About Will Snodgrass, CFP®
At our core, we help Christians steward their assets wisely - to bless them, their families, their communities, and all for the glory of God.
Will Snodgrass, CFP®, works with Christian pre-retirees, retirees and business owners.
Based in The Woodlands, TX. Serving clients in Texas and other states where permitted.
10 Questions to Ask
Choosing a financial advisor is a big decision. Choosing one who shares your faith adds another layer. You want someone who understands why generosity and stewardship matter to you. You also need someone who is qualified, honest and clear about how they work.
Here are 10 questions to help you decide.
1. What credentials do you hold?
Credentials show training. The CFP® certification, for example, requires coursework, a comprehensive exam, work experience and a commitment to ethical standards set by CFP Board. Other designations exist too. Ask what each one means and how it was earned.
You can confirm CFP® certification at CFP Board's verification site (cfp.net/verify-a-cfp-professional).
2. How are you registered, and can I look you up?
Financial professionals who sell securities or give investment advice are generally registered. Anyone can check:
- FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org)
- SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (adviserinfo.sec.gov)
These show employment history, registrations and any disclosures. Look before you meet.
3. Who is your firm?
Many advisors work through a larger firm that provides oversight, technology and custody. Ask who that firm is and what role it plays.
4. How are you paid?
Common models include fees based on assets managed, flat or hourly planning fees, and commissions on products. Each model has potential conflicts. A good advisor will explain theirs plainly and put it in writing.
5. When do you act as a fiduciary?
A fiduciary must act in your best interest. Ask which services are provided under a fiduciary standard and which are not. Get a clear answer.
6. How does your faith shape your advice?
This is the question that matters most for a Christian advisor, and the answer should be specific. Good signs:
- Giving is part of the planning process
- They talk about purpose, contentment and "enough"
- They can explain values-based investing options and their tradeoffs
- They respect your convictions without pushing their own
A vague answer, or one that is only a slogan, is worth noting.
7. Who do you usually work with?
Some advisors focus on young families, others on pre-retirees, business owners, widows or a particular profession. An advisor who works mostly with people like you will be familiar with your questions.
8. What will working together look like?
Ask about:
- How often you will meet
- Whether meetings are in person, by video or both
- What you will receive (a written plan, regular reports)
- How quickly they return calls
If you live far from the advisor's office, ask how remote work is handled and how documents are shared securely.
9. What happens if you retire or are unavailable?
Ask about continuity. Who would help you if the advisor were unavailable?
10. Do I have to share your faith to work with you?
Many Christian advisors serve everyone. If your spouse or family members have different beliefs, ask how the advisor handles that.
Red flags
Be cautious if you see any of these:
- Faith used in place of facts. Shared beliefs do not replace clear answers on fees and risks.
- Promises. No one can guarantee investment returns.
- Pressure. "This opportunity ends Friday" is a warning sign.
- Secrecy. Unwillingness to put things in writing or to explain an investment.
- Unregistered sellers. If you cannot find someone on BrokerCheck or IAPD, ask why.
Affinity fraud targets religious communities because trust runs high. Regulators warn about it often. A good advisor will be glad you checked.
Where to look
- Your church. Ask your pastor or members whose judgment you trust.
- CFP Board's Let's Make a Plan (letsmakeaplan.org) to find CFP® professionals by location.
- Christian advisor directories. Several exist. Directory listings are a starting point, not an endorsement.
- Advisors' websites and articles. Their writing shows how they think.
Local or remote?
Many people assume they need an advisor nearby. Video meetings have made distance much less important. If you value in-person meetings, look locally. If you value a specific approach, a remote relationship may work well.
A simple process
- Make a short list of two or three advisors.
- Look each one up on BrokerCheck or IAPD.
- Schedule an introductory call.
- Ask these 10 questions.
- Pray, talk with your spouse, and take your time.
How Will approaches Christian financial planning
Named after a parable. Built on stewardship.
Matt25 Capital is named after Matthew 25 - the Parable of the Talents - where Jesus commends the servant who wisely invested his master's resources. That principle drives everything we do: helping Christian families manage wealth in a way that honors God, multiplies impact, and leaves a lasting legacy.
Why Will does this work
In Will's words:
My journey began when my father - a hardworking entrepreneur - passed unexpectedly, leaving our family in probate court for fourteen years. Watching his life's work slip away lit a fire in me: I vowed to help families protect their legacies.
So in 2010, I heeded the call and became a financial advisor. Early in my career, I managed a team of advisors, but I quickly realized my true calling is working directly with clients - guiding them through complex decisions and safeguarding what matters most.
Who Will works with
We often work with families in their 50s, 60s and 70s, including people a few years from leaving a long career. Some have already retired and want a clear plan for what comes next. Others own a business and are thinking about what happens to it, and to them, when they step back.
Families who want values-aware planning grounded in biblical stewardship. Process over products. Education before recommendations.
CFP® professional and fiduciary asset manager
Will Snodgrass, CFP®, works as a fiduciary asset manager on a fee-based basis, with planning designed around your interests.
As your fee-based asset manager, we craft and oversee investment portfolios that align with your values and your goals - seeking growth while honoring your role as a steward of what you've been given. Faith-based and values-aware options are available for clients who want them.
We coordinate with estate attorneys on wills, trusts, and beneficiary strategies.
How working together works
Listen first. Recommend solutions that fit your unique situation. Guide implementation. Proactively monitor and refine as life unfolds.
A Clarity Call is a short conversation, by phone or video. We ask about your goals, your timeline and what keeps you up at night. There is no pressure and no product pitch. If it makes sense to keep going, we will explain the next steps and how we are paid.
Learn more about Will
Build a plan that honors what matters most.
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about your family, your values, and whether we're the right fit to walk alongside you.
Local pages and guides: Texas | The Woodlands | Houston | A Financial Guide for Widows
About us
Will Snodgrass, CFP®, is an Investment Adviser Representative with Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC. He works with Christian pre-retirees, retirees and business owners from our office in The Woodlands, Texas, and by secure video across Texas. Advisory services are available only where Will is properly registered or exempt from registration. You can look Will up on BrokerCheck (CRD 5154888). To start, book a Clarity Call or take the Free Retirement Paycheck Readiness Scorecard at scorecard.matt25capital.com.
Local pages: The Woodlands | Houston | Dallas-Fort Worth (remote) | Texas
Related reading: What Is a Biblical Financial Advisor? | Faith-Based vs. Traditional Wealth Management
FAQ
How do I find a Christian financial advisor near me?
Ask your church, search CFP Board's Let's Make a Plan, use Christian advisor directories, and verify anyone on BrokerCheck.
Does a Christian advisor have to be certified?
Not by law, but credentials such as CFP® show training and an ethics commitment.
How do I check an advisor's record?
Search brokercheck.finra.org or adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Is a remote advisor a good option?
It can be, if you are comfortable with video meetings and secure document sharing.
What is affinity fraud?
Fraud that exploits trust within a group, such as a church. Verify credentials and avoid pressure or promises.