Sarah K. Charles, CSRIC®, AIF®
Worry less. Live more.
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Sanctuary Financial Planning
Sarah K. Charles, CSRIC®, AIF® she/her
Charlotte, NC
Serving Clients Nationwide
Worry less. Live more.
5 out of 5 Stars
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Areas of Focus
- Financial Life Planning
- Money Psychology
- Retirement Planning
- Tax-Smart Distribution Planning
- Women & Wealth
About Sarah K. Charles, CSRIC®, AIF®
You’ve worked hard, built wealth, and now you’re asking the big question: What’s next?I believe the answer isn’t just about money — it’s about meaning.
I’m a financial advisor, speaker, storyteller, and author of the bestselling From Work to What’s Next: Designing a Life You Don't Want to Retire From. For more than twenty years, I advised clients at top financial firms, guiding them through market cycles, major life decisions, and retirement transitions. Over time, I saw how traditional fee models and sales incentives often put the firm’s interests ahead of the client’s. And like many people, I’ve made my own money mistakes along the way — from credit card debt to sitting on the sidelines of my own financial life — experiences that help me meet clients with empathy rather than judgment.
In 2023, my husband Jim and I founded Sanctuary Financial Planning to change the way people experience financial advice. (Fun fact: we met on a blind date and immediately started talking shop about financial planning. We're nerds like that.) With our flat-fee model, clients receive transparent, high-quality fee-only, fiduciary guidance without asset minimums, sales agendas, or intimidation. Our mission is simple: help people make confident, informed decisions aligned with what matters most.
MY FOCUS
I specialize in working with people in or approaching retirement, helping them turn uncertainty into confidence through strategies like Roth conversions, retirement withdrawal planning, charitable giving, and portfolio tax optimization.
I'm especially drawn to the stage when your financial life shifts from building wealth to living on it. This is where planning gets real: designing a sustainable retirement paycheck that replaces your earned income and lasts for decades.
I also care deeply about women's financial empowerment, helping women build clarity, confidence, and the skills to take full ownership of their financial lives.
MY APPROACH
Every client relationship begins with your money story — the beliefs, experiences, and motivations that shape how you save, spend, and invest. Understanding that foundation helps us build a personalized plan aligned with your stage of life, whether you're preparing for retirement, navigating a transition, or refining your legacy.
Clients who work with me can expect straight talk, no jargon, and a collaborative process that puts them in control. As a breast cancer survivor, a grandmother, and someone who has rewritten her own money beliefs, I understand how life events and identity shifts reshape our relationship with money. My role is guide — not gatekeeper — helping you make confident, meaningful decisions rooted in what matters most.
Professional Designations
- Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)
- Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC)
Affiliations
- XY Planning Network
Primary Location
Charlotte, North Carolina
Video
Meeting Options
- Video Conference
- Phone
Compensation Methods
- Fee Only
- Flat Fee
What to expect in the first meeting
Click the 'Book Intro Call' button above to learn more about Sanctuary and how we work with clients. This 15-minute, complimentary Inquiry Call is a chance to mutually determine if the services we provide are a fit for your needs. I look forward to speaking with you.About Sanctuary Financial Planning
At Sanctuary Financial Planning, our mission is simple: make financial advice honest, clear, and aligned with your life—not your advisor's bottom line.Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and serving clients nationwide, we provide flat-fee, fee-only comprehensive wealth management for professionals approaching life's biggest transitions— especially those ages 45–60 navigating the shift from career to what comes next.
Founded by Sarah Charles, CSRIC®, AIF® and Jim Charles, CFP®, CFA®, CDFA® — a husband-and-wife team with more than sixty years of combined experience — Sanctuary was built to offer a different kind of advisory relationship: one rooted in trust, transparency, and alignment. That means:
• No commissions
• No asset minimums
• No AUM fees
Just comprehensive planning and investment management for one transparent flat quarterly fee.
We work with professionals who are successful but wondering what comes next—whether that's a career pivot, early retirement, business sale, divorce, or simply redesigning what the next thirty years look like. Our clients don't need someone to manage their money in a vacuum; they need a partner to help them design a life they don't want to retire from.
We meet you with empathy, strategy, and zero judgment. Because money should give you freedom, not come with strings attached. And good advice should serve you, not the other way around.
Education
Duke University, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics
Hobbies and Interests
- Beach
- Cooking
- Cycling
- Family
- Gardening
- Reading
- Shopping
- Traveling
- Walking
- Wine
- Working Out
- Writing
SEC Lookup
View DisclosureWho We Serve
- Baby Boomers
- Business Owners
- Corporate Executives
- Couples
- Divorce
- Dual Income Family
- Entrepreneurs
- Families
- Gen X
- Living in Retirement
- Single Women
- Widow
- Women in Transition
- Women Professionals
Wealthtender® is a trusted, independent financial directory and educational resource governed by our strict Editorial Policy, Integrity Standards, and Terms of Use. While we receive compensation from featured professionals (a natural conflict of interest), we always operate with integrity and transparency to earn your trust. Wealthtender is not a client of these providers. Testimonials may not be representative of other clients’ experiences and do not guarantee future performance or success.
