Common Questions about Our Services

Choosing a financial advisor is always an important decision, and here are the top ten most common questions and our answers to help guide your decision-making when working with us:

1. Are you a fiduciary? 
   Yes. As a fiduciary, we are legally required to put your best interests first—always, while prioritizing your welfare over our own benefits. Knowing this helps you feel confident your advisor is truly on your side.
2. Who is your typical client?
   Although not exclusive, our group mainly works with these two types of clients: 1) Individuals and couples who plan to retire within 15 years or are already retired, and 2) Younger high-earning professionals with families. Although we do not require minimum account sizes, a typical client's average assets managed under our care ranges from $1M - $5M.
   
3. What makes your approach unique?
   We've found that while many other advisors focus on managing money in isolation, we focus on managing the outcomes money is supposed to create. Although we have always been proud of our investment performance and numerous capabilities when compared to our peers, the real value results from making complex decisions clearer, taxes smaller, and financial transitions smoother. Most financial mistakes aren’t investment decisions; they’re timing, tax, and behavior decisions. Our job is to engineer a plan that removes guesswork, reduces tax drag, and helps you avoid the mistakes most people make on their own. And while this question will differ depending on one's goals and unique situation, what our clients are really getting is a hands-on partnership. Whether it’s navigating a home purchase, optimizing retirement income, or reviewing employer benefits, we are always in the weeds with you, not just in the markets.
   
4. What is your investment philosophy?
   Our team of investment managers builds custom portfolios that integrate with your taxes, cash‑flow needs, real estate decisions, retirement timing, Social Security strategy and everything else within your financial life. Rather than trying to predict the future, it’s our job to create a strategy that works in a variety of futures and keeps you on track regardless of headlines. Our investment recommendations will vary based upon everyone’s own circumstances, and therefore we custom tailor our approach accordingly.
5. I already manage my own investments. Why should I hire a Financial Advisor?
   
   Working with a financial advisor and team of professionals can provide an outside perspective, identify blind spots, and turn scattered financial decisions into a well-coordinated strategy. Advisors help you avoid costly mistakes, navigate taxes, manage risk, and plan for life changes you may not have anticipated. Most importantly, they give you confidence and clarity so your money decisions are proactive, not reactive. We find that even the most disciplined investors get derailed during market swings. Great advisors provide rational distance and keep people from- selling low, chasing hot trends, trying to time the market. Some of the most common blind spots that our advisors catch—things even smart, financially savvy people often overlook, may include tax inefficiencies and missed oppurtunities like Roth conversions or tax harvesting, inefficient & costly withdrawal strategies in retirement, disorganized cash flow & savings management, or hidden risks from portfolio overexposure or estate plan gaps. Without realizing it, many people often make decisions in silos—investments here, insurance there, estate documents somewhere else. Great advisors connect the dots so everything works together.
6. What qualifications or certifications do you hold?
   Our team of advisors & specialists currently holds numerous designations including CFP®, CFA®, RICP, CAS, RPS, HFC, Series 7, Series 66, and SIE credentials. Designations like CFP® and CFA® require rigorous education and exams for specialized knowledge. State and federal licenses such as Series 7 and Series 66 authorize advisors to sell securities and give investment advice. Working with credential advisors provides holistic, technically sound guidance for complex financial decisions.
7. How are you compensated?
   We offer our clients two separate unique compensation options in a ranging fee-based capacity which is contingent on the specific strategy and defined scope of service agreed upon. Please refer to the Fees page for complete details of the fee structure.
   
8. How will we communicate?
   We provide all of our clients with a direct line to Ben and his team for quick responses and attention when you need it most. This way, no client will ever have to resort to calling a 1-800 number for assistance. From the time you become a client with your first onboarding session, to quarterly review meetings, and anytime in-between, we ensure timely responses to help assist. All clients get registered and acquainted with our online Client Portal & phone App features to access documents and view their accounts in real time. We also verify your preference of communication when we need to reach you (phone call, text, email, etc.)
   
9. Can you show me an example of a financial plan?
   Yes. Seeing a sample plan helps you understand the level of detail, clarity, and action steps you can expect when working with us. Once we have an initial meeting to better understand your situation and goals, we are happy to provide you with sample materials that may reflect similar objectives to your own plan.
10. What technology or tools do you use?
    Our group utilizes a suite of top-ranked planning tools to share with our clients including, but not limited to Asset Map, eMoney, BroadRidge, Morningstar, and AssetMark to name a few. Much of these allow for client access and the ability to securely upload documents and link their outside accounts all in one place, if they choose.  Modern planning tools, secure portals, and clear reporting can make your financial life easier and more transparent.