Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Belonging Wealth Management a Fiduciary Financial Advisor?

  Yes. Belonging Wealth Management is a fiduciary financial advisor, which means we’re legally bound to act in your best interest.

• Are you fee-only?

  Yes. We are fee-only financial advisors. We don’t accept commissions or product fees, recommending only what fits your goals.

• Do you specialize in working with retirees?

  Yes, we specialize in working with retirees who want real financial planning, not just investment advice. Our clients are often in East Texas, including Longview, Kilgore, and surrounding areas, but we also work virtually with individuals across the U.S. We help retirees and near-retirees who want peace of mind and a plan they can count on.

• Are you a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)?

  Brandon Renfro and Den Murley have both earned and hold the Certified Financial Planner® credential.

• Is there a difference between a financial advisor and a retirement advisor?

  A retirement advisor is a type of financial advisor or financial planner that focuses on helping people navigate retirement. In our case, this is accompanied by specific training and specialized knowledge for addressing the types of issues retirees may face.

• What does “fee-only fiduciary financial advisor” mean?

  At Belonging Wealth Management, being a fee-only fiduciary financial advisor means we are legally and ethically required to act in your best interest. We don’t accept commissions or product-based compensation. This ensures that our retirement advice is based on your goals – not driven by sales quotas or third-party incentives.

• Where are you located, and do you serve clients outside of Longview?

  Our office is located at 1405 Colony Circle in Longview, Texas. While we proudly serve retirees and families in Longview and throughout East Texas, we also work with clients virtually across Texas and other states. Whether you’re in Kilgore, Marshall, Tyler, or beyond, you can access retirement planning that fits your life and location.

• What services do you offer for retirement planning?

  We help you build a complete retirement plan tailored to your life, not just your investment accounts. Our services include retirement income planning, tax strategy, investment management, Social Security optimization, and estate planning coordination. We guide you through the big-picture decisions and help you adjust as life changes.

• How is the advisory fee structured?

  Belonging Wealth Management uses a transparent tiered advisory fee based on your assets under management. Our fee starts at 1.0% annually on the first $1 million, then decreases at higher tiers. This structure ensures our compensation is aligned with your success and reflects the level of service and planning we provide.

• What can I expect during my first meeting?

  Your first meeting with us is a free, no-pressure discussion so we can get to know each other. We’ll talk about your goals, answer your questions, and explain how our retirement planning process works. Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, we’ll help you decide if working together makes sense.

• How does your planning process work?

  Our retirement planning process is built to bring you clarity and confidence. We listen to your goals, review your current situation, build a plan tailored to your life, and adjust as needed. You’ll get clear answers about what’s possible and how to make it happen. Our goal is to help you retire without confusion, regret, or worry.

• Can I track my progress online?

  Yes. We are always here to talk, but you can also quickly check-in on your own. Clients have access to an online financial planning portal where they can track their retirement progress, review their plan, and model different “what if” scenarios. You’ll always know where you stand and what your plan is designed to do.

• Can you help me optimize my Social Security benefits and reduce taxes in retirement?

  Absolutely. We analyze your unique situation to advise on when to claim Social Security and how to structure withdrawals tax-efficiently — helping you maximize income and minimize tax over your lifetime.

• How do you ensure tax efficiency in my retirement plan?

  We focus on lifetime tax minimization, not just this year’s refund. Our tax planning strategies help you reduce taxes on retirement withdrawals, Social Security, and investments over the long term. By coordinating your income sources and account types, we help you keep more of what you’ve earned.

• Do you provide estate planning support as part of financial planning?

  Yes. While we don’t draft legal documents, we coordinate your estate plan to ensure your retirement strategy aligns with your legacy wishes. We help clarify beneficiary designations, trust strategies, and tax considerations, and work closely with your estate attorney as needed.

• Do you prepare tax returns?

  Yes. We prepare tax returns for our retirement planning clients, offering a convenient one-stop shop for retirees.

• Do retirees pay taxes on Social Security?

  Retirees may or may not pay taxes on Social Security. Social Security benefits are subject to federal income tax if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds. Combined income includes:

  • ½ of your Social Security benefits, plus
  • All other taxable income (pensions, wages, RMDs, IRA withdrawals, dividends, interest, etc.), plus
  • Any tax-exempt interest (like municipal bonds)
• What tax forms do retirees need?

  Most retirees receive a mix of 1099 forms instead of W-2s. The forms you receive depend on where your income comes from.

  • SSA-1099 — Reports Social Security benefits
  • 1099-R — For pensions, IRA withdrawals, 401(k) withdrawals, and annuity income
  • 1099-INT — For interest income from banks or CDs
  • 1099-DIV — For dividends and capital gains from investments
  • 1099-B — For brokerage transactions (sales of stocks, funds, ETFs)

To get help from a fee-only fiduciary and make sure that tax efficiency is a part of your retirement plan, email me at brandon@belongingwealth.com or call (903) 471-0624 and I’d be glad to help you.