Sanctuary Financial Planning
Sanctuary Financial Planning
Charlotte, NC
Serving Clients Nationwide
Worry less. Live more.
5 out of 5 Stars
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Sarah K. Charles, CSRIC®, AIF®
Jim Charles, CFA, CFP®, CDFA®
Sanctuary Financial Planning
Video
Compensation Methods
- Fee Only
- Flat Fee
- Hourly Rate
- Offers Advice-Only Services
- One-time Financial Plan
- Package Offers
About Sanctuary Financial Planning
Sanctuary Financial Planning is a values-driven, advice-only firm on a mission to make financial advice radically more honest, accessible, and human. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and serving clients nationwide through a 100% virtual planning model, we offer flat-fee and hourly financial planning and flat-fee investment management for people who are tired of confusing costs, outdated incentives, and one-size-fits-all advice.Founded by Sarah Charles, AIF®, CSRIC™, and Jim Charles, CFP®, CFA®, CDFA®—a husband-and-wife team with more than sixty years of combined financial services experience—Sanctuary was built to offer a different kind of advisory relationship: one rooted in trust, transparency, and alignment. No commissions. No asset minimums. No wealth tests. Just clear advice, fair pricing, and a fierce commitment to helping people make confident, values-based decisions with their money.
We work with people at every stage of life—whether you’re building your foundation, navigating complexity, testing a transition, living your plan, or refining your legacy. We’ve helped everyone from retirees to high-level executives navigate major life changes with clarity, confidence, and meaning.
Whether you’re entering a new chapter, planning for retirement, or simply striving to make smarter decisions with your resources, we meet you with empathy, strategy, and zero judgment. We believe good advice should serve you—not the other way around.
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View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Baby Boomers
- Business Owners
- Corporate Executives
- Couples
- Divorce
- DIY Investors
- Dual Income Family
- Entrepreneurs
- Families
- Gen X
- Gen Y / Millennials
- Gen Z
- Living in Retirement
- Single Women
- Widow
- Women in Transition
- Women Professionals
- Women’s Finance
To make Wealthtender free for readers, we earn a nominal monthly fee from financial advisors and firms in exchange for marketing services (including being featured on this profile page), subject to terms of use. This compensation creates a natural conflict of interest when we favor their promotion over others. Wealthtender is not a client of these advisors or firms. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.
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Extremely Knowledgable - Appreciated the thoughtful and valuable advice given as part of our "Financial Checkup"
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 11, 2025
We initially came to Sarah and Jim for a second opinion on our retirement plan, with a specific focus on getting guidance on a Roth conversion.
What truly differentiated them was their fee-only structure. We loved the "buffet style" approach, which allowed us to pick and choose exactly what we wanted to cover. The fee had nothing to do with the amount of assets we had, which we found refreshing.
As DIY investors, we manage our own portfolio, but we sought expert advice on our strategy. Working with Sarah and Jim was an absolute pleasure. They are both incredibly knowledgeable and gave us the confidence and clarity we needed to move forward with our plan.
We highly recommend their service for anyone looking for a comprehensive check-up or specialized financial advice!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 11, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Financial Road Map with a Competent, Compassionate and Engaging Fiduciary Firm
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Aug 7, 2025
We were referred to Sanctuary Financial Advisors, specifically Sarah and Jim, by my lifelong mentor and New York Times bestselling author, Dan Solin, known for “The Smartest Investor” book series. This referral has proven to be the most valuable advice we have ever received. From our initial consultation, we felt an immediate sense of trust and comfort working with them. Throughout the process, they have patiently educated us, about the various financial options and decisions we have made and/or may make in the future.
As we approach retirement in the coming years, Sarah and Jim have provided exceptional guidance, enhancing our confidence in our financial decisions and the savings we have accumulated. They have shown us a roadmap specifically looking at our situation. Their expertise spans fund distributions, tax implications, long-term care, and Medicare planning. As fiduciary financial planners, they demonstrate transparency in their fee structure and excel in clear, compassionate communication. Their ability to alleviate anxiety throughout the planning process has been invaluable.
