The Porch-wealth advisors
Join us, your friendly wealth advisors and big dorks, as we delve into finances, life, and all the nitty-gritty in between.
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The Origin of Painted Porch
“We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the rows of the upper and lower teeth. To act against one another then is contrary to nature.” — Marcus Aurelius
On Monday, July 6th, it will be officially seven years for Painted Porch.
We are all worthy of help
Here is a pattern we see often: someone reaches out to us, but cautiously. They’ve been burned before, or they’ve watched friends get burned, or they just have a healthy suspicion of an industry that hasn’t always earned trust. They’ve been quietly worried about their financial life for years.
Get to know Carson Hansen
After graduating with a finance degree from the University of Oregon, Carson was navigating the typical post-grad grind, the applications, the interviews, and the specific brand of angst that comes with searching for a meaningful “first” opportunity. He wasn’t looking for a traditional finance role; he was looking for a firm that aligned with his values. He found Painted Porch on LinkedIn, and the message resonated. He made the call.
Rent vs buy: Our Current Dialogue With Clients
Few financial topics generate stronger opinions than the rent vs. buy debate. You’ve probably heard the classic line that “renting is just throwing money away,” or maybe you’ve been told that real estate is the surest path to building wealth. The truth is more nuanced, and in today’s environment of higher interest rates, rising insurance costs, and shifting home values, the math doesn’t always add up to what you’d expect. In our latest roundtable, the Painted Porch team sat down to talk through what we’re seeing with clients across Texas and California. We covered the hidden costs of homeownership (hail damage, exploded water heaters, and the maintenance you don’t think about until something breaks), the flexibility that renting can offer, and why leverage rather than appreciation has historically driven most of the wealth people associate with real estate.
Get to know Carina Iturralde
Originally from Ecuador, Carina joined Painted Porch after chatting with a friend who couldn’t say enough about its values and close-knit culture. Drawn to the idea of meaningful work and a workplace that feels connected, she took a chance and quickly found her place. Since joining, Carina has brought her positive personality, get-it-done attitude, and a deep sense of joy and connection.
Layoffs: navigating crisis and opportunity
Recent headlines about layoffs at companies like Meta, Oracle, Atlassian and others remind us how hard big life transitions can be, especially the ones you don’t choose. Our hearts go out to all the people impacted, particularly anyone who is feeling a little in shock or afraid about what’s ahead.
You are not alone!
Get to know Zach Philipp
In his daily work, Zach thrives on solving problems. Whether it’s helping a client consider early retirement, planning for a major purchase, or simply answering urgent financial questions, he enjoys being a calm, thoughtful guide. Much of his work happens behind the scenes: monitoring financial plans, making adjustments, and ensuring every detail is aligned so clients can proceed with confidence.
Howard Marks on Patience: Lessons for Long-Term Investors
Howard Marks reminds investors that doing nothing is sometimes the smartest move. A fee-only fiduciary unpacks why patience often beats cleverness in markets.
The Behavior Gap
Markets shift, data evolves, and economic conditions vary. However, one of the most reliable forces influencing long-term investment results is something much more personal: how investors respond to those shifts. This phenomenon is often called the Behavior Gap, and understanding it is a crucial part of how we support our clients.
Market volatility and extended growth cycles
We’re launching a series of deep-dive discussions where we pull back the curtain on our Investment Committee. Before we drop our first full roundtable episode, we want to introduce you to the voices (and the specific “nerd-level” expertise) behind your financial strategy.
Get to Know Devon Frazier
For Devon, financial planning is more than numbers. It’s clarity. It’s alignment. It’s helping people see where they are so they can move forward with confidence.
Get to Know Alese Lepore
There are many aspects of Alese’s expertise that make her exceptional at her job, but to her, the most rewarding part is the peace of mind she provides to clients. This peace of mind can help lead to client breakthroughs.