FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE YOU A FINANCIAL ADVISOR?
Yes. As such, your advisory team works to place your interests before and above our own.
WHO DO I WORK WITH?
Your advisory team operates much like a doctor's office. Richard does the face-to-face meetings and relies upon support staff for much of the behind-the-scenes work.
HOW MUCH CONTACT SHOULD WE EXPECT?
We like to have regularly scheduled meetings customized to meet your needs. Some clients want to meet more often than others. Whether monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or just annually, we'll work to meet your needs.
We don't contact our clients each time the market hiccups, which is often, nor each time the media has a new crisis, which is even more often. That wrote, much like the relationship you have with your doctor, please contact us anytime you have concerns, questions or fears.
We can meet in person, by phone or web for your convenience; however, we do want to meet at least once a year.
WHEN DO I NEED TO CONTACT YOUR FIRM?
It's so important that after marriages, divorces, births, deaths and other major life events (like job changes or moving to a new home), that you reach out to our office. The implications of not doing so can potentially be very costly.
One example that is all too common and very costly is people not updating their beneficiaries and unintentionally leaving money to an [ex-]. Too often people have prior spouses or deceased relatives still named as a beneficiary on a retirement account at a former employer, or on a life insurance policy purchased long ago.
By letting us know of any changes we will make sure this information is updated promptly for all your accounts.
HOW MUCH DO YOU TYPICALLY CHARGE FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT?
It really depends on the complexity of your financial situation and/or the level of services provided. You will always be made aware of how you pay and how we get paid when investment recommendations are made. Full transparency is our goal.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
We offer financial planning and wealth management services. This includes advice related to investments, retirement, insurance and estate planning. We also collaborate with your existing team of advisors (attorneys, CPA's etc.) If you do not have those existing relationships, we can provide recommendations.
WHAT IS FINANCIAL PLANNING?
What would you think if a doctor gave you a prescription or recommended surgery without first examining you, understanding your medical history and what medications you are currently taking?
We do not believe in recommending investments without first developing a road map for your financial goals. This involves understanding your current financial situation (assets, liabilities, income and expenses) and the goals you have set for yourself and your family. Financial planning is an ongoing process of setting goals, organizing your finances, developing and implementing strategies and regularly reviewing the progress and making adjustments.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DISCIPLINED FOR ANY UNLAWFUL OR UNETHICAL ACTIONS IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER?
NEVER.
WHAT IS YOUR INVESTMENT APPROACH?
Short answer...
Clearly understand your goals and implement a plan as quickly as possible.
Long answer...
Markets go up and markets go down, sometimes violently. Sometimes they stay down for months at a time. No one can predict, time, influence or control markets and we don't insult your intelligence by suggesting that we can or will try. Beware of those that do.
Volatility is an uncomfortable, albeit normal part of investing and a large part of our job is helping you understand and cope with that volatility. The two biggest determinants of long-term investment performance are behavior (how we respond to good and bad volatility) and asset allocation (how your money is diversified).