The Value of Independence
We are fee-only—paid only by our clients, not by the funds we might recommend or the professionals to whom we refer our clients. We do not receive commissions from the institutions and investments we recommend. We are not beholden to any bank, brokerage firm, or insurance company in selecting products and services. We work for you and you alone. Fee-only service liberates our financial advisors to make the best recommendations for your situation. Your Family Firm advisor does not receive contingent compensation of any kind—there are no commissions, rebates, soft dollars, or incentives for us. Our measure of success is the same as yours. The Family Firm practices complete financial transparency—you know exactly what the charges are for our services and what our compensation is.
We work for you, not for commissions.
The Specifics of Fee-Only
- When you buy or sell securities, your advisor does not receive compensation of any kind (such as commissions, rebates, soft dollars, or incentives).
- Your advisor is not restricted to products offered by his or her employer (this can sometimes be the case at a bank, brokerage firm, or insurance company).
- Your advisor doesn’t sell, but focuses on recommending products and providing advice in your best interests.
- Your advisor’s interests are aligned with yours.
- You can more easily trust the advisor with a broad range of information about your financial circumstances.
The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) (This page will launch in a new browser window.) is the largest professional organization devoted strictly to "Fee-Only" financial planners. The Family Firm’s financial planning staff are NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisors who adhere to the following Core Values:
- Competency: Requiring the highest standards of proficiency in the industry.
- Comprehensive: Practicing a holistic approach to financial planning.
- Compensation: Using a Fee-Only model that facilitates objective advice.
- Client-Centered: Committing to a fiduciary relationship that ensures the client’s interest is always paramount.
- Complete Disclosure: Providing an explanation of fees and potential conflicts of interest.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also provides some valuable information about choosing an Investment Advisor. To read more, click here to view Investment Advisers: What You Need to Know Before Choosing One.
