Chazin & Company in Baltimore: Fee-Only Financial Advising for High-Net-Worth Clients

Chazin & Company is an independent, fee-only registered investment advisor (RIA) based in downtown Baltimore that specializes in wealth management, financial planning, and portfolio oversight for affluent individuals and families, primarily those with investable assets of $1 million or more.

Fiduciary Structure and Fee Model

Chazin & Company operates as a fee-only advisor, meaning it charges clients directly for advice and does not earn commissions on products sold. This structure creates a fiduciary obligation: advisors must put client interests ahead of their own at all times. Fee-only status distinguishes Chazin & Company from commission-based brokers and from fee-based firms that blend advisory fees with product commissions. For Baltimore clients weighing options, fee-only advisory removes the incentive to recommend higher-cost mutual funds or insurance products, a meaningful difference from hybrid fee-based models that often operate at the same wealth-management scale.

Services and Fee Structure

Chazin & Company provides comprehensive wealth management across several service lines: investment management, financial planning, tax-coordinated strategy, estate planning coordination, and retirement income planning. The firm manages portfolios directly and also works with outside counsel and tax professionals on integrated planning. Advisory fees are charged as a percentage of assets under management (AUM), with typical structures ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% annually depending on portfolio size and scope of services. Clients with $5 million or more in investable assets often receive lower percentage rates due to decreased overhead per dollar managed. The firm charges a one-time flat fee for comprehensive financial planning (roughly $3,000 to $8,000, depending on complexity), available separate from ongoing advisory relationships. Specific current fees should be confirmed with the firm directly, as rates may adjust for new client tiers or market conditions.

Comparison to Local Alternatives

The Baltimore wealth-management landscape includes both national firms with regional offices and boutique local practices. Merrill Lynch and Vanguard Personal Advisor Services operate in the region but charge commission-based or hybrid models; Vanguard's advisory service carries a 0.30% fee floor, lower than Chazin's typical range but limited to Vanguard's proprietary products and does not include active tax or estate planning coordination. Sagerman Advisors, another independent RIA in the Baltimore area, also operates on a fee-only model and serves similar client profiles. The trade-off: Sagerman is smaller and focuses on core investment management, while Chazin coordinates tax strategy and estate planning integration within a broader wealth framework. For clients seeking pure, low-cost index-based investing, Vanguard's threshold-fee service may suffice; for those needing active tax optimization and integrated planning across multiple accounts and heirs, Chazin's higher all-in cost often proves more effective.

CFP Credentials and Advisor Qualifications

Chazin & Company employs advisors who hold Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials, the gold standard in financial planning certification. CFP designees have completed coursework, passed a rigorous exam, met experience requirements, and committed to ongoing education and a code of ethics. Confirming that your primary advisor holds a CFP (or similar designation like CFA) is a practical screen when evaluating any fiduciary firm.

Who This Firm Suits and Who It Does Not

Chazin & Company is well-suited to Baltimore business owners, executives, and retirees with significant assets who face multi-layered tax, estate, and investment decisions. The firm excels for clients managing concentrated stock positions, multiple businesses, charitable giving strategies, or multigenerational wealth transfer. It does not suit investors with less than $500,000 to $1 million in investable assets; minimum account thresholds vary, and smaller portfolios may not justify the percentage-based fee. Fee-conscious investors seeking only basic investment management (not planning) may find lower-cost index-fund platforms more economical.

First Consultation and Engagement Process

Initial consultations are typically confidential and discovery-focused: the advisor reviews your assets, liabilities, income, tax situation, and planning goals. Chazin & Company will outline its approach, fee structure, and service scope before engagement. New clients sign an investment management agreement and disclose financial information. Portfolio construction and planning implementation begin after onboarding, with regular quarterly or semi-annual reviews built into the relationship. Bring recent tax returns, investment statements, and a summary of major financial goals to a first meeting.

Location and Logistics

Chazin & Company operates from downtown Baltimore and conducts meetings both in-office and remotely. Parking is available in downtown lots or building garages near the office. Confirm current office address and appointment availability directly.

For Baltimore high-net-worth clients balancing investment returns against tax efficiency and legacy planning, Chazin & Company's fiduciary fee-only model and integrated planning approach justifies its position in the city's wealth-management tier.