How am I different than most financial advisors ?

1. Your Plans are Personalized
I have created over 150 written, integrated planning models for individuals and businesses over the last 27 years. Although technology has changed the look of our plans over the years, there's one thing about them that hasn't changed ---- they are all personalized. We don't create "boilerplate" plans. They are all custom designed for you and your situation. I analyze your debt structure, risk management plans, estate plan, income taxes, retirement plans, cash flow, investment portfolio, your business model, and any other planning areas you're concerned about. You'll get straightforward, easy-to-understand plans that I will update at least every three years (or as needed) at no charge.

2. Limited Number of Clients
I currently manage over $ 38 million for 81 clients (as of December 31, 2009). My business model is different than many financial advisors because I've chosen to limit my number of clients. I don't want hundreds of clients with hundreds of accounts simply because I don't believe I can provide the proper attention and service they need.

3. Account Size Minimum
My minimum account size is $ 100,000, although exceptions are made for current clients, their family members, and client referrals.

4. Your Accounts Have Benchmarks
My integrated planning models set specific rate of return goals, or benchmarks, in each of your planning areas. From these benchmarks, we develop your Investment Policy Statement. Each account's benchmark is used to monitor your long-term progress as well as provide you with a way to place a "value" on me as your financial advisor. I track your benchmarks on each account using my rate of return database for all deposits and withdrawals --- all on a time-weighted basis.

5. Consistent Updates and Monitoring
Are you looking for someone who will stay on top of things for you ? Here's how I do it :

1. Your integrated planning models are updated at least every three years
2. You get no-fee consultations with me at any time
3. Your Net Worth Statement is updated any time you want . . . but I like to update it at least annually
4. You get a detailed Quarterly Performance Report (managed accounts only)
5. You get a Performance Report on all accounts at your review (at least annually)
6. You receive my Quarterly Newsletter (managed accounts only)
7. You have daily access to all of your accounts on this web site (requires password)

6. How I Get Paid is Your Decision
Financial advisors are paid either by commissions, fees, or a blending of the two. After we go over your plan recommendations, I will provide you with a detailed explanation of the various costs and expenses associated with the recommendations. At that point, you will be able to decide how you want to pay me for implementing your planning models --- either through commissions, fees, or a blending of the two. The decision is left up to you because, after all, it's your money.

7. Your Portfolio Has Very Low Costs and Expenses
Numerous studies have shown the negative affects that high annual expense ratios can have on long-term investment performance. Therefore, I'm very frugal with your money. The expense ratios on my fee-based investment portfolios are among the lowest you will find anywhere. My expense ratios range from 0.21% to 0.27% as I believe it is critical to keep your investment expenses low as they may impact your long-term performance.

8. I Believe in the Team Approach
I don't try to be all things to all people. That's why I believe in a team approach when implementing your planning models. I currently have an association with a CPA with over 28 years of experience, a board-certified estate planning attorney with over 25 years of experience, and an insurance professional with over 28 years of experience in all types of insurance lines (names available per your request). These professionals are available to you if you don't already have them in place. If you currently have these professionals working for you, I would welcome the opportunity to work with them and act as a coordinator to ensure you're having all of your planning needs met.