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Building Our Financial Future with Trusted, Personalized Guidance
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Oct 2, 2025
As a newly married couple, our goal was to build a financial foundation together and start planning for our long-term life goals., and we were specifically looking for a flat fee/hourly fiduciary advisor. After our initial discovery call with Jim and Sarah, we knew we were in good hands. We appreciated the initial time investment in getting to know who we are and what's important to us, and their advice was tailored to both our personal and financial/retirement goals. In our series of meetings, we went through everything -- budget, investments, retirement analysis and projections, and taxes/insurance/wills -- and were pleased with their detailed advice rooted in decades of experience, which included the "why" behind their recommendations. We left our meetings with a clear list of action items to keep us on the right financial path.
We look forward to maintaining a relationship with Sanctuary in future check-ups, and we're confident that the work we've done with them so far will set us up for future success.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Oct 2, 2025
Compensation: This reviewer received no compensation for this review.
Conflicts of Interest: There are no material conflicts of interest.
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.
Great Hourly Financial Advice
✅ Wealthtender Certified Advisor Review™
Jun 26, 2024
I am a recently divorced woman who had previously been married to a CFO who handled our investments. Now it's my time to learn how to do it and with my index fund/passive investment strategy I didn't want to pay anyone to manage things full time, I felt with some education and advice I could do it myself. Sarah gave me good guidance on tax planning and overall investment strategy. I will continue working with her on an hourly basis as questions arise.
Relationship to Financial Advisor: Client as of Jun 26, 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 Sarah K. Charles, CSRIC®, AIF®
View Disclosures
FAQs
Is Sarah Charles a fiduciary, fee-only, flat-fee financial planner?
Yes. Sarah is a fiduciary advisor who offers flat-fee comprehensive wealth management. She operates with full transparency—no commissions or asset-based fees (AUM)—ensuring her guidance is always aligned with your best interest.
Does Sarah Charles offer comprehensive wealth management including both financial planning and investment management?
Sarah offers Comprehensive Wealth Management, which integrates financial planning and investment management under one flat quarterly fee. This all-inclusive service covers retirement income planning, tax optimization, investment management, estate coordination, and ongoing guidance—no asset minimums, no sales pressure.
Does Sarah Charles work with clients nationally?
Yes. Sarah is based in Charlotte, NC, but delivers personalized, high-touch planning to clients across the United States through a completely virtual model.
Is Sarah Charles a good fit for people nearing or in retirement?
Yes. With a focus on decumulation and retirement income planning, Sarah helps clients confidently transition from accumulation to distribution, using tools like Roth conversions, tax-smart withdrawals, and dynamic income strategies to create a reliable "retirement paycheck."
What is Sarah Charles's approach to planning across life stages?
Sarah tailors every plan to a client's life phase—not their age. Whether building wealth, navigating a major transition, or refining legacy goals, she ensures plans are aligned with values and priorities at every stage.
How does Sarah Charles approach retirement income planning?
Sarah uses a dynamic, guardrail-based income planning model that adapts to market shifts and life changes. Her goal: help clients maintain consistent, secure retirement income without sacrificing long-term prosperity.
Does Sarah Charles offer guidance in tax-savvy strategies like Roth conversions and charitable giving?
Yes. Sarah focuses on tax-aware retirement planning, helping clients evaluate Roth conversions, plan charitable distributions, and optimize withdrawal sequencing—all designed to preserve more wealth and align with their financial goals.
Does Sarah Charles focus on behavior and emotions in financial planning?
Yes. Sarah believes the biggest financial challenges aren't mathematical—they're behavioral and emotional. Before creating strategies, she helps clients understand why they make the money decisions they make: the beliefs, experiences, and emotions that shape spending, saving, and investing. This approach leads to better outcomes because plans are built around how you actually think and feel about money, not just what the numbers say you should do.
Does Sarah Charles's fee increase as my portfolio grows?
No. Unlike traditional AUM (assets under management) advisors who charge a percentage of your portfolio, Sarah charges a flat quarterly fee that remains consistent regardless of portfolio size. Your fee may adjust annually based on inflation (CPI-U) to reflect the rising cost of delivering services, but it is never tied to your account balance.
Does Sarah Charles have a minimum investment requirement?
No. Sarah does not have asset minimums. She charges a flat quarterly fee for Comprehensive Wealth Management that is not based on the size of your portfolio.
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Please see important disclosures below awards View Disclosures
Wealthtender Awards
Sarah K. Charles, CSRIC®, AIF® received the 2025 Wealthtender Voice of the Client Highly Rated Advisor award.
