

Financial Strategies, Inc. practices in multiple professional financial services for Arizona residents. FSI also provides consulting services to clients all over the United States on Inherited IRA decisions that must be made at the death of the plan participant.
Arizona residents for decades have trusted FSI for it's professional Arizona Trust Portfolios. And Estate Settlement Services when a Trust owner or Estate owner dies.
The Better Business Bureau has rated FSI "A+" consistantly since membership inception. FSI is a member of the Arizona Association of Independent Paralegals and the National Associaton of Realtors and Arizona Association of Realtors.*
CONTACT US AT:
1-800-782-2806
Email: mdanderson@webfsi.com
* Separate real estate services are provided by Realty One Group-Gilbert. Realty One Group is not directly or indirectly associated with FSI.
WELCOME!
TO ARIZONA ESTATE SETTLEMENT SERVICES
Our firm is an alternative to big law firm estate settlement fees. Most estates (including trust estates) only need guided coaching and help in administration. Find out if your Arizona death estate could save thousands of dollars in needless legal fees and delays.
Losing a Loved One
Don't let the estate get stuck with a big settlement legal bill. Whether a surviving spouse or loved one, or acting estate manager; you can feel like your falling into an abyss of complicated procedures and forms to fill out, and big costs. Discover that we are here to catch you BEFORE you take the plunge into "unknown" territory.

Don't Jump!
After over 40 years of professional estate advisory here in Arizona, our firm has seen a lot of good money go down the drain needlessly from those who thought they needed a lawyer to settle an estate.
What you need is a professional financial advisor trained and experienced in every aspect of financial services. Few lawyers practice outside of their field of law. Having a multi-services financial expert can save a lot of money.
Our long term A+ Better Business Bureau rated firm in Arizona exists to offer ALL financial services and consulting needs you will discover in the estate settlement process.
It could be a complicated tax question you need help with. Or, an estate home you seek professional Realtor advice before listing the home for sale. Or a tricky IRA question no one else seems to have a very good answer for you.
And, most estate managers need help right up front to determine if probate is necessary. That is a very easy question we answer in our first conference with you. (even if you don't hire us)
Sadly, many feel that only paying the starter retainer fee of $25,000 to a law firm can assure them that everything can be done correctly and on time. Nothing could be further from the truth!
FSI has settled hundreds of estates in and out of trust for over 39 years. Review our Guarantee Pricing below for more details on employing our professional estate settlement services.

Want a fixed cost?
FSI has low cost plans to fit every situation. A minimum starter retainer of $1,500 is required for all estates. (Unused retainer funds are refunded 30 days after services complete) Most Arizona estates (even if subject to probate) can be settled on this first retainer fee alone.
Some estates discover problems that need additional time not known at the time settlement services were started. For these situations, yes additional retainer money will be required. Expenses are paid out of retained funds reducing balance but normally are minimal in most settlements. (Filing fees/Postage/Recordation Fees)
There is a way to get a no cost estate settlement. FSI will refund all estate settlement fees paid when the estate home, investment or business real estate property is listed and successfully sold by Michael Anderson (or associates) acting as your professional Realtor/s.*
* Separate real estate services are provided by Realty One Group-Gilbert. Realty One Group is not directly or indirectly associated with FSI.
Who We Are
Financial Strategies, Inc. is a long term Arizona Financial Services Corporation.

