What makes you different from a traditional broker?

As an RIA (Registered Investment Advisory) firm, I’m held to a higher fiduciary standard than a traditional brokerage. My fiduciary (legal) responsibility is to you, my client, to provide the best advice and products for your specific needs.

In contrast, a brokerage firm only needs to meet a standard of “suitability” which is a much looser interpretation. And their number one responsibility (fiduciary) is to their brokerage—not the client.

In addition, an RIA firm has a higher standard of transparency and disclosure, meaning there are no hidden fees or commissions. You will know exactly how much I am getting paid.

How do you get paid?

I get paid in two ways. If you’re in the planning and preparation stages of your retirement, and not moving assets, I’ll advise you for a set fee, either hourly or quarterly depending upon the scope of your needs and complexity of your plan.

Normally though, I receive 1% (1/4% per quarter) of the overall investment amount.  It’s important to me to keep my client’s total costs at around 1 ¼%, which includes any advisor fees, admin, custodian, sales and transaction fees. Because of that, most clients will save 2-3 times in investment costs compared to traditional brokers with mutual funds. Those seemingly small percentage differences become quite significant over the life span of your investment.

I don’t receive commissions on trades.

How can I be sure my investments are safe?

Under the umbrella of Shareholders Service Group, my firm provides one of the highest levels of account protection in the securities industry. All my firm’s investments are held by FINRA regulated custodians and are SICP insured.

Why don’t you have a fancy office? 

As much as I might like one, my core mission has always been to pass the savings on to my clients. Hence the name “Better Things”.  After working in the financial industry for 10+ years, I’m convinced that there are better ways to serve client’s needs than having a high overhead office with corresponding high commissions, and padding the pockets of Wall St.

Most of my clients prefer meeting in their homes, favorite coffee shop, or my no-frills office. A plush office isn’t what they ‘re looking for. Keeping more of their hard-earned money is what makes them happy.

Why should I work with a smaller firm? 

The advantage of a smaller “boutique” firm like mine is that it offers unmatched personalized service. I meet with my clients on a regular basis, pick up the phone when they call, as well as personally oversee their trades, accounts and portfolios. Through constantly reviewing my client’s portfolios, I always look for ways to maximize their retirement investments.

I have strategic partnerships with excellent companies like Shareholders Services who hold my investment accounts and help me control costs.