Financial Success for Skilled Trades Professionals:

Your Trusted Partner in Building Wealth

Invest with Confidence, Clarity & Trust

Financial Education Workshops

Investment Management

Business Consulting

About Us

As a fee-only investment advisory firm, Grit & Lavender Financial Planning is dedicated to serving the unique financial needs of skilled trades professionals. We understand the challenges and opportunities that come with your line of work, and our transparent approach ensures unbiased and objective financial advice. Our goal is to help you achieve financial success and secure your future.

Our Services

  • Supported Do-It-Yourself Financial Planning is a unique approach that empowers you to take control of your finances while providing access to expert guidance and support along the way.

    Our platform is designed to make financial planning accessible, intuitive and affordable. You’ll have access to powerful planning tools, resources, and educational content that will help you create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your unique needs. And, if you need help, our team of financial planning experts is only a click or a call away.

    With Support Do-It-Yourself Financial Planning, you’ll have the confidence & peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re making informed decisions about your financial future.

    Initial Fee $500, then $89/Mo.

  • We help you navigate through the complex world of finance & investment. We provide personalized advice based on your unique goals, objectives and risk tolerance. As your trusted advisor, we will help you make informed decisions about managing your assets, reducing debt, and planning for your future.

    Additionally, we will help identify opportunities for growth and safeguard against risks.

    In a world where financial markets fluctuate constantly, a Financial Guide provides your with the stability, guidance and expertise you need to confidently manage and preserve your wealth over time.

    Initial Fee $750, then $175/Mo.

  • Our Financial Concierge service provides a personalized financial management to busy individuals & families. As your dedicated financial assistant, we will not only have a handle on your day to day financial tasks but also provide your with investment advice, financial planning, & wealth management services.

    Additionally, we will keep a watchful eye over your financial position, analyze market trends and make financially sound recommendations, and coordinate with your other professional advisors such as attorneys, accountants, and insurances agents.

    With our Financial Concierge service, you’ll have a dedicated advisor that helps you achieve financial success without sacrificing your time & effort.

    Initial Fee $1500, then $500+/Mo. **Based on complexity

  • Our Investment management & advice service is designed to help you make informed decisions and maximize your financial returns. With our team of experienced professionals, we provide comprehensive guidance and personalized strategies tailored to your unique investment goals.

    We offer a wide range of services, including portfolio analysis, asset allocation, risk assessment, and performance monitoring. Our experts stay up-to-date with the latest market trends and economic indicators to provide you with timely and accurate advice.

    Whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting your investment journey, our service caters to individuals of all levels of experience. We take the time to understand your financial objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon to create a customized investment plan that aligns with your needs.

    Transparency and open communication are at the core of our service. We provide regular updates on the performance of your investments and offer ongoing support to address any questions or concerns you may have.

    Partner with us for expert investment management and advice that can help you navigate the complexities of the financial markets and work toward achieving your long-term financial goals.

    Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take control of your investment future.

    Investment Management Fees start at 1% of the managed portfolio value, paid quarterly.

  • This service is designed to help individuals and businesses minimize their tax burden while maximizing their tax savings. Our team of experienced tax experts work with clients to determine the more beneficial tax strategies based on their unique situations & objectives. We provide proactive planning recommendations throughout the year in preparation for the tax season, making sure all tax-related issues are addressed on time. Our tax preparation services include the timely and accurate preparation of individual and business income tax returns with transparency to ensure compliance with all federal & state tax laws and regulations.

    Our software utilizes the latest technological advances in the tax industry to efficiently capture necessary information accurately. Our team ensures that your tax filings are not just compliant with current regulations but also that all information presented is capable of minimising your tax exposure and also safeguarding against potential audits. Tax season can be stressful, but with our tax planning and preparation services you can be assured that our experts are equipped to handle your tax needs expertly and competently.

    Fees vary based on complexity

  • Divorce Financial Planning is the process of organizing your finances and assets during a divorce. It is important step in reaching a fair and equitable distribution of assets, alimony/spousal support, as well as child custody and support agreements.

    Our experts will work with one party or with both parties and their attorneys to provide a comprehensive assessment of the couple’s financial situation including property, debts, income and expenses. They will help both parties reach a clear understanding of their financial position to develop a realistic long-term financial plan to financial separate from one another.

    We will evaluate the impact of current and future financial decisions, and can help alleviate any disputes that may arise.We understand that getting through a divorce can be emotionally and financially taxing. That’s why we take the stress out of the process by providing personalized attention, unbiased guidance, and financial solutions tailored to the specific needs and goals of each client.