Trust is Everything When Hiring an Estate Coach
Without trust, all you have is chaos.
Many times an estate settlement can turn into a nightmare scenario with delays from needing opinions from multiple financial advisors. In addition to employing these advisor at full hourly billing rates often billing on one matter after another in unison; final decisions take a lot of time and cost a ton of money.
Mr. Anderson has been one of those advisors many times over his long career who observed the client being billed by the accountant, the lawyer and the investment advisor or financial consultant. With his FSI 2026 billing rate of $250/hr, he has seen clients get billed for each hour as much as $1,000 or more (for many hours) in conference rooms filled with multiple professionals - all billing separately at their firm's rates in unison.
This is ridiculous. If more than one advisor is needed in your estate settlement work, he will be the first to tell you and help you obtain qualified and affordable outside help. But for almost all estates he has consulted or coached on - he has successfully settled hundreds of estates without the need for outside help. The savings means more money for the heirs of the estate. And that is a good thing!
What seems hard to believe is that many survivors needing estate settlement services always turn to a law firm first. We want to encourage them to review our money saving services to settle a trust, file informal probate with or without a Will, or attend to any other financial matter that arises after the death of a loved one. And get a firm estimate of costs involved.
FSI has settled hundreds of living trusts for it's own clients over the years, as well as quite a few attorney prepared trusts that didn't go smoothly upon the 2nd death of a couple, or the death of single trust owner. The reason is simple. Lack of funding and updating. Law firms rarely offer funding services right after a trust is signed and their clients assume they are done once they walk out the door after signing their trust.
The truth is, it's not over until you put your assets into the trust. New statutes in Arizona recently changed greatly increased the limits of asset value you can keep out of trust and still avoid probate. Up to $300,000 in real estate and $200,000 in non real estate assets.
For some smaller estates, the need for a trust has been reduced at least for avoiding probate. But even in that situation, having all your assets in your trust makes it much easier for estate settlement. No required affadavits to transfer property. Better privacy in online records. And much easier administration when one dies.
Being over these limits, you may need our estate/trust settlement services now. Please contact us at 1-800-782-2806 to discuss your situation without cost or obligation.
Michael D. Anderson

FSI Testimonials On Our Various Services
PLEASE REVIEW TO SEE WHY WE ARE REFERRED BY OTHER PROFESSIONALS AND OUR SATISFIED CLIENTS
It was my mother, Berniece Robb, who first introduced me to Michael Anderson. Mother's tax accountant extraordinaire for a period of time, she became aware of Mike's family trust preparation capabilities. Contacting referrals, she received splendid encouragement from individuals who had engaged Mr. Anderson in preparing their trusts. Mother placed her confidence in Mike and asked him to proceed with her estate. Soon after, as I was a widow with three children, Mother encouraged me to do the same. That was winter of 1992.
Mother died in April of 1996. As difficult as the loss was emotionally, Mike stepped up to the plate (Mike was only a phone call away), just as he informed us he would and as the trust would. As successor to Mother's estate, I had immediate access to her accounts, including the ability to write checks for her funeral expenses. There was no probate, no waiting, no need for approval from brokerage houses and financial institutions, and no added expenses. Everything was in order and fell mercifully in place, thanks to Mike's foresight in trust preparation.
While periodic updates may be necessary due to changes in the law (I have had one), I can say with confidence that I have peace of mind Mike will inform me of such changes and my children will experience the same ease when it comes time to settling my estate at my death. My children will know my final wishes. Short of that, the individuals I have chosen will have the trust tools (Powers of Attorney), to deal with all health and financial issues should I be incapable of doing so.
In all sincerity, Thank you Mike Anderson for offering me "Shaffer Family Trust" peace of mind.
— Sue Shaffer

Michael D. Anderson's website, Inherited IRA Hell, is a sound inherited/ beneficiary IRA primer. The in depth and broad coverage of fundamentals there indicated to me a potentially practical and skilled working knowledge on the part of its author. I gave Mike a try and have not turned back. My Enrolled Agents have been the best yet they were hesitant to dig into probate related matters outside my state of residence. As a team player, Mike was able to put it all together with the precision required to reduce fact finding time and its corresponding expense.
When one seeks others to enter into their business affairs, trust over the services of another or of an entity is cliche to the point of irritation and possibly even consternation; yet trust aptly describes the confidence that Mike has brought to my family.
The services delivered by most professions today can be overwhelming as well. It has been a comfort to have FSI process, administrate and problem solve the matters I brought to their attention. The format has been logical and backed up with written criterion to address my specific concerns.
Mike can accurately be defined with a phrase that has dropped out of use due to ill causatives. He possesses, what Dave Ramsey over the years has called, "the true heart of a servant". Moreover, he does not plunder what Steven R. Covey referred to as someone else's "rice bowl".
Brian M Fedorka
Columbus MS
Arborist, Former ASE master automotive tech
— Brian Fedorka

