Most People Don't Fall Short Because They Lack Income.
They fall short because no one ever gave them a path. I'm a fee-only fiduciary in McKinney, Texas. No commissions, no products, and no judgment. Just a clear plan and someone genuinely in your corner.
Why I Do This
Before financial planning, I spent years as a counselor, sitting with people through some of the hardest stretches of their lives. What I learned is that money problems are almost never math problems. They're fear, avoidance, or simply never having been taught.
So that's how I work. I don't lecture, I don't sell products, and I don't make anyone feel stupid for asking a question. I build a plan around your actual life and then I stay with you while you work it.
A Process, Not a Product
Every client follows The Cardinal Path™, a five-phase process built on trust, clarity, and consistent action over time.
See How It WorksEquity Compensation Specialists
RSUs, ESPPs, and ESOPs are some of the most valuable, and most confusing, parts of your compensation. I help employees and executives across Dallas-Fort Worth make confident decisions about vesting, concentration, taxes, and turning equity into lasting wealth.
Learn about equity compensation
The Person Behind the Plan
I came to financial planning after years of helping people through the hardest moments of their lives. That shapes how I advise: patient, judgment-free, and focused on the person behind the numbers.
Meet ChrisWhat Working With Me Actually Looks Like
Market Overview
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Working With a Fee-Only Financial Advisor in McKinney
Are you a fee-only financial advisor in McKinney, TX?
Yes. Cardinal Wealth Management LLC is a fee-only financial planning firm based in McKinney, Texas. I am paid only by my clients, through flat monthly planning fees, one-time plan fees, or an optional asset-based fee for investment management. I do not earn commissions and I do not sell insurance or investment products.
Are you a fiduciary at all times?
Yes. Cardinal Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser, and I owe every client a fiduciary duty of loyalty and care whenever I give advice. Because I am fee-only and do not sell products, there is no second role in which a different standard applies. You can verify the firm’s registration on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site under CRD #339938.
Do you require a minimum account size?
No. I do not require a minimum account size or net worth to work with me. Ongoing planning starts at $150 per month and a one-time financial plan starts at $1,500. The Services page lists the full fee schedule, including the minimum annual fee.
Are you an independent financial advisor?
Yes. Cardinal Wealth Management is owned by its founder, Chris Cardinal, and is not owned by or affiliated with a bank, insurance company, or product sponsor. My only obligation is to my clients.
Which areas do you serve?
I am based in McKinney, Texas, and work with families and professionals across Collin County and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Frisco, Plano, Allen, Prosper, Celina, Melissa, and Anna. Meetings are available by video, so I can work with clients anywhere in Texas.
How much does it cost to work with a financial advisor in Texas?
Costs vary widely, and many firms do not publish their fees. I do. Ongoing planning is a flat $150, $275, or $450 per month depending on complexity. A one-time financial plan is $1,500 or $2,500. Investment management is an optional add-on with a graduated annual fee that starts at 1.50% and falls to 0.75% on assets above $1,000,000.
How do I verify that Cardinal Wealth Management is registered?
Cardinal Wealth Management LLC is a registered investment adviser in the State of Texas (CRD #339938). You can confirm the registration and read the firm’s Form ADV on the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at adviserinfo.sec.gov. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Not Sure You Even Need an Adviser Yet?
That's a completely fine place to start. The first conversation is free, takes about 30 minutes, and there's no pitch at the end of it, just an honest answer about whether I can actually help you.
Book a free 30-minute call