Flat Fee Advisory Services
We charge a flat, straight-stick fee for our work with clients. We find that a flat fee practice creates transparency, reduces conflicts of interest, and allows you to keep more of your money. We also offer project based fees for those who just want a little help making a unique financial decision.
We Do Not Custody Assets
Unlike many financial advisors, we do not custody assets. We do this for two main reasons:
First, Your assets are YOURS. For security purposes, we think you should always have full control over your investments. You shouldn't have to call or email your broker just to execute a trade to get your money. Further, you shouldn't have to worry about whether or not your advisor is misbehaving with your hard earned money. If we need information on your investments on an on-going basis we will work with you to get monthly statements or online access to the necessary accounts. However, handing over your assets should never be part and parcel of hiring someone to look out for your financial best interests.
Second, where you choose to locate your assets has value. When you turn your assets over to an advisor he or she gains certain benefits from selecting the bank or investment firm where your assets are held. For instance, a lot of advisors use Charles Schwab or TD Ameritrade to custody client assets. An advisor's decision (which might not be in your best interest) to house your assets at one of these firms usually allows him/her to receive market research or access to investments for clients (which you may not need). These firms often have big conferences each year and invite advisors who use their platforms to attend. These are benefits that your advisor gets by directing
YOUR
money to these trading platforms or banks. WE THINK YOU SHOULD BE THE ONE WHO GETS THESE BENEFITS WHEN OFFERED, not us. We are more than happy to help you select the right bank or investment firm for your needs, but the benefits of that election should go to the investor, not the advisor.