FAQ’s

Answer:

Our services distinguish themselves from those of other advisors through several key factors:

1.      Flexible Compensation: Unlike advisors affiliated with banks or firms, I offer a range of compensation options tailored to my clients' preferences and needs. Whether it's hourly rates, flat fees for financial plans, or fees based on assets and annuities, I strive to accommodate my clients' financial preferences.

2.      Independence and Objectivity: As an independent advisor, I am not tied to any specific institution or financial product. This independence allows me to provide unbiased advice focused solely on my clients' best interests, devoid of any conflicts of interest.

3.      Alternative Approaches: Clients often seek me out for a second opinion or fresh perspective. I take pride in offering alternative strategies and personalized solutions customized to each client's individual financial circumstances and goals.

4.      Client-Centric Focus: My approach revolves around prioritizing my clients' needs. By offering flexible compensation structures and unbiased advice, I consistently prioritize what's best for my clients' financial well-being.

In summary, my services stand out due to their flexibility, independence, personalized approach, and unwavering commitment to my clients' financial success.

Answer:

As a fully independent registered investment advisor, I operate autonomously, without any affiliations to broker dealers. This means I don't promote specific products or services dictated by any entity. Instead, I have the freedom to access a wide range of products and services available in the market. My commitment to being a true fiduciary means I prioritize my clients' best interests above all else.

QUESTION:

I recently heard from someone I trust that for married couples, like my wife and myself, the best way to maximize our Social Security income is to wait till we turn 70. Is this true?

Answer:

Providing a blanket statement like that would be inaccurate for any adviser. The optimal timing for claiming Social Security benefits depends on various factors, including employment status, age, family longevity, existing savings, and more.

It's important to note that while Social Security can answer specific questions, they are not authorized to offer opinions or personalized advice. A comprehensive analysis of your Social Security options, including projections on income maximization, is not provided by Social Security. However, I offer a service that can provide such detailed analysis and guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

If you're interested in learning more about how to maximize your Social Security benefits through a personalized plan, I'd be happy to provide further details.

QUESTION:

Is now a good time to move my assets into a different portfolio or move it to a new portfolio manager?

Answer:

The suitability of making such a move hinges on several factors, including the composition of your current portfolio and your risk tolerance, particularly in today's volatile and inflationary market environment. If it's been a considerable duration since you last reviewed and adjusted your investment holdings, it's likely that your returns may not adequately align with the level of risk you're assuming.

Answer:

Waiting until the last minute to plan for retirement means missing out on opportunities to make small adjustments that can have a significant impact. Instead of delaying, why not start planning early? Effective planning should begin sooner rather than later, allowing for adjustments over time as life circumstances change. Delaying retirement planning is akin to waiting until a winter storm hits to buy firewood when supplies are low and demand is high.

QUESTION:

Are you a fee only advisor? If not, how are you paid?

Answer:

No, being fee-only is not a requirement to work with me. Clients often transfer assets to me seeking enhanced performance, reduced risk, and savings on fees.

I offer flexible payment options, including hourly rates or project-based fees. In some cases, fees may be waived for clients who have assets managed through me with partners like AssetMark, Fidelity, Vanguard, and/or American Funds.

Typically, the total cost, including advisor fees, is 0.5% to 1% lower than those charged by advisors at firms or banks. This is made possible by leveraging the latest technology and partnering with leading wealth management companies, which streamlines operations and reduces overhead costs. Unlike traditional firms with multiple layers of management and significant office expenses, my home-based office in Hancock allows for lower overhead, and I choose to pass these savings on to my clients.

QUESTION:

What’s the best way for me to learn about the complexities of Medicare and Social Security?

Answer:

The simplest way is to schedule a no-obligation, no-commitment call with me. During our discussion, I'll walk you through the options available to you. Additionally, we have free on-demand videos covering these important topics, which you can watch anytime at your convenience.