Find Your Optimal Path to Financial Independence
Flat-fee, advice-first financial planning and investment guidance for people pursuing financial independence and early retirement.
At OptimalPath Advisors, we take an advice-first approach—helping you achieve financial independence through expert, conflict-free financial planning and investment guidance. Whether you prefer to manage your own investments or want professional management under a flat monthly fee, we provide the strategy, structure, and accountability to keep you on track.
What Makes Us Different?
Advice-First, Flat-Fee Model – Planning comes first. Every recommendation is driven by your goals, not by asset minimums or products. We operate with complete fee transparency—no AUM percentages, no commissions, no hidden costs. (See our flat-fee pricing →)
Built for DIY Investors—And Those Who Prefer Help – You can manage your own accounts or let us handle the implementation. Either way, your investments stay in your name and under your control.
Fiduciary Commitment – As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, I’m legally and ethically bound to put your best interests first—always.
Holistic Financial Planning – From tax strategy and retirement readiness to insurance and estate coordination, we help every part of your financial life work together.
Local & Virtual Availability – Based in East Tennessee, meeting with clients in person locally or via Zoom throughout Tennessee and nationwide.
Learn More About Us – Visit our About page for our story, philosophy, and approach to financial planning.
Take Control with Expert Guidance
Whether you're pursuing Financial Independence, planning for early retirement, or simply seeking clarity and confidence, OptimalPath Advisors delivers ongoing guidance and investment management—always advice-first and client-focused.
OptimalPath™ to FI Process
Reaching Financial Independence isn’t about chasing the highest returns or the hottest investments—it’s about having a clear, repeatable process. I use a simple, structured framework to help you move from “I think I’m doing okay” to “I know where I stand and what to do next.”
1. Clarify Your FI Vision
What does Financial Independence actually mean for you?
Retiring early, working part-time, changing careers, traveling more, or just having the freedom to say “no” at work? We start by defining the life you want money to support.
2. Get Organized & Assess Your Starting Point
We gather the key pieces—401(k)s, IRAs, HSAs, taxable accounts, cash flow, debt, and benefits—and establish your current FI position. You’ll see, in one place, what you have, what you owe, and what’s coming in and out.
3. Build Your FI Roadmap
Next, we map out how to get from today to your version of Financial Independence:
Savings targets and timelines
Spending and lifestyle tradeoffs
What-it-takes numbers for different ages and scenarios
This becomes your personalized FI roadmap—not a generic rule of thumb.
4. Design Your Tax & Investment Strategy
We align your investments and tax decisions with your FI goals:
Asset allocation based on your timeline and risk tolerance
Account location (what goes in 401(k), Roth, taxable, etc.)
Tax planning for FI/early retirement (Roth conversions, withdrawal order, managing brackets)
If you’re an Eastman employee, this also includes how your pension, RSC, and 401(k) fit into the picture.
5. Implement the Plan—DIY or With Help
Once your plan is in place, you can:
Implement it yourself with clear action steps and recommendations, or
Work with me on an ongoing basis, where I handle implementation, investment management, tax strategy, and annual tax preparation for a flat monthly fee.
Either way, you leave this step knowing exactly what to do next.
6. Review, Adjust, and Stay on Track (Ongoing Clients)
For ongoing clients, we revisit your plan regularly:
Annual (or as-needed) check-ins
Updating for life changes, market moves, and tax law changes
Ongoing investment management and rebalancing
Coordinated tax planning and preparation each year
FI isn’t a one-time calculation—it’s a path. My job is to help you stay on it.
Ready to see what it costs?
One flat monthly fee. No AUM, no commissions.
What will your ideal life look like
after Financial Independence?
Travel the World
Explore new places, immerse yourself in different cultures, and create unforgettable experiences without financial stress.
Pursue a New Career
Transition into a role that excites you, start your own business, or follow a long-held passion on your terms.
Take a Sabbatical
Step away from work to rest, recharge, and focus on personal growth, passion projects, or adventure.
Spend More Time with Friends and Family
Be present for life’s important moments, create lasting memories, and enjoy quality time with loved ones.
Meet Your Advisor
Josh Short, CFP®, EA
With over 20 years of experience in financial services, I take an advice-first approach to help clients achieve Financial Independence. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and fiduciary, I offer flat-fee planning and optional investment management—no product sales, no AUM fees, just objective advice in your best interest.