Transition is hard, don't face it alone.

Let's Powwow

Working with POWWOW means
you come first

Taking control of your finances means so much more than managing investments and creating portfolios. In fact, investments are simply the tool to accomplish your plans and create a legacy. Doesn’t it make sense to start the process by defining and prioritizing what’s most important in your life? Knowing where you’re headed and understanding how to get there empowers you to make better decisions and be confident in your direction, which is a pretty great feeling.

Whether it’s having us confirm and critique a path you’ve started or needing guidance on a completely new venture, POWWOW is here to help. When it’s time to implement plan recommendations Quentara is happy to guide and participate in the process to make sure your best interests are being met.

Explore the Convenience of Virtual Planning

What to expect as a client?

  • An ongoing conversational relationship
  • The opportunity to adjust or outright change your goals
  • The freedom to invest and bank wherever you’re most comfortable
  • No pressure to purchase insurance or investment product
  • A sounding board and advocate for pop-up issues as they arise
  • The personal touch of a small shop with the resources of a large firm
  • Technology aggregating all the pieces of your life in one convenient spot
About Quentara Costa

In a nutshell

  • Mom of 3, Wife, Daughter, Niece, Friend, Volunteer, Presenter, Business Owner
  • Bentley University, Bachelors and Masters in Personal Financial Planning
  • Certified Financial Planner™ since 2010
  • Notary Public in Massachusetts
  • Fee-Only / Fiduciary

With 15+ years of experience, I have worked with clients of all varieties. From those in debt to founders of public corporations. Occupational observation: no single approach works for everyone! My mission is to answer your questions in a way that makes you feel confident to push past self-doubt. Whether our meetings require getting into the details of a cash flow report, looking at colorful before and after charts, or simply brainstorming ideas – I have you covered. 

Apart from office work, I enjoy working within the community to provide financial literacy and guidance. In 2016 I created the Facebook group “Merrimack Valley Seniors and Caregivers.” This is a dedicated forum for local families and professionals to problem-solve, share resources, and learn about upcoming events. Please join if you feel you can benefit by receiving support and connecting with others. Over the last few years, I’ve also been invited to create presentations and speak on a wide range of topics, including financial planning fundamentals, women in the workplace, and elder care planning. Looking forward, I’ll serve my third year on the North Andover Council on Aging, which will play a large part in the development of the town’s new senior center!

On evenings and weekends I am likely listening to an audiobook, taking my family for a walk, and sampling take-out cuisine from a favorite restaurant. Despite almost always being home, I do my best to recharge my batteries in Upstate NY, Disney, or beyond (most recently Spain & Portugal!)

For more information on my education and career path, connect with me on LinkedIn. 

About First Ascent Asset Management

Our firm has formed an alliance with First Ascent Asset Management, an SEC-registered investment advisor, to provide portfolio management services to our clients. These services include portfolio construction, trading and rebalancing, account administration, performance reporting, and billing.

We are excited about our relationship with First Ascent. Partnering with their team of portfolio management specialists allowing Quentara to focus on clients’ planning needs. Powwow selected First Ascent because of the experience of their team, the depth of their capabilities, and the objectivity of their advice. Their investment team includes:

Scott MacKillop, JD: Scott has over 40 years of financial services experience. He is the founder and CEO of First Ascent Asset Management.

Patrick Krulik, CFA: Patrick has over 14 years of financial services experience. He is the Chief Investment Officer of First Ascent Asset Management.

Plus, four credentialed independent members to round out their Investment Committee. 

  • Mary Kathryn Campion, Ph.D., CFA, AIFA
  • Shane Morrow, CFP®, CIMA, CAIA, CFA Level II candidate
  • Geoff Selzer, CFA
  • Merrill Stillwell, CFA
Pricing & Availability

Upfront Plans starting at $3,300

POWWOW understands that the makeup of a financial plan is different for each client. At your first complimentary meeting, Quentara listens to your story and will figure out the best approach to address your needs. We work with clients on an hourly basis. Depending on your situation, our services can be quoted as a project estimate, ongoing membership, or per-hour. 

The creation of an upfront plan includes access to our virtual portal, data gathering, research, check-ins, and analysis, ending with a presentation of findings. Upfront plans have 10-hour minimum starting at $3,300. 

Membership plans start at $220/month

In addition to upfront plans, POWWOW strongly recommends utilizing our membership service to keep us in continuous communication and to expand upon the initial plan, if necessary. As you can imagine, it’s not uncommon for clients to have new questions and concerns throughout the year. Having an advisor on call allows clients to make better decisions on how to move forward in a timely manner rather than waiting for an annual review. 

Benefits of Membership
        • Motivation and accountability in completing plan recommendations
        • Ongoing spending reviews to help you stick to a budget
        • An advocate for meetings, tours, and conference calls
        • Plan updates and adjustments as life changes
        • A resource for ad-hoc projects and requests
        • A facilitator for family discussion
        • Preferred hourly rate

Investment Management

To meet the needs of select clients, POWWOW has aligned with First Ascent Asset Management to help implement recommendations resulting from the financial plan. This service especially suits ongoing membership clients building their first $1M. These clients are not meeting the minimums of traditional wealth management shops, so are faced with a choice of being a DIYer or buying into financial products, like annuities. 

If you are a recovering DIYer, or simply want more hands-on help with your accounts, then this may be a great option. 

  • Accounts are custodied at Charles Schwab.
  • Portfolios utilize low-cost ETF index funds.
  • Satellite positions are available for those interested in actively managed funds.
  • Various allocations offered to compliment your risk tolerance.
  • Tax-sensitive portfolios available for non-retirement accounts.
  • Automatic rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting. 
  • Portfolio options built around various investment philosophies, such as socially responsible investing, Dimensional Funds, or multi-factor.

Households investing under $250k are billed 1.0%/year. Households over $250k are billed 0.75%/year.