A true fiduciary legally obligated to put your best interest ahead of all others, including our own.

Required to meet “suitability” test with investments recommended, but not legally obligated to put clients’ best interests first.

 

 

 

100% of compensation direct from client by fully disclosed fees, i.e. “fee-only.”

Generally paid either commissions or other fees according to products recommended to client. Some use the fee portion of compensation to call themselves “fee-based,” but would not be willing to accept compensation from all clients in a 100% true “fee-only” manner.

 

One wealth manager for each 80 clients, plus in-house wealth planning professionals to serve client planning needs.

 

Typically each financial advisor (sometimes called a wealth manager or financial consultant) serves 300 or more clients.

A team of one wealth planner (responsible for all aspects of wealth planning) and one wealth manager (responsible for all aspects of investment management).

 

One financial advisor (sometimes called wealth manager or financial consultant) who handles all aspects of client service.

Values Certified Financial Planner™ certification. Dedicated to ongoing professional skill development.

 

May or may not have achieved key professional designations. Typically highly trained by parent organization in sales skills.

 

Believes wealth planning is best when updated annually and performed in comprehensive fashion (addressing items such as retirement planning, estate planning, and insurance planning). Annual plan updates are accompanied by written action items to further your plan objectives.

 

Planning (if done at all) is typically done at onset of relationship and/or in connection with desired investment product sale. Planning is typically not comprehensive and not updated annually.