FAQ's

Q: How do you charge for your services?

A: We are fee-based and flexible in our client engagements.  We generally engage clients in the wealth management level of service where most aspects of planning are covered by one fee through the assets managed.  But we can separate our fees based on analysis and implementation; whatever is in your best interest allowing you to pay for only the services you feel you need.   

Q: How do you get paid?

A:  As an independent firm, we have access to a wide range of resources and can offer a variety of solutions to help meet your individual needs. Most of these services are fee-based and some can be based on a commission system. Regardless of remuneration, our focus is foremost on your financial objectives and your future regardless of method of compensation.

Q: What kinds of clients do you serve best?

A: The clients we serve best are those about to or are currently going through some transition in life. This tends to have the most uncertainty for which planning produces the best results and less surprises.  Some examples of transition are retirement, death, divorce or receiving an inheritance.  Clients usually want some direction and advice to get organized and analyze their situation to realize their goals.  They understand their time is limited; their resources are better spent doing other things they do well.  We would call them delegators or collaborators.  

Q: What is the difference between a wealth advisor and an investment manager?

A:  Most wealth advisors are investment managers, but not all investment managers are wealth advisors. Typically, wealth advisors assess almost every aspect of your financial life, including saving, investments, insurance, taxes, retirement, and estate planning—and help you develop a comprehensive strategy for meeting all your financial goals. Before you hire any financial professional, you should know exactly what services you need, what services the professional can deliver, and any limitations on what they can recommend. 

Q: If you were to do a review of my situation and give recommendations, would we get a written document from you so that I and all of my kids could be able to review it and know where I stand? 

A: Yes, you can receive a written plan.  The plan has two components; first is where you currently stand financially in relationship to your goals (time frame and resources) and the second are the recommendations to review  all aspects being covered to make any  adjustments as smooth and as successful as possible.  This is a point in time plan or assessment with no monitoring.

Q: If I decided I wanted to have further assistance with managing my money is that something you can provide and if so how much?

A: Yes.  If you think about financial planning, there are really three phases for consideration; 1) the planning of your goals or objectives, 2) the implementation of the recommendations from the planning phase and, 3) the monitoring or reviewing your progress of such goals.  What you are asking about is the implementation phase. Our firm is uniquely set up to address all three phases.  The price for our asset or money management really depends on several factors; the type of investment, the number of accounts and the value of the accounts we’re managing. After a no cost- no obligation consultation, we will be in a better position to clearly address the costs associated with each individual’s circumstances.

Q: How can we be certain we can trust you and your firm?

A: Trust is an interesting thing…it’s both earned and given.  It’s a requirement of any meaningful relationship.  The reality is that after our initial meeting, the highest purpose of that meeting is to determine if it will be a good fit for us to work together or not.  Our process for that meeting is designed to determine if we can establish a relationship where we trust each other and to decide if it’s a good idea to begin moving forward.