In retrospect, we only wish we had engaged their services 35 years ago! We wholeheartedly recommend Sanctuary Financial Advisors to anyone seeking professional, trustworthy financial guidance.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Aug 7, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Thoughtful, Transparent Financial Planning with Peace of Mind
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 28, 2025
We’ve been working with Sarah and Jim for the past year and couldn’t be happier with the experience. While we were pleased with our previous advisor, we were particularly drawn to Sarah and Jim’s approach and transparent fee model-and they’ve exceeded our expectations. Over the past year, they’ve helped us feel confident about our retirement plans, especially as one of us transitioned into semi-retirement this year. They have also guided us through several other milestones including securing long-term care insurance. Their thoughtful, personalized advice has brought peace of mind and excitement for the future. We look forward to continuing our work with them and highly recommend their services.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 28, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Happily Moving Forward
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 10, 2025
What a relief it was when Sarah and Jim assured me I’d be able to retire and “worry less.” Their financial planning approach is fully grounded in well-respected financial theory, as well as the expertise they have gained helping clients over many years. Their caring, interest and empathetic understanding of the ups and downs that take a person to their current circumstances is to be applauded. There are big changes to come for me over the next few years and I am so grateful Sanctuary Financial Planning can help me discover and weigh the options and happily move forward!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 10, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Gave us the confidence to pull the trigger on retirement!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Feb 5, 2025
We have been DIY financial planners for most of our 20 plus years together and felt we had a solid plan but before we pulled the trigger on retirement, wanted an outside look at our plan and suggestions on how to optimize. Jamie had been the primary planner, so for Kate it was a real affirmation that she really could retire at 55. Sarah and Jim spoke to both of us in simple terms when needed but also were willing to "geek out" about details. For Kate it provided great confidence and for Jamie it also raised some additional consideration about specific aspects of the plan. More generally, we are huge advocates of hourly or project based financial planning as it aligns our incentives with that of the advisors. We look forward to working with Sanctuary as needed for many years.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Feb 5, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Sarah and Jim were great!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 28, 2024
My husband and I used Sanctuary Financial Planning for our first financial planning experience - about 5 years after getting married and 2 years after our first child was born. We had two primary questions headed into financial planning: 1. Are we on track with our retirement savings? 2. As we consider purchasing a new home, what can we comfortably afford? Sarah and Jim helped us confidently answer both of those questions while also giving clear, simple recommendations for our investments, life insurance, will, etc.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 28, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Thank You, Sarah & Jim
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Dec 18, 2024
Sarah and Jim were great to work with.
I've managed my finances and financial planning solo for the past 15 years. Sarah and Jim helped me understand my priorities and offered insights and guidance in a way that was specific and practical.
I highly recommend working with Sarah and Jim.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Dec 18, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Made the Process Easy - Great to Work With
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Nov 2, 2024
My husband and I were looking for a financial planning team that would be a trusted fiduciary and offer fair billing.
When you are planning retirement, it is important that your financial planners know your thoughts, dreams, resources and plans.
We met and worked together with Sarah and Jim Charles, Sanctuary Financial Planning. The fact that Jim and Sarah took the time to listen to our plans and helped guide us greatly eased the trepidations that we held about retirement planning.
We had long held frustrations with holdings that we were unsure of how to handle or even get a straight answer from the plan manager. Jim and Sarah provided us with details and support about what our options were and how we could proceed.
We are now in a much better frame of mind about our retirement plans.
Working with Jim and Sarah is a true pleasure, and we look forward to continuing as we move into actual retirement and beyond.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Nov 2, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Sigh of Relief!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 24, 2024
Transitioning from a managed-asset fee-based portfolio and very little or no contact from a team of brokers and sales associates, I decided to hear Jim and Sarah out on their philosophy of hourly based financial advice. All I have to say is I wish I had known this existed well before I started working with them. Jim and Sarah heard my concerns and frustrations about the lack of communication and guidance from my former brokers during the 10 plus years they "managed" my accounts including retirement, taxable and my small business. With my former brokers, there was no direction about preparing for retirement. With Jim and Sarah, I now have support and a clear path about what is needed to reach my retirement and business goals. Paying for financial advice on an hourly basis versus performance based fees makes more sense to me. Why would I EVER continue to pay brokers a fee whether I receive advice from them or not? My relationship with Sanctuary Financial Planning will be ever evolving and I feel them holding my hand every step of the way towards retirement. So much gratitude for the both of them!
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 24, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
I wish I found them earlier!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jul 8, 2024
I learned about the IRS Rule of 55 in my early 50’s and had been working with my assigned financial planner through my 403b plan (nonprofit version of 401k) to retire early (before the 59-½ allowable withdrawal without penalty). I was getting conflicting information from my assigned financial planner and the plan administrator, so I was unsure if I was making the best decisions for myself to begin withdrawing from my plan. It was scary to think about making a bad decision that could impact me negatively for a very long time.
