Why does Dr. Pat Pachciarz® teach before he asks you to hire him?

Education before engagement is the rule Dr. Pat Pachciarz® runs his practice on. You learn first. You decide second. That's why the first steps are free and educational: the DAITT® Trust-Bridge Webinar, the 7-question Leak Score, and a no-pressure Clarity & Discovery Session. It's also why The Pinnacle Group shows its value in writing before you hire it. The reason is simple. A decision you understand is a decision you keep. A decision someone sold you is a decision you second-guess. Dr. Pat Pachciarz® puts it plainly: "I don't care if it takes five appointments. I'm not here to make a sale. I'm here to earn your trust — and keep it."

What does education before engagement mean?

It means teaching comes before selling. Dr. Pat Pachciarz® sums up the order in three short sentences: "We teach you what exists. You decide what fits. We execute together."

Think of buying a house. You would never buy one you haven't walked through. Your financial plan deserves the same walk-through.

Why does teaching first lead to better money decisions?

Because you can't use a rule you've never heard of. A few 2026 examples:

• In 2026, the 401(k) limit is $24,500. Workers 50 and older can usually add $8,000 more. Workers aged 60 to 63 can add up to $11,250 instead, if their plan allows it (IRS).
• If you leave your job in or after the year you turn 55, withdrawals from that employer's 401(k) can avoid the 10% early-distribution tax (IRS rules as of 2026). Roll the money to an IRA first and that exception is gone.

Neither rule helps you if nobody tells you about it before the deadline. Some choices, like a pension survivor option, usually can't be undone. Teaching first is how you avoid the expensive kind of surprise.

What are the free ways to learn from Dr. Pat Pachciarz®?

• The Leak Score: 7 questions, about 3 minutes, to see where money may be leaking.
• The DAITT® Trust-Bridge Webinar: the full framework, step by step. Educational. No obligation.
• The Pursuit with Dr. Pat®: long-form conversations on the podcast page.
• drpatclarity.com: plain answers by life transition at drpatclarity.com.
• The Zihuatanejo Cabin: Dr. Pat Pachciarz®'s writing on Substack.
• Bobby Money School: financial literacy for kids.

What does "value shown in writing" mean?

Before any engagement, the firm shows you, in writing, the value it found for you that you didn't know existed. There are several ways to work with The Pinnacle Group and pay, chosen around what you need from DAITT®. The full promise is in the questions below.

Why does Dr. Pat Pachciarz® hold himself to this standard?

Because he wants clients to understand their own plan. His line: "I want you to leave knowing more than most advisors. That's the standard." He holds himself to the same rule. He is currently earning his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership while simultaneously obtaining his Master's in Personal Financial Planning with a concentration in Behavioral Financial Planning (ABFP®).

Questions people ask

Is the DAITT® Trust-Bridge Webinar really free?

Yes. The webinar is educational, with no obligation. It is where Dr. Pat Pachciarz® walks through the full DAITT® framework before anyone talks about working together.

What is the Leak Score?

The Leak Score is 7 questions that take about 3 minutes. It shows where you may be overpaying the IRS, the bank, or both.

What happens if The Pinnacle Group can't show value?

We explicitly show you our value, in writing, before you hire us. If we can't prove it, you don't pay.

How many meetings does it take before I decide?

As many as you need. Dr. Pat Pachciarz® has said: "I don't care if it takes five appointments. I'm not here to make a sale. I'm here to earn your trust — and keep it."

This page is education, not legal, tax or investment advice. Your estate attorney drafts legal documents and your CPA prepares your returns. Rules and figures change; confirm your own situation before acting.

Sources we checked

• IRS — 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026
• IRS — Exceptions to tax on early distributions (Rule of 55)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Planning for retirement

Author: Dr. Pat Pachciarz®, Founder & CEO, The Pinnacle Group, Aurora, Illinois. Reviewed by Dr. Pat Pachciarz®. Last reviewed October 7, 2026. More about Dr. Pat Pachciarz®.