Welcome to Incline Financial Planning LLC, where I, Joe Schmitt, am proud to serve as founder and owner. Pittsburgh, PA, is not just our location but our cherished home, where my wife, our five children, and I reside happily.

With a background as an airline pilot for American Airlines and my wife's career as a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, we realized the increasing complexity of our financial situation as our careers advanced. Recognizing the potential consequences of mismanaging our financial future, we decided it was time to seek professional help.

We were looking for a professional who could not only help us define our goals but also paint a vivid picture of our potential future based on our careers and salaries. We wanted a partner who would walk alongside us, hold us accountable, and help implement our plan.

Unfortunately, the guidance we initially received was fraught with hidden conflicts of interest, and lacking in tailored advice that considered our unique circumstances and aspirations. Instead, we encountered generic recommendations seemingly designed to benefit the advisor rather than us.

The options presented were unsatisfactory - either investing in products that yielded significant commissions for the advisor or a simple offer to manage our investments for a percentage of our assets. Dissatisfied with these options, we sought a professional willing to be compensated solely for their time, devoid of conflicts, but unfortunately we were unable to find an advisor that met our needs.

During the pandemic-induced downturn in the airline industry, I seized the opportunity of partially paid leave to provide the type of service we had been seeking: comprehensive, individualized financial advice at a reasonable flat fee. After completing the education requirements for the CFP® and attaining my series 65 license, I founded Incline Financial Planning in May 2022.

At Incline Financial Planning, our mission mirrors that of Pittsburgh's iconic incline - to elevate our clients from uncertainty and limited visibility, akin to standing at the river's edge, to a place of clarity and limitless potential, reminiscent of the view from atop Mount Washington. With careful financial planning, we aim to guide our clients toward a future filled with opportunity, all for a straightforward, flat fee.

I invite you to join us at Incline Financial Planning. Let's embark on this financial journey together.

Philosphy

  • Financial planning before investment management.

    We take the time to understand your unique situation. By understanding your whole financial picture and the life that you want to live. We can then build an investment strategy that is right for you.

  • The value of financial advice is in the relationship.

    You can now easily get an investment portfolio through any robo advisor for 0.25% of your assets to be managed.

    The value of financial advice is now in the relationship with an actual human. It is a partner who will not only help you define your goals, but build a plan unique to you. They should walk alongside you to help attain those goals. They should ensure that you actually implement those plans and help hold you accountable.

  • Charging a flat fee is the only way to provide conflict free advice.

    If an advisor is compensated via a percentage of your investments, how likely would they suggest you use that money to pay off debt? Buy a second home? Pay cash for a car? Would it not be more profitable for them to suggest you take out a loan and instead keep that money invested?

  • Don't build your savings without knowing your why.

    Why would you build your life without first creating the vision?

  • Passive investment management is superior to active investment management.

    We believe markets are efficient. We do not try to time markets or actively pick individual stocks.

  • Experiences > Things

    Fulfillment comes from relationships and experiences, not things. We know this! Don’t succumb to consumer culture.

  • More money does not equal more happiness.

    Wealth and happiness is the ability to spend time that is aligned with your core values. More money won’t replace that missed soccer game, holiday, birthday…

  • The concept of retirement is obsolete.

    There are other options than working until you are 65. You could work part time. Maybe you want to start a business or go back to school. Or you may want to take time off to spend time with family and friends. Explore your options and live without regrets.

  • Build flexibility into your financial plan.

    Who knows what the future holds. Live today. Plan for flexibility to be a part of your future.

  • Financial Planning is an ongoing process.

    Life Transitions = Money Decisions

  • The most important financial decisions are when you are younger not near retirement.

    It is easier to make good money decisions when we are younger as opposed to fix money mistakes later in life.

  • We strive for debt freedom.

    No debt = peace of mind and flexibility