First Step Financial | Honest financial advice for people doing good work

he/him

Hi! I'm Ben

I’ve spent the last 15 years fighting for causes I believe in: organizing to abolish ICE, fighting apartheid and genocide in Palestine, mobilizing in the streets against the far-right, and coordinating protests against the surveillance state.

Doing that work, I've met incredible people with incredible qualities, full of caring, daring, and wisdom. One quality that I noticed showing up less often: “super interested in finding the right type of account for my savings, fascinated by my workplace benefits, and passionate about using insurance to protect me and the people I care about.”

That’s why I started First Step Financial: to help people like you keep doing the work that makes a difference, while building a full life that’s sustainable and meaningful in the ways that matter to you.

If navigating capitalism is getting you stuck - in confusion, shame, or just a lack of time - I'd be honored to help you take the right first step for you.

You can find me walking around Jamaica Pond, playing board games with too many rules, and getting back into making lavender candles.

Our Values

Integrity

Honest fiduciary advice that centers your best interest, always.

Transparency

Clear fees, clear advice. No hidden agendas, no confusing jargon.

Deep Listening

Your goals and your values will always be at the center of our work together.

Inclusion

You're welcome here as you are, for who you are.

First Step Financial is...

Accessible

Our services are offered on a sliding scale basis. All of our work together will be tailored to you: helping you get from your situation to your goals by following your values.

Shame-free

Money stuff can be really intimidating! This process is about supporting you; leave perfection at the door.

Advice-Only

We offer guidance, but you always maintain full control of your accounts. We do not take custody of your assets or place trades.

Fee-Only

We don't accept compensation from any companies or financial institutions. This way we never have a financial incentive to recommend a certain account or investment.

* First Step Financial LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor ("RIA") in Massachusetts. Our registration as an investment advisor does not imply any specific level of skill or training, and is not an endorsement of the firm by Massachusetts, any other state, or the federal Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

How It Works

3 simple service options:

One And Done

A One-Time Financial Plan

We meet several times to dig deep into your goals, values, and current financial situation. You leave with a comprehensive financial plan, and clarity on the next steps. Once the plan is delivered, additional support is available on an hourly basis.

$540-$1,800 (sliding scale)

Consistent

A Financial Plan, Plus Ongoing Support

We meet several times to dig deep into your goals, values, and current financial situation. You get a comprehensive financial plan, and we help you implement it. Afterwards we meet quarterly to keep you on track, update your plan as needed, and support you as new challenges and opportunities come up.

$36-$180/month (sliding scale)

Flexible

Hourly Support

Have a specific question, or need support thinking through a particular purchase or decision? Looking for help implementing a plan you already have? This is the option for you!

$54-$180/hour (sliding scale)

Sliding Scale Pricing

First Step Financial operates on a sliding scale basis. We want our work together to feel fair and accessible based on your financial situation.

Plan + Ongoing Support $36-$180/mo
One-off Plan $540-$1,800
Hourly $54-$180/hr

Ready to take the first step?

Book a free intro call. We'll chat for 15-20 minutes to see if it's a good fit. No pressure, no sales pitch.

Schedule A Free Intro Call

hi@firststepfinancial.io

Boston / Remote