FAQs
In the modern world of financial planning approximately 200 professional designations and degrees exist; however, they are far from equal in the level of knowledge they contain. While some designations can simply be obtained by sitting through a short course, others literally take years of study to obtain. Each advisor on our team has advanced education to show his/her commitment to our profession.
JD - Juris Doctor
The Juris Doctor (JD), more commonly known as a law degree, is conferred by an accredited law school as a graduate level degree. This post-graduate degree involves a three-year study of all areas related to law, many of which relate specifically to financial planning. In depth study of tax planning, estate planning, and retirement planning are core subjects of any law degree; in addition, the laws involving the areas of insurance and securities are generally studied. A law degree provides a broad based overview of all of the issues that impact a client's financial plan and provides the knowledge to develop a comprehensive solution to a client's financial needs.
MBA - Masters of Business Administration
The Masters of Business Administration (MBA) is conferred by accredited institutions as a graduate level degree. Holders of this degree are taught advanced business skills and theory as applicable in today's changing world. Coursework typically includes analytical (accounting, economics, operations, organizational behavior, statistics), functional (financial management, human resources management, marketing management, operations management) and specialization (finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, etc.) classes in addition to ethics and a capstone course (when a major project is completed). This broad based knowledge is applicable in the design and implementation of cash flow strategies and portfolio construction, in addition to having a broad understanding of the ever-changing tax code.
CFP® - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
The Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) is a designation conferred by the CFP® Board of Standards. CFP® holders are required to undergo rigorous training and testing in the five areas identified by the CFP® Board of Standards--Financial Planning Process, Tax Planning, Employee Benefits and Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, and Investment Management and Insurance. Additionally, work related experience must be completed before the CFP® designation will be conferred. Finally, CFP® holders are expected to uphold the principles of Integrity, Objectivity, Competence, Fairness, Confidentiality, Principles, and Diligence as outlined in the CFP® Board's Code of Ethics.
ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant
The Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is a designation conferred by The American College of Financial Services. Coursework is intended to provide the designee with a broad-based understanding of financial planning in its many forms, including insurance, income taxation, retirement planning, investments, and estate planning. The ChFC requires the completion of nine individual courses with exams that are meant to ensure a certain level of knowledge in the topics outlined above.
CLU - Chartered Life Underwriter
The Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) is a designation conferred by The American College of Financial Services. Coursework is intended to provide the designee with a comprehensive understanding in the specific usage of life insurance for individuals, business owners, and professionals. Additionally, designees are trained to identify the many unique ways in which insurance can be utilized in advanced case design. This designation requires eight individual courses (or three if the applicant already holds the ChFC designation) with exams that are meant to ensure a certain level of knowledge in the topics outlined above.
In today's modern investment world, we act as fiduciaries and, as such, are compensated on a fee basis per the industry's regulations.
The fee will vary depending on whether the funds are managed within our own proprietary models (fees are currently 1.35% or less, depending on the size of the assets under management) or we utilize outside money managers that specialize in niche markets (fees are currently 1.15% or less, depending on the size of the assets under management).
Our firm also offers an online/digital solution (Guided Wealth Portfolio) with a unique investment strategy for new investors who appreciate a paperless process. The fee for this program is 0.65%. More information can be found in the Client Center under the Guided Wealth Portfolio (GWP) section.
Prior to utilizing any investment we will review with you in detail how we will be compensated.
We are fortunate in that our community has been gifted with several excellent and reputable advisors, many of whom we have had the opportunity to share ideas with or discuss various strategies.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the organization through which all securities licensed individuals must report. The organization's website houses a feature known as Broker Check. Broker Check allows anyone to review the compliance history of an advisor to see if he/she has had any regulatory issues or consumer complaints. Click on this link to access Broker Check.
Second, consider the history of the firm and its advisors. Typically a firm that has been around longer will have experienced different investment cycles and may be able to offer more insight during difficult times to invest. Additionally, the credentials of the advisors within the firm will provide you a better understanding of the level of commitment to education that has been instilled within the firm.
Finally, consider whether or not the firm can clearly articulate its process and what it will mean for your portfolio. This information may be laid out on its website or it may take an in-person meeting to determine. At the end of the day, the advisors that can most clearly articulate their investment philosophy are traditionally the ones who are best able to execute the plans they have designed.
We utilize a multi-pronged approach to gather the information necessary to make informed investment decisions.
First, LPL Research is a team of approximately forty (40) investment professionals headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina (LPL Financial's headquarters) that is constantly monitoring the investment and economic landscape. They are continually drafting research papers and sharing their findings, in addition to providing trade ideas.
Second, LPL Financial is the largest independent broker/dealer in the country (based on total revenues as reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2017). This provides us a unique opportunity to have access to money managers across the country as we have questions or need to discuss current investment strategies in more detail. We are also routinely meeting with money managers, both locally and in their home offices. We do this in an effort to obtain a deeper understanding of their philosophies, strategies, and core competencies.
Finally, we cross-reference all information in research-based software that we subscribe to access.
Yes. In fact, we feel it is quite productive to work with your existing professionals. By working together we are able to offer each other a more comprehensive understanding of your financial status and achieve a better overall result. We are not looking to replace your accountant or attorney, but rather we feel that we can enhance the overall relationship by ensuring that all parties are working together. We find that we often end up acting as the coordinator between these professionals, and we expect to serve in that capacity. In the event you are looking to establish a relationship with a new professional, we have several referrals available for your various planning needs.
Yes. In fact, we feel that it is never too early to begin looking at your investment strategy and options, even in your 20s and 30s. Admist the broad array of financial planning tools available exclusively online, we are glad to present the value and benefits of working with a personal advisor for your consideration. We also understand the challenges of carrying college and other debts, rising costs of raising families, and the like.
In addition, and in conjunction with LPL Financial, we offer an online investment portal known as Guided Wealth Portfolio (GWP) that combines digital advice and advisor knowledge. Click here for more information.
Our regular business hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. However, we will meet outside of these hours in order to accommodate your needs and work with your schedule.
There are several ways. In addition to our firm's quarterly newsletter, Financial Focus, we also post articles with timely topics as written by LPL Financial's Research team throughout the year on our website. Additionally, we provide market outlooks as they become available from LPL Research.
As materials become available, the timeliest way to receive them is to join our e-mail list (click here).
In addition, consider "Liking" us on Facebook (click here) or "Following" us on Twitter (click here).
Finally, the Resources tab of our website offers a vast array of information on many topics, including videos, articles, and financial calculators.
Form ADV is a required submission to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by a professional investment advisor that specifies the investment style, assets under management (AUM), and key officers of the firm. Click on this link to access our firm's Form ADV.