Business Beliefs
What drives our strategy? We have four core business beliefs:
1. Independent advice is critical for unbiased financial guidance
In today's complex economic environment, the major difference between making money and keeping money is knowledge. Because we are truly independent advisors, we are extremely focused on meeting your financial goals with our disciplined investment strategy. Our client-centered, independent approach ensures we won't push products or drive investment decisions simply on the basis of anticipated commission. Our integrity and success for each of our clients have helped us build a strong reputation in Western New York.
2. Financial advisors should have professional certification
 A Certified Financial Planner™ certification requires education, more than 3 years of successful professional experience and the knowledge to pass a rigorous 10-hour exam on every aspect of financial planning and current investment regulations. More importantly, this elite core of individuals is also dedicated to following a strict code of ethics and professional standards. Once certified, those individuals must maintain their CFP® certification standing through the highest standard of ongoing professional conduct and additional training to ensure they remain current on the changing regulatory world of investments.
The importance of seeking out individuals with this level of expertise and industry standing is best echoed by Arthur Levitt, one of the pillars of our industry.
"...If you have more than $50,000 and want advice on picking investments, you don't need a broker ... What you need is an independent adviser, preferably one with the Certified Financial Planner™ designation who considers your overall financial picture."
Arthur Levitt
Former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission
South Florida Sun-Sentinel, September 25, 2002
3. Fee-based compensation better aligns our interests with that of the clients than commissions
We give our clients a choice between a transaction-based or fee-based investment relationship. Under the fee-based arrangement, you get a win-win situation where your advisor has a vested interest in your long-term financial success. While some commissions such as are collected, our primary compensation is based on the attached to the value of your account. When both our client's and financial advisor's objectives are in alignment, we can deliver a very cost-effective approach to growing your portfolio and personal wealth.
For those clients who are looking to purchase specific investment or insurance tools, we will handle all of the one-time-only arrangements in exchange for a set transaction fee which will be discussed upfront.
4. Financial planning should include preparation for death
Financial planning is the process of wisely managing one's finances to achieve certain goals and dreams, while at the same time helping negotiate the financial barriers that inevitably arise in every stage of life, including death. This ensures that not only are your goals satisfied, but your legacy of wealth will pass on to the next generation.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and federally registered CFP (with flame logo), which it awards to individuals complete initial and ongoing certification requirements. |