Way back in 1985 after listening to a free trust seminar, my wife and I decided we should have a family trust. It was costly and occasional up-dating fees were causing us to wonder if it was worth it. A few years after losing the love of y life in 2009, a friend recommended I go see Mike Anderson.
Although not a lawyer, he has had extensive training and experience with family trusts. The traumatic loss of my spouse changed some provisions of our marital trust. Mike suggested a trust amendment in the entirety as the lowest cost option to revise what became my sole, single person trust. The fee to receive his company’s entire “Trust Portfolio” was surprisingly modest, and all my important legal documents got updated. About that time, The CPA with whom I had a ten-year relationship raised his fees once again. (I overheard one CPA tell another -- “If you do not lose 10% of your clients once a year, you are not charging enough.”) I again turned to Mike and found him to be a well-informed tax man as well as an expert in real estate.
Recently, I mentioned to Mike my desire to help my special needs grandchild who I wanted to leave money for to assist and supplement his financial support after my death. And assure money made available would not be taken by government agencies providing benefits. Mike explained how a Special Needs Trust (SNT) would work. He informed me that he and his wife also had a mentally disabled adult child who he had designed a custom Special Needs Supplemental Trust for in his own estate planning. Mike showed his expertise in this important area of estate planning and I obtained the best there is, again for a modest fee. You will find Mike friendly, extremely knowledgeable in wills, trusts, taxes and real estate. He has a lawyer consulting partner with vast world-wide experience who is Mike’s back-up for legal matters. Being up in years now, I have peace of mind knowing I have a financial adviser who is handling most of my financial matters and constantly watching my back.
— Jerry Hackert

I have known Michael Anderson for some time as both a colleague and as an associate of our 105 year-old Brazilian international law firm, located in Rio de Janeiro. Mike and his Arizona firm, Financial Strategies, Inc. has been contracted to do strategic financial, tax, trust and estate planning and development on behalf of an important and long-standing client, a member of one of Brazil’s most famous families with assets in Brazil and abroad .
I can personally attest to his business acumen, sharpness of mind, outstanding professional abilities and most importantly, his honesty, integrity and professionalism in accomplishing the most difficult and complex tasks put to him. Mike’s personal interest in the well-being and concern for the client’s interests entrusted to him is remarkable and noteworthy. His Estate Planning & Trust Portfolio has become a model for others attempting to match his efforts in producing such an important and meaningful document to both clients, their heirs and family members.
Our office has constantly dealt with professionals in all sectors world-wide over the years and I can attest to that fact that Mike is head and shoulders above them all. We look forward to a continued and fruitful relationship with Michael Anderson and his firm for years to come.
— Dr. Saul S. Gefter, Esq.
U.S. Consul (ret.)
Member, D.C. Bar Assn.

My first interaction with Mike happened back in September 2005 approximately 1 month after my mother passed away in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Mike had made my mothers living trust some years prior to her death. I had copies of bits and pieces of the trust my mother had sent me but had never seen the whole trust until it was given to me by her new husband of 8 months only hours after her death. Being unfamiliar with the trust as well as devastated by the sudden passing of my mother I went through it briefly and hit what I felt were the high points. It wasn’t until I arrived back in Spokane, Washington that I sought out help ciphering through the whole trust with the help of a reputable living trust attorney. His initial charge to complete it all would be between $15,000- $25,000. It was a fairly substantial trust but I felt that was a bit over the top. I then sat down and read it cover to cover and stumbled upon a statement that said to contact Mike Anderson if any problems were encountered reading the trust. So I figured I’d contact him before proceeding forward of course figuring another big price tag to get help!
Boy was I pleasantly surprised after speaking with Mike for just a few minutes and finding out he could take care of everything for somewhere around $1000-$1500 depending on what changes my mother had done to it. I sent the trust to Mike. From that point on I never had any worries. Mike kept in constant contact with me always keeping me informed of what needed to be done and when and then he took care of it. My mother (bless her heart) had made quite numerous changes some on her own and some with assistance from her new husband of 8 months. Most changes were done by pencil scratch out and re-written in new information. Mike was able to cipher through all the legal and questionable changes that had taken place and handled everything there in Arizona.
I felt so comfortable with Mike’s guidance and knowledge I had him go ahead and make living trust’s for both me and my wife. I have been in contact with Mike over the last 3 years asking guidance when I make additions and changes to my trust and he is always very expedient and professional in getting back to me. I cannot thank Mike enough for all the monetary value he saved but more for all the mental grief he saved me. Thanks Mike!"
Retired MSgt USAF
Max & Ellen Eskildsen

