|
1. Please tell me about your financial planning process. In our approach to financial planning, we have an increased emphasis on identifying and understanding your goals and aspirations. Once these goals and aspirations are identified, traditional financial planning tools are used to develop a financial roadmap that shows you how to use your current resources to achieve those goals and aspirations. Our goal is to create financial plans that clients find valuable and usable.
2. Who can benefit most from your services? Anyone seeking financial peace of mind can benefit from our services. We serve people at all income levels and from all walks of life. We welcome clients who simply need a one-time financial consultation or a second opinion as well as those that need comprehensive and ongoing services. In addition, any corporation or organization seeking quality, unbiased financial education for their employees or members can benefit from our financial education programs.
3. What is 'Fee-Only' financial planning and why should that be important to me? We do not accept sales commissions from our investment product recommendations and work purely from fees. If insurance products are necessary, we can provide these products and do make commissions, as they aren't generally available in a fee-only format. However, in order to overcome this potential conflict, we obtain quotes from several companies and fully disclose pricing and commissions. We believe this approach gives our clients the best value and service. This model also enables us to keep our fees priced very competitively.
4. Does True Wealth Design provide only comprehensive financial planning? No. Although a comprehensive financial plan can often provide the greatest benefits, we can limit our advisory services to your specific needs.
5. My spouse and I are just beginning to build for our financial future and we need help and guidance to get started. Will you accept us as clients? Yes. Some firms have income levels and/or net worth minimums but, at True Wealth Design, we realize that everyone has financial needs. We are proud to work with people from all income levels, and all walks of life. Remember, 'You don't have to have a fortune to start building one.' Call us today to get started on the right path.
6. I have already accumulated substantial assets and think I am doing quite well. But as I progress and build for the future, things seem to be getting more complicated. I want to be sure I am on track, but I don’t always have the time or inclination to manage the myriad details by myself. Can you help me? Yes. People who need more sophisticated financial planning or advice will find our services appealing and beneficial. If you have a desire to simplify your financial affairs, our services may be right for you. If you are looking for a professional review or a second opinion to ensure you are on track, we can provide that too.
7. I’m in charge of the retirement plans and employee benefits at my firm. I would like to ensure I'm providing a quality plan and educational services to our employees. How can you help us? 401(k) plans are coming under increasing scrutiny for excessive fees and inappropriate investment choices found in plans. Through our Fiduciary Review Program, we can thoroughly review your plan for potential fiduciary breaches, including excessive fees and adminstrative compliance. We also find that corporate education is key in building employee participation and satisfaction in company plans. We can help your employees understand the value of your benefit programs. Please call to discuss your specific needs.
8. Tell me about your investment philosophy. As financial planners and investment advisors, we believe in the following fundamental principals with regard to designing an investment portfolio and making specific recommendations: The purpose of a client’s investment portfolio is to fund current and/or future financial objectives. The design of the portfolio must take into account the client’s financial objectives, tolerance for risk, needs for current income or liquidity, and special considerations such as income and estate taxes. The important thing to remember is that no one can predict the future. Investment and economic 'experts' provided with the same information often come to different conclusions. We do not suggest that we can, or that any of the money or mutual fund managers that we recommend, will make the correct decision every time. The appropriate allocation of investment assets for your goals and risk tolerance is the most important component in developing an investment portfolio. We believe that having a diversified, well-balanced portfolio, following long-term buy-and-hold strategies, and having patience will increase the likelihood that one will achieve their long-term financial objectives. See the Investment Philosophy page for further information.
9. How do you price your financial planning services? Financial planning fees are generally on a fixed-fee basis. A complete fee estimate will be provided at the conclusion of the first meeting after your situation and needs are understood. Wealth management services, including financial planning, investment management, and tax planning is done based on a percentage of assets under advisement.
10. Are your fees tax deductible? Possibly, depending on the level of your adjusted gross income, whether or not you itemize and the amount of your "miscellaneous" expenses. Section 212 of the Internal Revenue Code permits an itemized deduction for tax and/or investment advice in the miscellaneous section of Schedule A. It is subject to a 2% floor of the adjusted gross income on a personal tax return.
11. How can I get started? The first step is an initial inquiry from you. We offer an initial no-cost, no-obligation Get Acquainted Meeting, either on the phone or in our offices. For Get Acquainted Meetings, appointments are scheduled based on availability during regular business hours of 9-5, Monday through Friday. Expanded office hours are available to accommodate special needs or emergency situations. Please visit the Contact Us page for contact information.
|