Frequently Asked Questions
How does Independent Investment Advisors differ from brokerage firms, and asset management firms?
We are independent and fiduciary. It means we do not sell financial instruments. Our primary focus is portfolio management to help our clients achieve their goals.
How would we start working together?
We start all of our new client engagements with in-depth relationship-building conversations. Following, we do discovery and assessment of the client’s investable assets, needs, constraints, and risk tolerance. This assessment usually includes a discussion with our client’s financial planners, estate managers, attorneys, TAX advisors, and CPA’s.
How does Independent Investment Advisors work with my current attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals?
While our primary focus is investment portfolio management and investment advice, we collaborate with our client’s other advisors very closely. We integrate any advice and guidance our client’s advisors may have into portfolio construction and ongoing management.
How are Independent Investment Advisors compensated, and when do you get paid?
We charge an annual fee based on a percentage of assets under management. The cost is deducted from the client’s accounts quarterly.
Does Independent Investment Advisors receive any other direct or indirect compensation for their work on my behalf?
No! We are a fiduciary advisor, and our client’s interests come first.
What if I want to manage some of my investments on my own. Can I still work with you?
Yes! Our custodian allows us to comanage portfolios with our clients. We chose Interactive Brokers to be our custodian.
Do you provide reports to help me prepare my tax returns?
Absolutely. Interactive Brokers provides in-depth TAX reporting and many other reports.
Can Independent Investment Advisors ensure that my personal information is kept confidential?
Absolutely! Our custodian (Interactive Brokers) is mandated and audited by numerous industry regulatory authorities on how information is stored and protected.
How are my assets protected from brokerage firm fraud or brokerage firm financial instability?
SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) protects against the loss of cash and securities – such as stocks and bonds – held by a customer at a financially-troubled SIPC-member brokerage firm. The limit of SIPC protection is $500,000, which includes a $250,000 limit for cash.