    Divorce Planning is typically an hourly engagement with an upfront charge of $1,250.

  • Small Business Financial Planning is the process of creating a comprehensive financial plan that incorporated strategies for managing cash flow, reducing debt, and achieving sustainable growth. Our team works with business owners to evaluate their current financial position and help develop short- and long-term goals for their business. We help identify core business metrics such as revenue, profit margins, and financial ratios which are key in developing sustainable growth strategies. We also provide budgeting and forecasting recommendations to help business owners achieve financial stability.

    Additionally, we can assist in creating investment portfolios to ensure any extra cash reserves are growing optimally. We understand the importance of small business financial planning and work closely with our clients in developing tailored financial solutions, enabling financial security, and sustainable growth.

    Fees will vary based on complexity

  • Financial Grounding Workshop - $1,500 for up to 8 people

    Our Financial Grounding Workshop is designed to provide individuals & families with a solid foundation in personal finance. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program that covers all aspects of financial life, including budgeting, investing, debt management, and financial planning. Through our workshop, participants will gain practical tools, knowledge & skills they can use immediately to improve their financial wellbeing.

    Life Planning Workshop - $750

    Life Planning is all about creating your roadmap for your future. During this process, we will help you identify your values, goals, and priorities, and then develop a customized plan to achieve them. Whether you’re looking to launch a new career, start a family, trave the world, or simply find more balance in your life, our team will provide you with the tools and guidance you need to make it happen.

    Together, we’ll create a plan that enables you to live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.

    Weekly Money Chats - $25

    Join us for a lively & informative discussion about personal finance, where we’ll cover topics ranging from budgeting & savings to investing & retirement planning. Our panel of experts will answer your questions, share tips and strategies for building wealth, and provide inspiration for taking control of your financial future.

Meet Natalie…

  • She established both companies in 2019 with a vision to create a warm, welcoming, environment for members & clients to feel at home & comfortable while conducting their business or personal matters. Her attention to detail and the ability to anticipate her clients & members needs make her client experience a force in the community.

    Natalie is very active in her local community and volunteers with many charitable & local organizations such as the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce; Howell Chamber of Commerce; Whitmore Lake Chamber of Commerce Board Member; Professional Women's Business Network Committee; Whitmore Lake Community Scholarship Foundation Board Member; Mediate First Member and more.

    Natalie is a candidate for the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst© (CDFA©) and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP©) Designation and is actively studying to complete both courses.

    Natalie is also a member of other professional organizations such as: XY Planning Network, NAPFA, FPA, IACP & CPIM.

  • Natalie Miller has been married to Douglas Miller, a UA Local 190 Plumber/Pipe-fitter & Medical Gas Instructor, for 10 years. They have a 4 year old daughter & their family dog, Bailey. The Millers stay busy with their careers and young family and really understand what it is like balancing a dual-career household and traditional family demands. When the work is done, the Millers likes to spend time outdoors, eating good food and traveling whenever possible.

  • Natalie Miller began her professional career in 2003 working for a local excavating company where she learned all aspects of the business from daily trucking dispatch & job costing to payroll & accounting.

    Natalie was laid-off at the start of the Great Recession and took the opportunity to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in International Business & Management with focus in Economics & Spanish at Northwood University in Midland, MI.

    Natalie emerged with her degree at the bottom of the economic downturn with student loans & a salary that was less than her pre-degree earnings. In early 2010, Miller entered the next chapter in her career when she entered the financial industry.

  • Armed with some life & professional experience, Natalie started her financial industry career with JPMorgan Chase & Co.

    First starting as a banker, she helped clients navigate their everyday financial needs which evolved into working with multi-million dollar clients with complex financial needs at the JPMorgan Private Bank. After deciding to not relocate, Miller was laid-off from JPMorgan and chose to spend time with her family & began her journey to pursue the Certified Financial Planner© Designation.

    In 2017, Natalie Miller returned to the financial industry with a new outlook on providing high quality financial advice and an exceptional experience for clients. After a couple more years of working with other large financial firms, Natalie decided it was time to create her own firm where she can provide customized financial advice to her clients on a fee-only basis (meaning she does not receive any commissions on any recommended products).

    As she began to establish her financial planning firm, Miller was met with another opportunity to build a shared office space, Grit & Lavender Meeting Rooms, located in downtown Brighton, MI.

    In early 2020, Grit & Lavender Financial Planning was launched, and after navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Natalie is now focused on providing solid financial advice through actionable steps that create clarity and confidence in her client’s financial lives.