What is a fee-only financial advisor?

A fee-only financial advisor is compensated solely by the client — not through commissions, product sales, or referral fees. At Macallen Capital, we are a fee-only registered investment adviser, which means our advice is never influenced by outside incentives. We are paid only by you, and our recommendations are made exclusively in your best interest.

Who does Macallen Capital work with?

Macallen Capital works primarily with families and small business owners who have built a foundation of $500,000 or more in savings. We specialize in the 'red zone' — clients aged 50 and above who are planning for retirement or transitioning out of the workforce — as well as delegators who are ready to hand off the financial complexity to an expert.

Is Macallen Capital a fiduciary?

Yes. As a registered investment adviser and fee-only firm, Macallen Capital operates as a fiduciary at all times. That means we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest — not ours.

What services does Macallen Capital offer?

Macallen Capital offers comprehensive wealth management including investment planning, retirement planning, Social Security and income planning, tax planning, risk management and insurance review, employee benefits review, and estate and legacy planning. We coordinate all of these disciplines into a single, integrated financial plan.

How do I get started with Macallen Capital?

Getting started begins with an initial consultation — a brief conversation to understand your goals and determine if we're the right fit. From there, we move into discovery and analysis, build a customized strategy, and implement your plan with ongoing support. You can start by visiting macallencapital.com/start.

Does Macallen Capital work with clients outside of Phoenix?

Yes. While Macallen Capital is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, we work with clients nationwide. As a registered investment adviser, we are able to serve clients across the United States.

What is a beneficiary designation and why does it matter?

A beneficiary designation is the form attached to your IRA, 401(k), or life insurance policy that dictates who receives those assets when you pass away. Unlike a will or trust, beneficiary designations override your estate planning documents entirely — the form wins, regardless of what your will says. Keeping these designations current and coordinated with your overall estate plan is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps in financial planning.

What is the HSA shoebox strategy?

The HSA shoebox strategy involves paying current medical expenses out of pocket, saving the receipts, and leaving your HSA funds invested to grow tax-free. Because the IRS places no time limit on when you can reimburse yourself for a qualified medical expense (per IRS Publication 969), you can pull those funds out years or decades later — tax-free — while the original balance continues to compound. It turns your HSA into a long-term, tax-free investment vehicle rather than a simple spending account.

Financial “Spring Cleaning”

Name: Macallen Capital
Address: 2325 E Camelback Rd. #400, Phoenix, AZ, 85016, US
Telephone: (602) 536-7828
Price range: Fee-Only

May 13

Written By Mark Sanaiha

Spring cleaning in our house means cleaning neglected areas and reorganizing our closets. Here in Arizona, “spring” is officially packing its bags. Triple-digit forecasts are rolling in, which means cars are turning into ovens and AC units are gearing up for war. Summer isn’t knocking anymore, it’s here. Since most of my Southwestern clients are forced indoors, I view this as a good opportunity to cleanup their wealth strategy.

When you’re in the "accumulation" phase of life, a few financial leaks don’t seem like a big deal. You’re working, the paycheck is coming in, and life is busy. But when you transition to retirement, the math changes. You are now living off the "bucket" you spent a lifetime filling. Our job is to make sure that bucket doesn't have any unnecessary holes.

What should I be checking?

1. Subscription Creep: It starts small like a streaming service or two for the kids, a magazine you no longer read, gym membership or really anything. Individually, they’re $10 or $20. Collectively, we often find retirees spending hundreds a month on services they haven't touched in a year. That’s thousands a year, enough for a nice weekend getaway, going to companies that don't need your help.

2."Loyalty Tax": Insurance companies love long-term customers, but they rarely reward them. If you’ve had the same homeowners or auto policy for five years, you’re likely paying a "loyalty tax." A quick audit of your coverage can often reveal hundreds in savings without sacrificing protection. This has been a frequent conversation with clients over the last several years, as “Almost all homeowners nationwide experienced price hikes. Consumers in one-third of ZIP codes saw their premiums rise by more than 30 percent.” (1) For my local clients in Arizona, we had the third greatest percentage increase in premiums between 2021-2024.

3. "Cash Drag": Many of our clients come to us with significant cash sitting in traditional "big bank" savings accounts earning a fraction of a percent. In today’s world, that’s a leak. Clients should consult with their advisor on current money market and CD rates to compare.

Consumer Fed (1)

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice.

Mark Sanaiha

Financial “Spring Cleaning”

Ditch the Junk Drawer