We have put together this list of our most frequently asked questions to assist with any queries you may have. Please don‘t hesitate to contact us directly if your query is not covered below. You’ll find our contact email and telephone number at the bottom of the list.
What makes you different from other advisors?
We are independent and fee-only, we serve as your fiduciary, we have certified expertise that few other firms can match, we have a unique and sophisticated investment strategy, and we work as a team, not as separate advisors. Financial Professionals operate as either fiduciaries (less than 15%) or salespeople (85%). Fiduciaries have a legal duty to give advice solely for your benefit and in your best interest. Fiduciaries must put their interests completely aside to remain loyal to their fiduciary duty to you. On the other hand, salespeople are held to a suitability standard, which states that they must have reasonable grounds to believe that an investment is merely suitable for you. Salespeople have no obligation to work in your best interest or disclose any conflicts of interest. Given the differences, we strongly believe that the best way to dispense advice is as a fiduciary.
How do you work as a team?
Upon joining the firm, you are not assigned an advisor; instead, you have all three co-founders and all other personnel working on your affairs year-round. Each of our experts has specialized knowledge in different areas, ensuring that all of your wealth management needs are taken care of.
What is discretionary investment management, and why do you manage money this way?
Discretionary investment management allows you to hand over the day to day management of your investments to us, and acting as your fiduciary, we monitor your portfolio and make the buy and sell decisions on your behalf. We believe it’s best to manage investments for you in this manner because it allows us to efficiently employ our expertise, resulting in the optimal management of your money.
What types of accounts do you manage?
All types, if the account can hold an investment, we can manage it for you. Taxable accounts, trusts, IRAs, Roths, 401ks, 403bs, 457s, workplace retirement accounts, etc.
Is there a fee for the first consultation?
No, we believe it is important to spend ample time learning about your situation before any next steps are taken. Once we have all the information we need, and you have all the information you need about us, we give you a quote and then both parties can decide how to proceed from there.
Do you accept clients outside of the Gainesville/Tampa/Florida area?
Absolutely. Our work is nationwide in scope, as our clients live in many different states across the country. Where you reside is not a factor in how we can help you.
Do you have a minimum requirement for client wealth?
No. We started the firm because we wanted to help people at all levels of wealth. Full-time clients generally have at least $1 million in investable assets, or household incomes above $500k, or own highly valued businesses. For all other situations, we typically work on a project basis, instead of an ongoing engagement.