After vetting several options, I began working with Sarah and Jim about 5 months prior to my selected retirement date. Their analysis made me feel confident I was making a sound decision! They recommended adjustments to my portfolio to minimize costs and maximize gains, helped me navigate some complexities around retiring with the Rule of 55, and helped me transition to the withdrawal stage. I am enjoying my days of freedom and believe I am on a sustainable path. I look forward to continuing my relationship to ensure my long-term success. My one regret is that I hadn’t found them earlier!
Note: I was initially scared off by the fees, until I learned in my vetting process how much I would be paying EVERY YEAR with other models. I am glad I took the time to understand the benefits of a fee only approach.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jul 8, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Comfort and Confidence in Planning!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 3, 2024
My husband and I were overwhelmed and confused running a small business and figuring out how to plan and prepare for our personal futures. With the help of Jim and Sarah our anxieties were put at ease. They took the time to get to know our current reality, past history, personalities, comfort levels, and future goals without judgement. Armed with this personalized perspective, these skilled professionals devised a plan with prioritized goals. They then helped us work through our plan to completion. From beginning to end, their guidance has been well worth their fees, and we love that there are options for us to continue working with them as our lives, goals, and business grows. We now have confidence and focus all thanks to Sanctuary!! They have made a complicated and intimidating process easy and fluid. We highly recommend Sanctuary Financial planning for any size portfolio and need.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 3, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Very Positive Experience
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 25, 2024
I felt that I had financial planning and our portfolio mix in hand, but, following the accidental death of my brother, I realized that another opinion would be helpful, both as a check of my plans, and as financial input to my wife if something happens to me. A part of my previous reluctance to involve a professional in our finances comes from my distaste of advisory fees structured as a percent of assets. While I never searched for an advisor charging an hourly or fixed fee, all of the advisors that I was familiar with used the percent of assets fee structure. On the recommendation of our son, a former colleague of Jim's at Dimensional, I called Jim, understanding that his firm provides financial advice on an hourly or fixed fee basis. Jim and Sarah were able to meet with my wife and me a few days later. In that meeting, Jim and Sarah made preliminary suggestions that I had never considered. They were clearly skilled advisors. Following the meeting, I provided Jim statements of our accounts, and I input personal information into a secure template created for us and accessed through the Sanctuary website. In a few weeks, Jim provided a written narrative and charts with suggested ETFs and their portfolio percentages for each of our accounts. Jim followed with a videoconference attended by my wife and me. Again, we were impressed. I found that the changes Jim suggested were more aligned with our goals and risk tolerance than my own choices. Also, Jim proposed funds that were less expensive than some I had. My wife was completely comfortable with Jim and Sarah and their approach to financial advice, and she is relieved to know that she would have their help. We have scheduled reviews with Jim every six months. We highly recommend Jim and Sarah.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 25, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Exceptional Guidance on Roth Conversion and Investment Simplification by Jim and Sarah
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 21, 2024
I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and support that Jim and Sarah from Sanctuary Financial Planning provided to help me transition my mom away from a traditional AUM manager and simplify her financial plan. They did a fantastic job with her Roth conversion strategy, modeling the potential benefits of converting her traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.
Jim and Sarah also assisted in simplifying my mom's investment portfolio, recommending a few low fee ETFs instead of several individual stocks. Their commitment to being fee-only financial planners really stood out, providing assurance that their advice was solely in my mom's best interest.
Both planners were highly professional, patient, and insightful. They made sure all our questions were answered and left us feeling confident in the financial decisions made. I highly recommend Jim and Sarah to anyone seeking competent and trustworthy financial guidance.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 21, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
Wonderful to work with!
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
May 21, 2024
Sarah and Jim were absolutely fantastic to work with. As fee only advisors, they clearly have your best financial interest in mind. There were a few things that were really helpful for us as we were working through some personal and professional decisions that required some deeper financial analysis. First, they helped us generate scenarios based on the different courses of action that we might take. That helped us make more informed decisions. Second, they helped us re-prioritize our financial goals based on OUR values, not everyone else says we should be doing. Not only was there advice helpful, clear, and actionable, they are also fun! You can't go wrong with Sanctuary.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of May 21, 2024
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
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Get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the services offered by Sanctuary Financial Planning
View Disclosures
FAQs
Is Sanctuary Financial Planning a fiduciary firm offering flat-fee and hourly planning?
