FAQs
1. What does a Financial Advisor do?
A Financial Advisor plays a crucial role in providing personalized financial guidance. They assess your current financial situation, create comprehensive plans, and offer investment strategies to help you achieve your financial goals. From retirement planning to tax advice, a Financial Advisor ensures a tailored approach to your unique needs.
2. How much does a Financial Advisor Cost?
The cost of a Financial Advisor varies based on factors such as services offered and the fee structure. Typically, Financial Advisors charge either a percentage of assets under management (AUM) or a flat fee. It's essential to discuss fees upfront to ensure transparency and align expectations. More on my fees can be found in the links above.
3. Are you a Fiduciary? What does it mean to be a fiduciary?
Yes, we operate as fiduciaries. Whenever an advisor charges you a fee as an Investment Advisor, we must act in a fiduciary capacity. Being a fiduciary means we are legally obligated to act in your best interest. This commitment ensures that our recommendations prioritize your financial well-being, providing peace of mind in our client-advisor relationship.
4. How should I choose a financial advisor?
When selecting a financial advisor, consider factors like qualifications, experience, and services offered. Licenses and Credentials are also important. You can lookup a licensed financial advisor on FINRA's BrokerCheck website to view their licenses, credentials, the firms they're affiliated with, employment history, whether they've had any regulatory actions or customer disputes and complaints (and their outcomes,) as well as any additional disclosure events. It's also important that you choose an advisor that makes you feel heard and comfortable!
5. What kind of clients do you work with? Do you have a specialty?
We work with a diverse range of clients, including individuals, families, and businesses. Our expertise covers various financial needs, including investment management, retirement planning, and tax strategies. While we don't limit ourselves to a specific niche, our tailored approach ensures each client receives personalized attention.
6. Where do your clients live? Do you only work in Charlotte?
While our physical location is in Charlotte, we serve clients nationwide. Technology allows us to provide seamless virtual services, ensuring accessibility and convenience for clients across different locations. Distance is not a barrier to receiving quality financial advice and planning.
As of December 2023, I'm currently licensed to do business in the following states: CA, CO, CT, GA, NJ, NC, SC, and VA.
7. How Do I Find a Qualified Financial Advisor?
We recommend starting by researching reputable sources, seeking referrals from friends or colleagues, and checking professional associations for certified advisors.
8. What Services Do Financial Advisors Provide?
Our services typically encompass a range of financial aspects including investment management, retirement planning, tax advice, and more, all tailored to your specific financial goals.
9. How Do Financial Advisors Get Paid?
We, as financial advisors, can be compensated through fees, commissions, or a combination of both. It's crucial for you to understand our fee structure for transparency. Ask for a copy of an advisor's Form CRS for more details on their compensation structure.
10. Can I Afford a Financial Advisor?
Affordability is a common concern. You should assess your budget and explore advisors whose fees align with your financial capabilities.
11. Do I Need a Financial Advisor if I'm Not Rich?
Absolutely! Financial advisors are for everyone, not just the wealthy. We can provide valuable guidance regardless of income level.
12. What Questions Should I Ask a Potential Financial Advisor?
During our initial meeting, you should ask about my experience, approach to financial planning, fees, and how we tailor our services to meet your specific needs.
13. How Do I Check a Financial Advisor's Background and Reputation?
You can conduct background checks by reviewing regulatory databases, checking my CRD number, and seeking client reviews or testimonials to gauge our reputation.
14. Should I Choose an Independent Financial Advisor or a Firm?
It depends on your preferences. Independent advisors may offer personalized service, while firms may provide a broader range of resources. We suggest weighing the pros and cons.
15. What Makes a Good Financial Advisor?
A good financial advisor possesses qualities such as expertise, transparency, good communication skills, and a client-focused approach, ensuring a successful and trusting relationship.
