Direct answers to common retirement and investment questions.

I work with individuals, families, business owners, and New York public employees who are approaching retirement or want more organized, long-term investment management. Many clients have pensions, 401(k) or 457(b) accounts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, or taxable investment accounts and want help understanding how those pieces fit together.

First Shelbourne offers straightforward, fiduciary investment management built around diversified, low-cost ETF portfolios, not high-pressure sales, commissions, annuities, or complicated products. I provide a disciplined, personalized approach at a transparent 0.50% advisory fee.

First Shelbourne's standard investment management fee is 0.50% (one-half of 1%) annually of assets under management.

First Shelbourne is built to operate efficiently. The firm has no debt, no office lease, no sales team, and no expensive product-sales infrastructure. Because Chris runs an independent, streamlined practice and has built efficient systems for managing client relationships and portfolios, the firm can keep overhead low and pass those savings on to clients through a lower advisory fee.

First Shelbourne uses diversified ETF model portfolios designed for long-term investing. Each client account is assigned to an approved model tier after considering the client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, tax considerations, financial circumstances, and any reasonable investment restrictions. The Firm’s model tiers range from capital-preservation-oriented allocations to all-equity growth allocations. Portfolios are monitored and generally reviewed and rebalanced through the Firm’s established process. The approach is intended to be disciplined and long term rather than based on short-term market predictions or frequent trading. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal, and no investment strategy or model portfolio can guarantee a profit or protect against loss.

Yes. I invest personal retirement and taxable investment assets exclusively through the same approved model-tier portfolios available to clients. Personal Roth IRA, Roth 401(k), and taxable brokerage investments are assigned to the Firm's standardized ETF model tiers. I do not maintain a separate individual stock portfolio or use a personal trading strategy that is unavailable to clients. This approach is intended to promote alignment: I experience the same model-based investment process, portfolio risks, and long-term discipline that clients may use.

Yes. As a retired New York police officer, I understand the transition from public service to retirement. I work with police officers, municipal workers, teachers, and other pensioned professionals who want to coordinate pension income, deferred-compensation accounts, IRAs, and long-term investment strategy. First Shelbourne is not affiliated with any police department, union, pension system, municipality, or government agency.

Client accounts are held at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., which serves as an independent custodian. Clients retain access to their accounts and can view account activity, statements, and holdings directly through Schwab’s secure platform.

Often, no. Many account transfers can be initiated electronically through the new custodian. The exact process depends on the current custodian, the type of account, and the assets held. I help coordinate the paperwork and communicate the next steps, while you remain in control of the decision. Some transfers may require additional documentation, may not be eligible for electronic transfer, or may require special handling depending on the account type or assets held.

First Shelbourne is based in Commack, Long Island, and I meet with local clients in person or virtually. I may also work with clients in other states where permitted by applicable registration and notice-filing requirements.

My standard minimum investment for a new advisory relationship is $250,000. I am happy to discuss whether First Shelbourne may be a fit before asking you to make a decision.

The first conversation is a straightforward, no-pressure opportunity to discuss what brought you here, the questions you are trying to answer, and whether my services may be appropriate for your situation. There is no cost or obligation for an introductory conversation.

Because Chris built it himself. It's custom coded with Astro and Tailwind CSS, not a bloated financial advisor template loaded with unnecessary plugins, pop-ups, and clutter. Chris has had a lifelong fascination with technology and coding, going back to teaching himself Python years ago. He enjoys using modern technology to create a better client experience, whether that means a fast, simple website, efficient systems, or clear communication. The goal is straightforward: make it easy to find useful information and work with First Shelbourne. That hands-on approach reflects how the firm operates: independent, practical, and intentionally built around systems that serve clients.