Testimonials & Endorsements

I am a medical doctor about one year away from retirement and have managed my own investment portfolio throughout most of my career. As I approach retirement, I wanted a comprehensive, objective review of my entire financial and retirement plan. After researching several options, I chose Chris Shoup at Southshore Financial Planning largely because of his transparent and reasonable fee structure.

Chris did an exceptionally thorough job analyzing my full financial picture. He uses a very organized, step-by-step planning process that includes a series of focused meetings, which allowed us to thoughtfully build a plan together. The final product was detailed, refined, and well thought out. It addressed cash flow projections, tax considerations, Roth conversion strategies, Social Security timing recommendations for both spouses, and asset allocation with appropriate adjustments. He also covered the broader aspects of estate planning, including insurance considerations and coordination with legal documents. Importantly, Chris did not push any specific financial products. As someone who is cautious about advisors who aggressively promote annuities, I greatly appreciated his objective, advice-only approach. I was extremely pleased with the entire process and found his recommendations to be sound and well worth the investment.

If I decide to work with a full-time financial advisor in the future, Chris will absolutely be my first call. There is a lot to like about his management style and fee structure, and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking thoughtful, unbiased financial planning.

- Thompson M., Former Client

We've been clients of Southshore Financial Planning for the past 4 years and felt it has been well worth the investment. We have a somewhat complex financial profile with multiple businesses including our primary business being highly seasonal and commission based. Chris is adept at determining our risk tolerance, talking through various investment strategies, covering implications of risk/reward of those strategies, thinking through and planning out cash flow, as well as helping us align our finances with our long-term personal goals. Beyond his wealth of knowledge, Chris down to earth, very approachable and accessible to bounce ideas or talk through implications to our overall financial plan at a moment's notice outside of scheduled meetings he normally coordinates. They provide us thorough analysis as well as additional technology to help us manage our day-to-day finances.

His office also offers additional services beyond investing to ensure you and your family are thinking about all aspects of your financial picture from insurance to estate planning and tax review and then some. Nearly every meeting we have, we leave with something that Chris has brought to the table for us to consider. 

Lastly, although they have in-house services, as a small business themselves they're respectful of other small businesses you may already have a relationship with, such as a CPA, and are still willing to review those documents to ensure your maximizing all areas of your financial health. This is not to get more business for themselves, but to ensure your other vendors are doing their best for you as well. When we set out to find a financial advisor, we were looking really for an financial expert to be our partner to help us understand and navigate the very complex world of personal financing and we that's exactly what we have with Chris and Southshore Financial Planning. I cannot recommend him enough. 

- Nick, Current Client 

Chris has been working with my husband & I for just over 2 years now, as we consulted him before I retired. He was very professional in helping us with investments & figuring out a spending plan. We depend on his knowledge and plan to keep working with him for years to come.

- Holly K., Current Client

Although my wife and I have strong investment backgrounds (having held Registered Principals Licenses before retirement). We live by the old adage of "a lawyer who represents her/his self has a fool for a client". We have worked with Chris for nearly 12 months and we have been very pleased with his professionalism, expertise and his willingness to customize an investment strategy that meets our specific wishes and needs. 

- Greg E., Current Client

Our experience with Mr. Shoup has been 5 star. Chris has amazing people skills and is a plethora of knowledge in the field. His education and wisdom gave us confidence as we made decisions about our financial future. We feel he had OUR best interest in mind as he walked us through his thinking/ planning strategies. Chris has been there every step of the way in our journey to financial freedom and best practice in investing. We highly recommend. A bonus: he's super nice too.

- Michelle A., Former Client

Chris made financial planning feel approachable and personal for both me and my wife. He listened closely, understood what mattered most to us, and delivered a clear, customized roadmap we could follow. His flat-fee structure gave us peace of mind, and we always felt he was in our corner, not selling, just advising. Even working remotely, the experience was seamless. If you're looking for a financial advisor who’s transparent, responsive, and genuinely committed to your goals, Chris is the one to call.

