Frequently Asked Questions

We are independent and have no proprietary products which mean we are not compelled to recommend investments for which we have an economic benefit. Our recommendations are based solely on what is most appropriate and suitable for our Clients’ specific financial situation.

Fee-only investment advisors are not compensated by commissions from selling investment products. Instead, they are compensated by fees. The fees can be hourly, a flat fee, or a fee based on the amount of assets under management (AUM).

A fiduciary has an obligation to act in the best interest of his/her clients in managing the clients’ assets, rendering investment advice, and trading in clients’ accounts. This obligation comes with an extremely high level of trust, and fiduciaries must not engage in any activity that would be considered a violation of this trust.

We have chosen to maintain our custodial relationship with First Clearing (an affiliate of Wells Fargo). As required by the SEC, First Clearing keeps client funds in a separate account distinct from the firm’s own money. Securities held by clients are held securely with the Depository Trust Company, separate and distinct from First Clearing’s assets. First Clearing is required to identify and segregate securities by client.

As a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), protects clients against the custodial risk of a member investment firm becoming insolvent by replacing missing securities and cash up to $500,000, including up to $250,000 in cash, per client in accordance with SIPC rules. An explanatory brochure is available at www.sipc.org

In addition to SIPC, First Clearing maintains additional insurance coverage through London Underwriters (led by Lloyd’s of London Syndicates). For clients who have received the full SIPC payout limit, First Clearing’s policy with Lloyd’s provides additional coverage above the SIPC limits for any missing securities and cash in client investment accounts up to a firm aggregate limit of $1 billion (including up to $1.9 million for cash per client.)