Welcome to Incline Financial Planning
At Incline Financial Planning, we believe financial success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a life of stability, opportunity, and peace of mind. I’m Joe Schmitt, a husband, father of five, airline pilot, and financial planner. Our firm is rooted in the values of our hometown, Pittsburgh, PA—hard work, resilience, and a genuine commitment to helping others. We are dedicated to providing straightforward, conflict-free financial advice, ensuring that your financial future is built on a solid foundation.
A Personal Journey into Financial Planning
As a Boeing 787 pilot for American Airlines and my wife a professor at the University of Pittsburgh, we’ve both experienced the challenges of managing demanding careers while planning for our family’s financial future. When we searched for professional financial guidance, we kept encountering commission-driven advisors, confusing fee structures, and generic advice that didn’t fit our situation. Frustrated by the lack of a solution, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I pursued advanced financial education, completing the educational requirements for the CFP® designation and earning my CRPC® designation in 2024. What started as a personal quest for knowledge became a passion for helping others in similar situations. I founded Incline Financial Planning to be the firm we had been looking for—one that offers transparent, conflict-free advice tailored to real-life financial challenges.
Our Mission: Helping You Reach New Heights
Inspired by Pittsburgh’s iconic Incline—a system that lifts passengers from the riverfront to breathtaking views atop Mount Washington—our goal is to elevate you from financial uncertainty to confidence and opportunity. No matter your profession or stage in life, we provide expert guidance tailored to your unique situation, helping you navigate everything from wealth-building strategies to retirement planning.
Why Choose Incline Financial Planning?
Personalized Strategies: Your financial goals are unique, and your financial plan should be too. We take the time to understand your situation and build a strategy that fits your life.
Transparent & Fair Fees: Our fee structure is 25% lower than the industry average*, ensuring you receive high-quality, unbiased advice without unnecessary costs.
Commitment to Your Best Interests: As a fee-only firm, we don’t earn commissions or push products—our only focus is helping you succeed.
Join us at Incline Financial Planning, where we walk alongside you every step of the way. Together, we’ll chart a course toward financial security and the future you envision.