Frequently Asked Questions
What makes W&A different from other firms?
Independence:
We are an independent firm aligned with LPL Financial, the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer (as reported in Financial Planning Magazine, June 1996-2019, based on total revenue), and we adhere to a fiduciary standard of care that requires us to serve our clients’ best interests. We focus solely on serving your needs and acting in your best interest at all times.
Our success is aligned with yours:
W&A is financially vested in optimum client performance. In other words, as a fee-based investment manager, our professionals have an inherent interest in seeing their clients assets grow as our relationship evolves.
Stability:
We are proud of the fact that after 25 years in the industry, so many clients have chosen to stay with us throughout a variety of economic conditions. We believe our client retention is possible due to our focus on providing high quality customer service.
Who is LPL Financial?
LPL Financial is one of the nation's leading financial services companies and a publicly traded company under ticker symbol LPLA. The firm’s mission is rooted in the belief that objective financial guidance is a fundamental need for everyone. LPL does not offer proprietary investment products or engage in investment banking activities; this means advisors affiliated with LPL are not pressured or influenced by LPL to sell its products. Thousands of financial advisors nationwide are able to rely on the firm’s tools and resources to help them provide financial guidance and recommendations to help meet their clients’ needs. For more information about LPL Financial, visit www.lpl.com.
Are you a fiduciary?
Louis is held to a fiduciary standard by virtue of being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. Being a fiduciary means that we are required to place our client’s interests above our own. A fiduciary standard is a higher standard than that of the suitability standard used by some brokers.
What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™?
Anyone can call themselves a “financial planner” or a “financial advisor.” But only professionals who fulfilled the certification, education, training, and renewal requirements of the CFP Board can display the CFP® certification marks. That’s why it’s important to look for the CFP® designation when considering who to hire for your financial planning needs.
Here’s what’s required to hold a CFP®:
- Education – Complete a comprehensive course of study, which covers the financial planning curriculum approved by the CFP Board.
- Examination – CFP® professionals must successfully complete CFP Board’s comprehensive examination, which tests an individual’s ability to integrate and apply their financial planning knowledge.
- Experience – Three years of financial planning related experience before one can use the CFP® marks.
- Ethics – Ascribe to the CFP Board’s code of ethics and additional requirements as mandated. This includes the Fiduciary standard or acting in the client’s best interest.
Who holds my money?
LPL Financial acts as the custodian for client assets. LPL will produce monthly audited statements, which you will receive in hard copy format or electronically if desired. You will also receive correspondence from LPL related to your investments and accounts.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes, we provide prospective clients a two-step process. First, we have an initial telephone conversation to determine if we are a good fit to discuss your financial needs. If so, we’ll schedule an appointment to meet in person. This meeting provides the opportunity for us to get to know each other, better understand your finances and discuss our cost of services so you can determine if you should consider hiring W&A. There is no charge or any other obligation for these meetings.
How do you charge for services and how much?
Our financial professionals act on a fee-based platform in which we charge a fee for personalized, holistic financial planning and investment management of our clients’ accounts. The fee percentage is based on a tiered fee structure deducted from the account on a quarterly basis. As your account grows or if you add assets to your account, your total fee may be reduced according to our tiered fee structure. We will be happy to discuss our cost of services and share our fee schedule during your initial meeting. Non-profit clients receive a 25 percent reduction in fees.
What types of clients do you specialize in?
We are an independent financial services firm where are advisors specialize in comprehensive financial planning and personalized investment management. We create, implement and monitor your financial plan and build customized portfolios that best fit our clients’ needs. These needs can be quite diverse, as we work with individuals, families, business owners, and nonprofits. Many of W&A clients are detail-oriented professionals such as engineers, executives and professionals from the aerospace industry given Louis’ formal military and aerospace background.
Will I be working with you or someone else and how often do we meet?
You will speak or meet with your financial advisor on a regular basis to discuss your financial situation and monitor your progress. As an integral part of our process, we use a team approach by working alongside a client service specialist and a wealth manager assistant. Each team member plays a key role in the management of your assets and your service experience.
Our communication and service standards are based on the complexity of your situation and dependent on the level of service required, which can be monthly, quarterly or annual. We are proactive in our communication; however, you should feel free to contact your advisor at any time with questions or to discuss changes.
How many clients do you work with?
Personal attention is important when engaging a financial advisor. It makes sense to keep the number of clients we work with at a manageable level. Doing so allows us the time to better understand and to devote time to your unique financial situation. To provide the high level of personalized service each client deserves, we only accept a handful of new clients each year. Many of our long-term clients are pre-retirees and retirees with $1 million or more in investable assets. However, new clients often come to us with investable assets of $500,000 or more.
Do you receive referral fees from attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, mortgage brokers or others?
No. Accepting a referral fee from other professionals presents a conflict of interest. If you need a referral to a qualified professional, our goal is to match you with one that will best suit your unique needs.
Do you offer assistance to implement the plan?
Yes. The development of a comprehensive financial plan is the initial step to properly assess your finances and define your long-term goals. However, a plan has little value until it is implemented. We will work closely with you through the implementation process.
Do you offer continuous, on-going advice regarding my financial affairs, including advice on non-investment related financial issues?
Yes. It is very important that we maintain an open communication and we get updated on anything that may impact your financial affairs. As your personal financial advisor, we are available as needed.
How do I get started?
You can contact our office by calling 714-258-9911 or emailing us to schedule your initial telephone consultation. Thank you for considering W&A.