20 Questions

1. What qualifications and certifications do you have?  

I have been a Financial Advisor since 1993.  I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from BIOLA University  and I hold multiple licenses with FINRA (The  Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). 

The Series 7 license held through LPL Financial allows me to sell stocks, bonds and mutual funds.  

The Series 24 license held through LPL Financial allows me to be a branch manager in this industry, 

And the Series 65 license held through LPL Financial allows me to conduct fee based investment management for my clients.  

In addition, I hold my PPC designation.  This is a Professional Plan Consultant which allows me to give fee based advice to 401k plans.  I hold other licenses such as a California  Life Insurance license as well as a few other securities licenses. 

2. Are you a fiduciary?

   Yes, I am a financial fiduciary, meaning I am legally obligated to act in your best interest at all times, prioritizing your financial goals over any potential conflict of interest when it comes to helping manage advisory accounts.

3. How do you charge for your services?

  The initial consultation with any new prospective client is free of charge and typically lasts an hour. In my practice,  I primarily work on a fee basis.  My maximum fee starts at 1 percent of assets under management and goes as low as 0.55 depending on the size of the account.   If you have a smaller account under $50,000 we still occasionally work on a commission basis as well.

4. What is your investment philosophy?

   I believe in long-term, diversified, risk-managed strategies that are tailored to each client's goals and risk tolerance. I aim to help you grow and protect your wealth through a balanced portfolio of stocks, bonds, etfs, and mutual funds. Of course, there is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

5. How will you determine my risk tolerance and financial goals?

   We will begin with an in-depth discussion about your financial situation, goals, and comfort with risk. I use a structured risk assessment questionnaire along with detailed conversations to align your portfolio with your objectives and risk tolerance.

6. Can you explain your typical client and how I fit in?

   My typical clients are individuals or families with moderate to high net worth who are seeking long-term financial planning, including retirement planning, tax strategies, and investment management. I work with clients like you to ensure their financial future is secure.

7. How often will we meet to review my investments?

   We’ll schedule regular check-ins, typically semi-annually, to review your portfolio and discuss any changes in your life or market conditions. I’m also available anytime for questions or adjustments, as needed.

8. How will you manage my portfolio during market volatility?

   My strategy involves diversification and regular rebalancing to mitigate risk. During volatility, I’ll help you avoid emotional decisions and stick to your long-term plan. If necessary, we can make tactical adjustments, but always with your goals in mind.

9. How do you select investments for my portfolio?

   I use a combination of research, analysis, and screening to select a diversified mix of low-cost index funds, ETFs, mutual funds, and individual stocks or bonds. Each investment is chosen based on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

10. What kind of reporting and transparency do you provide?

   You will receive regular, detailed reports showing your portfolio’s performance, asset allocation, and fees. I use a transparent reporting system that keeps you informed about how your investments are performing and how much you are paying.

11. How do you integrate tax strategies into your financial plan?

   Tax efficiency is a core part of my planning. I work with [your accountant or tax advisor] to manage tax liability through strategies like tax-loss harvesting, asset location, and choosing tax-efficient investments like municipal bonds or Roth IRAs.

12. How will you coordinate with my other financial professionals (accountant, lawyer, etc.)?

   I work collaboratively with your other advisors to create a comprehensive financial plan that covers tax planning, estate planning, and investment strategies. Open communication ensures all aspects of your financial life are aligned.

13. What is your approach to retirement planning?

   I focus on building a retirement plan that balances income generation with risk management. We’ll discuss your desired retirement lifestyle, then create a plan using strategies like diversified income streams (pensions, Social Security, investments), sustainable withdrawal rates, and inflation protection.

14. What is your experience in managing portfolios of similar size to mine?

   I’ve managed portfolios for clients with assets from $50,000 up to $4.5 million for over 30 years. My experience allows me to develop personalized strategies that align with your financial goals and moderate asset size, ensuring growth while managing risk.

15. What are the potential risks of working with you?

   While I strive to provide consistent performance, all investments carry risk. I’ll ensure that we have a risk management strategy in place, but market downturns and economic changes can affect performance. My goal is to minimize risks and keep you informed.

16. What benchmarks will you use to measure my portfolio’s success?

   We’ll measure your portfolio’s performance against appropriate benchmarks, like the S&P 500 for equities and the Barclays Aggregate for bonds. However, the ultimate benchmark is whether your portfolio is meeting your personal financial goals.

17. How do you stay up-to-date with changes in the financial markets?

   I regularly attend industry conferences, complete continuing education courses, and stay informed through financial publications and research tools. My ongoing education ensures I’m aware of market trends, tax laws, and investment strategies.

18. What would happen to my portfolio if something happened to you?

   My firm has a succession plan in place to ensure continuity in case of my absence. Another qualified advisor would step in to manage your portfolio seamlessly, and we have systems in place to ensure your financial plan remains on track.

19. What happens if I decide to terminate our relationship?

   You are free to terminate our relationship at any time. I’ll work with you to ensure a smooth transition and provide all necessary documentation and advice for continuing your financial plan elsewhere. 

20. What are the values that shape you as a person? 

I look at life through a biblical lens. My faith in Jesus Christ and following biblical principles are very important to me.  I do my best to let that shine through in how I conduct myself in business matters as well.