Frequently Asked Questions
Experience & Credentials
What is your educational background?
I have a B.S. from the United States Air Force Academy and an M.A. in Economics from the State University of New York.
What are your professional certifications?
I am a CIMA® (Certified Investment Management Analyst) and CPWA® (Certified Private Wealth Advisor) professional.
I am also CPM® (Certified Portfolio Manager) certified through the Academy of Certified Portfolio Managers.
In addition, I take a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education annually, focusing on taxes and regulatory changes.
What financial areas do you specialize in?
We specialize in both financial advising and portfolio management, both are integral parts of your financial story and must be looked at together.
In addition, we focus on tax efficiency and estate planning, so that you and your heirs keep more of your hard-earned money. Please note: we are not tax or legal professionals.
What work have you done inside the financial professional community?
I have designed curriculum for several Continuing Education courses on portfolio management, for both the CFP Board and the Investments and Wealth Institute.
Fee Structure & Compensation
What is your fee structure?
Our fee structure is based on each client’s current financial situation and advising needs.
For some clients, we charge a flat quarterly payment. For others, it is a percentage of assets.
As your situation changes, your fee structure might change as well.
Investment Philosophy & Services
What is your investment philosophy and typical asset allocation approach?
There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to asset allocation.
Instead, our investing philosophy is designed and continually updated for your individual situation through our 4-step process:
1. We meet to discuss your current financial situation, your future goals, and any problems or missing pieces in your financial picture.
2. I use this information to create a financial plan specific to you.
3. We implement the plan.
4. We meet regularly to review and make any changes needed.
What size portfolio do I need to work with you?
I don’t have a set minimum to work with me, but my clients typically have assets ranging from $1 million to $8 million.
The Relationship
Will I work directly with you or a team?
All financial advising and portfolio management will be done directly with me.
You will also have contact with my Operations Director, Arnell.
What is your process for onboarding new clients?
This depends on your specific financial situation and advising needs. But in general, we will meet virtually and in person multiple times to discuss your current financial picture and develop a short and long-term plan.
You will also work with my Operations Director, Arnell, who will help you complete any necessary paperwork and administrative tasks.
What does the first year working together look like?
This will depend on your specific situation, but in general, during the first year
We meet multiple times, both virtually and in person, to discuss your current financial situation, future goals, and other financial needs
We will come up with a plan and begin to implement it
Based on your specific plan, we will meet as needed throughout the year to discuss and execute your plan.
What happens to my account if something happens to you?
Your investments will remain invested at the custodian that you are using.
You can choose to allow my successor to manage the investments, hire a different portfolio manager, or manage the assets yourself.
Our Clients
How many clients do you personally manage?
I currently work with about 100 clients.
What is your client retention rate?
In my 35+ years of financial advising and portfolio management, I have retained a majority of my clients, including my first clients, whom I started working with in 1989.
This includes continuing to manage portfolios for family members who have inherited them.
Can you provide examples of clients whom you have worked with?
Yes, check out our Case Studies page.
Have you ever had any regulatory complaints or disciplinary actions?
No.
You can check the background of any financial advisor on FINRA’s BrokerCheck and the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) websites.