- Dwayn, Current Client

We've just completed the approval of Chris' plan for us and the signing of the agreements. The impressive, 8-week onboarding process resulted in a plan that showed how very well Chris gathered information and listened to our needs. We're excited to watch the unfolding of the plan and are happy to highly recommend Chris Shoup and Southshore Financial Planning.

- Rev. Mrs. R., Current Clients

I have been a client of Chris Shoup at Southshore Financial Planning for about six months. From the outset, it became evident that Chris possesses an exceptional level of financial knowledge and expertise. One of the standout features of working with Chris is his commitment to transparency and fairness in pricing. Unlike many financial planners who charge a percentage of assets under management, Southshore Financial Planning operates on a flat fee structure.

Chris took the time to thoroughly understand my financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term aspirations. His ability to communicate complex financial concepts in a clear and understandable manner was truly appreciated. He not only guided me through the intricacies of investment strategies but also provided valuable insights into tax planning, insurance recommendations, retirement planning, and overall wealth management. I appreciate Chris's proactive approach to financial planning. He consistently keeps me informed about market trends, potential investment opportunities, and any adjustments needed to align my portfolio with my financial objectives. His dedication to staying abreast of the latest industry developments instills confidence in his ability to make well-informed decisions on my behalf.

SSFP uses state of the art software tools that provide the ability to model various strategies and determine which one makes the most sense based on my unique circumstances. In conclusion, Chris has not only demonstrated a high level of financial acumen but has also established a client-friendly fee structure that prioritizes transparency and fairness. I wholeheartedly recommend Chris Shoup to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and trustworthy financial planner committed to providing personalized and transparent services.

- John H., Current Client 

Bev and I are pleased to share our experience with Chris. Over the past year, and from our first meeting, it was clear that Chris has a deep understanding of finance and truly cares about his clients' success. For us, what makes Chris Shoup stand out is his broad knowledge of financial planning and investment strategies. Add also that he breaks down complicated concepts, and for visual learners like my wife and I, that is vital component to making informed decisions. Chris worked to fit a financial plan unique to our situation and dreams. That takes time and personal commitment.

Before Chris, we had financial help, but it felt ‘cookie-cutter’ or unrealistic in goals. We got lucky – we called Chris. Now with Chris we feel secure in our custom financial plan. Chris stays in contact and advises as needed. He also provides access 24/7 to all our financial progress. We wanted to keep this short, but there are so many positives about Chris Shoup and his team’s approach to financial management. We highly recommend Chris Shoup for financial management. If you need help with your finances, give Chris a call.

- Bev Lance, Current Client

I have known Chris for many years. He has helped me secure a retirement that will allow me to be independent and comfortable. Chris is always available to answer any questions I have in a way that is understandable to a lay person. I’m so please to have such a caring and responsible advisor. He’s wonderful.

- A. Evans, Current Client

We searched extensively and then directly contacted several fee only, fiduciary CFPs before agreeing to start working with Chris. It has been about six months and we could not be happier. His knowledge, attention to detail, professionalism, methodical approach and desire to provide a great service have exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to a relationship of many years.

- Craig & Beth, Current Clients

My husband and I have been with Chris for almost 2 years and have nothing but accolades for him. We are in our early 60's and didn't know how we stood financially for future retirement (never used a financial planner). After interviewing several financial planners, Chris came out on top! He is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and provided valuable information and guidance. Chris is very personable, easy to reach, and answers all our questions and concerns. He provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to financial planning. Definitely grateful that we chose Chris.

- Susan, Current Client

After receiving an inheritance, I thought it might be beneficial to get some guidance. After interviewing 3 advisors, I decided to go with Chris. Although we all like to THINK we know what we are doing, I soon realized I had much more to learn. Chris advised me on not only the inheritance and my other investments but guided me in my Trustee role with the grandkids trust as well. He directed me to diversify, and helped with tax mitigation strategies. Chris is a wealth of knowledge, easy to communicate with, and responds promptly to any questions I have. I really lucked out!

- Andrea B., Former Client