10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

The first question clients need to ask is, "How do I choose the right financial adviser?"  Anyone can advertise themselves as a "financial advisor" but that does not necessarily indicate education or experience.

Here are the 10 most frequently asked questions we receive from our prospective clients:

1.      What is your approach to providing financial advice to your clients?

We are client-centric and devoted to cultivating long-term relationships with our clients. We take our role as Financial Planners seriously and are committed to serving the best interest of our clients at all times. We are not just investment managers- "brokers". We are advisors who seek to be integral to your financial life.

2.      Are you an independent financial planner?

 Yes, through United Planners Financial Services, an independent broker dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. With few restrictions, we are able to provide "best of breed" products and services wherever these may be found.  

3.      What kind of process do you follow in managing my investments?

We provide rigorous analysis to develop effective investment strategies and monitor these investments regularly to help attain expected performance.  Investments are determined in conjunction with your other important financial goals. 

4.      What makes you different from other advisers?

Several things; our values- we work best with individuals who are concerned about the "big picture" and the impact they can make, not just the amount of accumulated wealth or the rate of return on investments.  Secondly, our focus on comprehensive wealth management whereby we examine 13 Key wealth management issues during the course of the year with our clients to help keep them well protected. Finally, we believe it's our passion for personal growth and emphasis on quality of life above all else. It may sound clichéd, but for us it is the hallmark of what we do: money is simply an means to and end and not an end in itself. 

5.      What aspects of my financial life can I expect you to assist with?

All aspects of your financial life that you are concerned with matter to us and will be discussed in the course of our meetings and discussions.

6.      Do you work with other professionals?  If so, how?

We maintain a network of highly trained and respected professionals who we can refer to for their subject matter expertise in associated areas such as tax planning, estate planning, business legal matters, liability insurance etc. These relationships are strictly professional and are not compensated by any fee sharing arrangements. These individuals are not affiliated with either JWM

7.      Are you available to answer my questions whenever I have them?  If so, will I be billed?

We maintain a highly accessible business practice. You can expect to reach us whenever you need assistance and, under normal circumstances, the fee paid in managing your account covers everything.

8.      How often can I expect to hear from you, and when?

Mostly, this is up to you. We like to maintain regular meetings of approximately 2-4 times a year to review your situation. In cases where you desire less frequent meetings we will accommodate your request but ask that we meet no less frequently than annually. If more frequent meeting are desired, that is never a problem.

9.      How are you compensated?

We operate under a hybrid compensation model. Mostly we are compensated as a percent of the assets we manage for our clients. However, where it is in the client's best interest to have us compensated by commission instead of an ongoing fee we will bring this option to the client's attention and discuss the pros and cons thoroughly.  

10.  Do you have a minimum investment requirement?

In order to provide the best possible service to each of our clients, we normally ask a minimum investment account of $250K.  If you can’t meet that minimum, please feel free to contact us anyways and we will do our best to ensure your financial questions and concerns are addressed.  Many individuals without significant accumulation of assets would benefit from undertaking a comprehensive financial plan and it is our mission to help as many people as possible achieve this important step. If we feel we can't help you we will provide the name of another qualified advisor.