful of taxes, especially if you're bringing over assets that have a low cost-basis. After we've implemented your investment portfolio, our communication remains ongoing. Regular check-ins ensure we're always on the same page, working together towards your financial success. Given our long-term investment approach, we’re not a good fit for clients looking to implement active trading strategies.