Mike's dedication to his clients goes beyond mere transactions; he builds lasting relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. His proactive approach ensures that clients are not only informed but also empowered to make informed decisions regarding their financial futures. With a focus on personalized service, Mike tailors strategies that align with each client's unique circumstances and goals. This commitment has resulted in a loyal clientele who appreciate his expertise and genuine care. Whether navigating complex tax situations or planning for future generations, clients can trust Mike to lead them with integrity and competence.
"Toddy Ehrgott Family”
— Pamela Ehrgott, Trustee
Noting: Noting: Toddy was an elderly client in Sun Lakes, Arizona. She used our trust portfolio services early on and helped many on her block also discover our well known (even back then) trust services. She documented her changes like a bookeeper and her daughter (Pamela), a high end employee of an east coast bank - wrote this special note to me. Her mother had everything current when she passed away and there was very little work to transfer her trust estate to her heirs.
Our Settlement Services
FSI has worked with many estates over the years. One in particular was the estate of Frances Horwich, one of the most popular women in the world in the 1950's. Many young children grew up watching her television show "Ding Dong" School, the first children's show in America.

Preparing Inventory for Auction is Our Specialty
FSI is well versed in helping arrange for auction higher valued estate artifacts.
FSI photographed and inventoried all estate assets including many antiques and TV memborabalia before arranging for public auction. A website was build so bidders around the world could (and did) bid on certain items. The most successful items in our Scottsdale Auction House inventory were original storyboards with Miss. Frances and Cartoonists Charles M. Schultz and Hank Ketcham.

Miss Frances was the appointed supervisor of all network children's programs for NBC Television.
Doctor Frances Horwich Creator and Star of the "Ding Dong School"
A beautiful lady who unfortuntely had her estate cash drained by a local Phoenix law firm in the early 2000's. Only when the all the cash was gone, did the firm release the estate and house keys to the sole heir, our client. The client even had to pay $10,000 in final fees to take delivery of her assets. You most likely don't need more than a coach to help you settle your estate matter now at hand. Don't let what happened to Miss Frances happen in your estate.
IMPORTANTDISCLOSURE: Financial Strategies, Inc. is an Arizona licensed certified legal document preparer firm (AZCLDP) under license # 80738, and Mr. Anderson practices individually under license #80737. FSI is also an insurance brokerage firm under ArizonaLicense #3777. Additional services are provided by FSI owner M.D. Anderson asan IRS Tax Preparer under PTIN ID # P00281346 and FSI is an approved IRS E-fileoriginator firm. Mr. Anderson is also an Arizona Realtor® under Arizona RealEstate License #SA534235000 and represents Realty One Group as a professionalRealtor in the Gilbert Arizona branch office. Mr. Anderson is also a Licensedand Insured Arizona Notary. Mr. Anderson is a former Securities Representativeand Registered Investment Advisor Representative, who has been practicing formany years in those field. FSI also provides estate, tax, business, computerconsulting, and assists clients wanting to purchase precious metals (consultingonly), and other hard assets. Crypto coin investing and tax reporting is also anew service of FSI. Also Mr. Anderson is a nationally known Inherited IRAconsultant and has been published in many national print and/or onlinepublications.CONSUMER NOTE REGARDING LEGAL DOCUMENT SERVICES: Financial Strategies, Inc. is an Arizona Certified Legal Document (AZCLDP) Preparation firm, certified and supervised by a committee of the Arizona Supreme Court. The main reason some desire to use an AZCLDP instead of an attorney is when no actual legal advice is needed. The difference in billing rate for most AZCLDP's would be 50% or less than most legal firm rates. FSI can assist in research, procedural assistance and give general legal information so that you can decide which legal documents you would like to have prepared for you. An AZCLDP firm and certified associates cannot represent you in court. AZCLDP firm and certified associates are not lawyers, are not employed or supervised by a lawyer, and cannot give legal advice. Communications with an AZCLDP firm and certified associates are private and confidential but not privileged as they are with an attorney.
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