Yes. Sanctuary offers flat-fee & hourly financial planning and flat-fee investment management. We believe in absolute transparency, with no hidden fees, commissions, or asset-based charges (AUM). As fiduciaries, we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interests, always. Discover your financial sanctuary
Can Sanctuary customize planning to what I need—whether it’s hourly, ongoing financial advice, or investment management?
Absolutely. At Sanctuary, you choose the level of support that’s right for you. Need a comprehensive plan with ongoing advice? We can do that. Prefer to get help with a specific issue on an hourly basis? That’s what we’re here for. Want to delegate investment management? We offer flat-fee options. Prefer to stay hands-on with your investments? You stay in control while we guide the strategy. You get the advice you need, when you need it—without asset minimums or long-term commitments. Sanctuary's Financial Planning Services
Does Sanctuary Financial Planning serve clients nationwide?
Yes. Sanctuary is based in Charlotte, NC but is 100% virtual, serving clients both locally and across the U.S. About Sanctuary
Who are the clients Sanctuary Financial Planning serves best?
We believe financial planning isn’t tied to your age or asset size—it’s about aligning your choices with your stage of life. Whether you’re building your foundation, juggling growth and complexity, testing a transition, living your plan, or refining your legacy, we meet you where you are.
We work best with people who want clarity and control over their financial future, value a transparent &fair fee structure, seek a guide—not a salesperson—to navigate life’s transitions, and prefer planning that’s designed around real-life signals, not outdated milestones. How we're different
How does Sanctuary’s planning process adapt to my stage of life?
Life doesn’t follow a checklist so we designed our planning process to flex with you across five key life stages:
1. Foundation Building: Earning, saving, & setting your future on solid ground.
2. Strategic Structuring: Juggling career, family, & complex financial decisions.
3. Transition Testing: Exploring “What’s Next” before making the leap.
4. Living the Plan: Turning assets into income & shaping your lifestyle.
5. Legacy & Lifestyle Refinement: Prioritizing joy, impact, & simplicity.
Wherever you are, we help you align your resources, values, and decisions to create a meaningful life.
How does Sanctuary approach retirement income planning (decumulation)?
Sanctuary uses a Dynamic Income Planning approach with guardrails to help you confidently spend in retirement. We structure a reliable “retirement paycheck” that adapts to market conditions and life changes, so you stay on track. Whether your assets are in IRAs, taxable accounts, or elsewhere, we help you be thoughtful and proactive about when and how to draw income, aiming to manage taxes as effectively as possible within your personal circumstances.
What is Advice Only Financial Planning?
Advice-Only financial planning is a service model where financial advisors or planners provide unbiased, personalized financial advice to clients without selling any financial products, receiving commissions, or charging based off of assets under management (AUM). This ensures that the planner's recommendations are solely based on the client's best interests, and not influenced by sales incentives. At Sanctuary, we believe advice should be independent of how much money you have.
Can Sanctuary help self-directed investors who manage their own portfolios?
Absolutely. Many of our clients prefer to manage their own investments but recognize the value of professional financial planning. At Sanctuary, we unbundle planning from investment management, so you can maintain full control of your portfolio while we guide the bigger picture.
We help self-directed investors align their investments with life goals, manage taxes, navigate cash flow decisions, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. You get a strategic partner for planning, without giving up control of your assets or paying asset-based fees.
Does Sanctuary manage investments, and how is it different from traditional AUM advisors?
Yes, Sanctuary offers flat-fee investment management for clients who wish to delegate portfolio management. Unlike advisors who charge a percentage of your assets (AUM), we set a transparent flat fee each year based on the scope of work—not the size of your portfolio.
This ensures our compensation reflects the time, expertise, and services provided—not how much you’ve accumulated. You stay in control, knowing exactly what you're paying for, with no hidden incentives to gather more assets.
How does Sanctuary help simplify complex financial decisions?
Many clients come to us feeling overwhelmed by the moving parts of their financial life—investments, taxes, cash flow, risk management, estate planning, and more. At Sanctuary, we simplify complexity. Our process helps you prioritize, organize, and take action, so you can make confident decisions without getting buried in details.
We break down sophisticated strategies into clear, actionable steps, tailored to your stage of life. You get a clear roadmap, so you’re never left wondering, “Am I missing something?”
