- What do you charge?
- Do you have a minimum?
- When do I pay you?
- What’s the market going to do next year?
- Do you have a Disaster Recovery Plan?
- Where is my money?
- How often do we talk?
- What happens if the market drops again?
- How will I know if I’ve saved enough money?
- Will I be contacted for approval when assets are bought or sold?
- How do I manage taxes for the account?
- What if I need to withdraw money from the account?
What do you charge?
Typically we charge a fixed percentage of your assets that we manage. Occasionally we charge an ongoing retainer fee depending on the services we offer. When you decide to hire us you sign a contract that clearly lists our services and fees.
Do you have a minimum?
We do not have a minimum requirement for assets under management, however, we do have a minimum cost for the advice we provide.
When do I pay you?
Payment is made once your assets are transferred and under our care.
What’s the market going to do next year?
We get this question a lot and the answer is we don’t know. We focus on what we know and adhere to a disciplined investment philosophy when investing your money. Our investment approach is explained further in a discovery meeting.
Do you have a Disaster Recovery Plan?
As required by law we are obligated to detail what would happen if we suffered a major disaster, detailed in our Disaster Recovery Plan. Your money remains safe with a custodian and the investments that we’ve agreed on remain in place. We also feel it is our obligation to run a successful business to have a succession plan in place. We want this business to last well past our lives.
Where is my money?
We never take custody of your assets. We work with custodians, primarily Schwab, TDAmeritrade, and E*TRADE®. These are well established and well-regulated companies.
How often do we talk?
We pride ourselves with being readily available to answer questions and can talk as often as you’d like. We are always a phone call away but we also set up regular meetings quarterly or annually based on your goals.
What happens if the market drops again?
When markets drastically change up or down it is our job to be sure your investments match what’s stated in your investment policy statement. We view market volatility as an opportunity to rebalance a portfolio and thus buy securities at a lower  price.
At the same time, rising markets allow us to re-balance by taking profits from time to time.
How will I know if I’ve saved enough money?
One of our key services is to project how much money you’ll need and how much you’ll have at a given time based on budgets, investments, and goals. If you are not on track with your financial goals we will suggest changes and help you devise a plan to get you where you need to be financially.
Will I be contacted for approval when assets are bought or sold?
For tax-sheltered money like 401k’s or IRA’s, the answer is no. We manage assets and trade securities consistent with your investment policy statement. All trades will show up on your quarterly or monthly statement.
For taxable accounts, like savings or reserved funds for businesses, capital gains are a financial consideration. We endeavor to call you or your CPA first.
How do I manage taxes for the account?
The custodians are responsible for delivering tax notices to you. We will assist you or your CPA in retrieving other tax information as needed.
What if I need to withdraw money from the account?
When you need funds, simply contact us and we process your request via Federal fund ACH or wire to your bank account or a check made payable to you. Retirement accounts may require a distribution form to be completed.
