Solutions From a Fiduciary and CFP®

I am a 100% fee based advisor.  I cannot receive any commissions from investment products.  Depending on what makes the most sense, my fees are either based on a percentage of the assets I am helping manage or a fixed fee.  My fees are charged on a quarterly basis and there are no contracts or investment products binding you to work with me.  My philosophy is I need to prove my value and earn my fees throughout our entire relationship.

In 2001, I graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.  I am a licensed investment advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and CPA.  I have been working as an accountant and financial planner since 2001 and all my certifications require me to complete a rigorous continuing education requirement on an annual basis.

Yes, I am the only advisor at Intelligent Investing.  That being said, I have a deep network of other likeminded advisors I correspond with on a monthly basis.  We discuss best practices, the economy, new ideas, strategies, regulations, etc.  All my clients have a list of these advisors and would have the option of working with them if something were to happen to me.  Or they could work with any other advisor of their choosing.

Yes, and in some cases a lot more resources.  As I mentioned before I have large advisor group I correspond with on a regular basis.  I also have strategic partnerships with professionals in other areas (Attorneys, CPAs, Insurance Agents, etc.) In addition, I have partnered with one of the largest clearing houses in the world (Fidelity Investments) to have access to nearly infinite investment choices at a low cost.  I utilize Morningstar’s institutional level research tool (Morningstar Direct), which helps me analytically evaluate all investment options for my clients.  And I work with other institutions to provide my clients with top end financial planning software and quarterly performance reports.  

I have all the same resources as a larger firm.  The benefits of working with me are as follows:

• You always work with me and never a junior advisor or an 800 number
• I am available 24/7 and will help you with any question you may have
• I have minimal overhead and thus can keep my fees low and still provide you with the highest level of service
• Since I outsource all my administrative tasks, all my time is available for client service and helping you in whatever way possible
   

I have put together some quick presentations to show you the 6 steps to Intelligent Investing HERE.

There is no one investment strategy for everyone.  In fact, all my clients have different investment portfolios.  The core concepts I follow are:

• The portfolio must be tax efficient
• It needs to be simple, transparent and easy to evaluate performance
• Meet the client’s objectives with the least amount of risk possible
   

At a minimum I like to meet my clients on a quarterly basis, even if it is to touch base briefly.  I believe it is important to be proactive with all decisions and we need to make sure things don’t slide too long.  As I mentioned before I am available 24/7 and I respond to all voicemails and emails very quickly.

Yes, a fiduciary is someone that places their client’s needs ahead of their own and is fully transparent on all issues.  That is precisely how I work. In addition, being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, I am held to a high standard and must abide by strict rules of conduct for fiduciaries.

Yes, utilizing the research software I have with Morningstar we can find any socially responsible investment in a variety of categories.