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Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. Anonymous |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of clients do you work with? The clients we work with are a diverse group, with unique and differing financial situations and needs. The common thread in each of them is their desire and motivation to enhance their financial well-being. An individual can only be helped if they possess the willingness to actively participate in the planning process. I really don't have enough money to invest. Why do I need to start planning now? A common misconception held by many is not having “enough” money to invest. Many people delay the planning process, waiting until they have that magic number defining them as wealthy. Often times, this magic number is simply a barrier to beginning the planning process and individuals are stuck never obtaining their goal of retiring early, taking that long vacation to Europe, or putting their kids through college. Any one with an income can get on the path to financial security with early planning. Can’t I do all the investing on my own? Why do I need the services of a financial advisor? Many people do their own investing and planning. Those who have the investment knowledge, diligence, discipline, and time to manage their financial lives beyond living their everyday lives are a rare and lucky breed. Staying current with rules and regulations set forth by the government is essential. In addition, the financial markets offer hundreds of options that all seem attractive. Filtering through these choices takes thorough research and a sound understanding of investments. Removing emotion from the process is also important to making rational decisions. These are all areas in which a financial advisor can add value to your life. Can’t I just open an account online with a discount brokerage firm? How are you different from those services? Yes, you can open an account at an online brokerage firm. However, at most of these firms, you will be left to do the planning and research yourself (see faq #3). When calling these firms for assistance, you are often faced with a maze of automated menus and recordings before finally speaking to someone who may or may not have the advice or information you are seeking. A financial advisor can provide a familiar voice and face to speak with whenever you are faced with a financial concern. The markets are so volatile. Shouldn't I wait until its up again before investing? The stock markets have always and will always be unpredictable. All investment markets rise and fall over time yet have rewarded the long-term investor. Waiting for the perfect moment to invest bears costs in the form of missed opportunities for your money to begin growing. The earlier one begins saving, the better one is in the long run due to the effects of compounding. Investing regularly is a strategy that helps minimize costs and uses market volatility for your benefit. This simple idea of dollar-cost averaging allows you to buy more when prices are low and less when prices are high. Recognizing these concepts helps one to avoid the fear and panic that can be an investor’s greatest weaknesses. I really enjoy spending my hard-earned money to maintain my current lifestyle and live for today. Aren’t you just going to tell me to stop spending and start saving? Our philosophy is based upon establishing a financial balance for you not only today, but also in the future. This doesn’t mean putting away every dime earned today for tomorrow’s consumption. We firmly believe that financial peace involves living comfortably and enjoying life. However, your current lifestyle may be deterring you from the path toward the lifestyle you’d like to have in the future. We strive to help uncover your values about money and balance those values with your long-term goals. Getting on the right path will involve self-assessment and realizations about your current financial situation. This sounds like a lot of work on my part and I really don’t have the time. Can I delay this until I have more free time? The planning process does take time; however, it is our job to make it as seamless and straightforward for you as possible. The time is well-spent to bring a focus to your financial picture. Many people make time for exercising, eating well, or taking on a new hobby. There are few reasons why one should delay any effort that will improve one’s well-being. We believe this includes one’s financial health. What can I expect in a financial plan? The elements in the financial plan depend uniquely on each individual’s situation. While some individuals may simply need an asset allocation plan, others may require a comprehensive financial overview and assessment to get them on the right track. What can I expect from you as my financial advisor on an ongoing basis? Establishing a trustworthy relationship with clients is our top priority. We take pride in educating our clients on all the tools and resources available to them in the financial world. Clients then gain a greater appreciation of the planning process, helping them connect the means to the end. As your financial advisor, we provide ongoing support, keeping you apprised of issues relevant to achieving your goals. What's the advantage of having an "independent" financial advisor? As an independent firm, we have the freedom to manage and serve our clientele based on what’s best for them, without the pressure or incentives to sell proprietary products. Having chosen LPL Financial as our broker/dealer, we have access to resources and products that rival or surpass other firms. A wide array of asset management accounts and investment options coupled with unbiased research allows us to work in your best interests. Sounds expensive…what does all this cost and how do I know it’s worth it? Initial consultations are complimentary to help determine your needs. We are typically compensated on a fee-basis, eliminating any conflicts of interest. Expenses incurred from using an advisor should be recouped merely by having a more efficient and effective financial plan in place. Good financial advisors don’t guarantee returns; they provide objective counsel based on your needs and guide you down a path that will work toward your goals. Their value is in their professional advice, the time saved, and the peace of mind obtained from having your finances working to their fullest. Clients interested only in a financial plan or ongoing investment advisory services for assets held outside of LPL will be billed on an hourly basis. Sounds great! Where do I start? Give us a call or drop us an email to begin taking control of your financial life. We look forward to hearing from you. |
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This site is published for residents of the United States only. LPL Financial Advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the
Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through ©LPL Financial, member FINRA / SIPC |
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