A fee‑only fiduciary, alongside your family

Clear, comprehensive planning and investment management with aligned incentives — so you can focus on what truly matters.

Hi, I'm Megan van den Már, CFP®

My path into advising began in the engine room of a wealth management firm—compliance, operations, technology. I learned how everything works before I ever offered a recommendation. Over the next decade I served as an analyst and advisor, guiding families through market swings, life changes, and the everyday decisions that build real financial freedom.

Today, as the Founder and sole Advisor at Alongside, I pair that rigor with genuine care. I’m a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. My work centers on the moments that matter most—life transitions, retirement design, tax‑aware planning—and on straightforward, diversified portfolios that let you sleep at night.

What you’ll notice working with me is the calm. I listen first, frame decisions clearly, and help you move forward with confidence. No commissions. No product agenda. Just thoughtful partnership, on your timeline.

Why I started the company

After working for small- and medium-sized wealth management firms for 15 years, I built the skillset necessary to run my own firm. But the birth of my daughter is what really inspired me to form my vision and take action. I wanted a more personalized, boutique experience for my clients—where I have time and energy to dive deeply into problems that really matter when clients need me most.

Where I do my best work

Early Retirement: Partnering with clients to achieve the life they’ve envisioned is the most satisfying part of this work. This often includes more flexibility with work—traditional retirement, part‑time, or a sabbatical. I help you understand what it takes, build contingency plans for when life changes, and cheer you on as you step away from a paycheck.

Tax Planning: I love demystifying what can be a stressful topic. Navigating the tax code, memorizing the finer details, identifying opportunities, and fitting it all together like a puzzle is incredibly fun to me.

Fun facts

  • Since 2015, I’ve kept a monthly money journal where I track my family’s income, spending, and portfolio balance.
  • I’m an avid knitter and enjoy wearing my handmade sweaters.
  • I love plants, especially my collection of begonias and pothoses.
  • I do the New York Times crossword puzzle daily.
  • Music has always been a huge part of my life, and I love going to live shows. My favorite genres are rock and R&B.

Key facts about how we work

Easy to understand, no fine print

Fee‑only fiduciary

No commissions. No product sales. Advice aligned with your best interests—always.

1% AUM, capped at $15k/yr

1% of assets under management each year, capped at $15,000 per household.

Comprehensive planning

Includes ongoing planning, investment management, administrative support, and on‑demand coaching.

Methods & risks

Disciplined, long‑term investment approach. All investing involves risk, including the risk of loss.

Custody & brokerage

Alongside never has custody of client assets. Charles Schwab serves as the independent custodian. Guidance provided; you maintain ownership and transparency.

Privacy & security

Client data is safeguarded and shared only as permitted or required by law. The full Privacy Policy is available upon request.

Firm facts at a glance

Firm basics
Registered Investment Advisor in Oregon. Founded July 2025 by Megan van den Már, CFP®
Business model
Fee-only. No commissions. No performance-based fees. No hidden costs or kickbacks. We charge a flat 1% of assets under management. Annual fees will not exceed $15,000.
Services
Wealth management: financial planning and investment management. Unlimited coaching and guidance. Tailored to clients needs, never a cookie-cutter approach.
Clients
Individuals and families. No account minimum." Should we say something more here about the type of person? It's hard to put into words, but I would say something like, responsive, involved, driven, curious, and warm.
Investments & approach
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs. Strategic asset allocation. Rebalancing. Option to build SRI/ESG-friendly portfolios.
Discretion & custody
Discretionary management. Custody at Charles Schwab.
Compliance & ethics
Fiduciary duty. Adheres to CFP® Board standards. No disciplinary history. Business continuity plan in place.