Michael Hart, CFP®
Flat Fee Advisor in Central New Jersey
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Serving Clients Nationwide
Flat Fee Advisor in Central New Jersey
Areas of Focus
- Estate Planning
- Financial Life Planning
- Investment Management
- Retirement Planning
- Taxes
About Michael Hart, CFP®
Hi, I'm Michael Hart, an advice-only financial planner serving clients in New Jersey and across the country.I became a financial planner because I saw too many hardworking individuals struggling with financial uncertainty while dealing with an industry where the asymmetry of information is staggering. I love helping clients simplify complex financial concepts, giving them the confidence to make informed decisions about their investments, taxes, and long-term financial strategies.
Most advisors charge a percentage of the money they manage for you — known as an “Asset Under Management” (AUM) fee. AUM fees typically range from 0.25–1.5%. With the AUM model the more your money grows the more you pay. As an advice-only planner, I don’t charge AUM fees; I charge a flat fee.
What I value most is being on the same side of the table as my clients. No hidden fees, no commissions, no conflicts. Just honest, thoughtful guidance from someone who genuinely cares.
My Career
After graduating magna cum laude from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, I gained 18 years of experience in wealth management, tax planning, and estate strategies. During this time, I saw firsthand how often clients were being sold products they didn’t need or given advice that wasn’t in their best interest. That experience is what drove me to launch Open Book: to be a true fiduciary and an open, honest partner to those navigating financial decisions.
On a Personal Note
I'm an active member of the New Jersey chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA).
Outside of work, you’ll often find me with my wife, Allison, and our daughter. My hobbies include playing the guitar, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or "reading" a good audiobook.
Professional Designations
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ®
Affiliations
- Financial Planning Association
- National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
- XY Planning Network
Primary Location
3 Charred Oak Ln, East Windsor, NJ 08520
Compensation Methods
- Fee Only
- Flat Fee
- Hourly Rate
- Offers Advice-Only Services
- Subscription
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to schedule an introductory conversation. The first meeting will be the “Get to Know you meeting.” There is no charge for this meeting. I just want to get a sense of what your concerns and goals are, and if we’d be a good fit to work together. I look forward to speaking with you!About Open Book Financial Planning
At Open Book Financial Planning, we believe transparency is everything. Our firm was built to eliminate the conflicts of interest that often cloud traditional financial advice.We charge a flat hourly or subscription-based fee, so you know exactly what you’re paying and what you’re getting. We do not sell products or manage investments for a percentage fee, because we believe the best advice comes from someone who’s not trying to sell you anything.
Education
Magna cum laude graduate of the University of Maine at Presque Isle
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
- Music
- Reading
- Working Out
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Baby Boomers
- Corporate Executives
- DIY Investors
- Dual Income Family
- Families
- Gen X
- Gen Y / Millennials
- Individuals
- Intergenerational Families
- Parents
- Women Professionals
- Young Families
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