Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page, where we prioritize transparency and open conversation to help you navigate your financial journey. We believe that a well-informed client is an empowered one, so we’ve gathered answers to your most pressing questions right here. Our goal is to provide the knowledge you need to feel confident and secure in every decision you make.
Here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Are you a fiduciary and what does that mean? Yes, as a Registered Investment Advisor with LPL Financial, I am required to follow fiduciary standards set forth by the SEC. Fiduciaries are persons or organizations that act on behalf of others and are required to put the clients’ interests ahead of their own, with a duty to preserve good faith and trust. Fiduciaries are thus legally and ethically bound to act in the other’s best interests.
2. What is your investment philosophy and approach to risk? At Atlas, we believe the foundation of successful investing is having a financial plan. We work with clients to understand their goals and resources before we suggest specific investments. We believe you will not know if you are on the right road, unless you know the destination. Once we know your goals, we will work with you to select a broadly diversified portfolio and manage risk to your specific risk profile.
3. How are you compensated? We are primarily fee based as a % of your assets. In situations where a managed portfolio does not meet a client's needs, we are paid a fee for certain products, including CDs, mutual funds or insurance products. For stand alone financial plans, we charge a flat fee determined by the complexity of the plan.
4. What services and products do you offer? At Atlas, we offer stand alone financial plans, as well as third party portfolio management, insurance products, mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, and bonds.
5. What is your typical client profile? Most of our clients are women, financial heads of household. These women might be married, divorced, widowed, or single, but the one thing they have in common is they are in charge of making financial decisions. Philosophically, our clients are aligned with our belief in financial planning and investing.
6. How do you create a financial plan? We use a software program called MoneyGuidePro to help clients build their personalized financial plan. We start with goals, wishes, and wants. We then layer in resources, expectations, and concerns. Finally, we add in risk tolerance to ensure that a client's plan is unique to their personal situation.
7. How often will we meet and communicate? At Atlas, we believe in open communication, education and empowerment. We communicate as frequently as our clients prefer. We reach out to clients individually at least once a year to schedule an annual review (either in person or via Zoom). In between those meetings, we frequently send emails and post blogs about topics we believe are educational or of interest. We are always open to questions a client may have in-between annual meetings. Feel free to reach out to our team any time!
8. Who holds my assets? Most of the assets we manage are custodied by LPL Financial or directly at a mutual fund company. You will always have direct third party electronic access to your account(s). You will receive statements issued by LPL Financial or the mutual fund company at least quarterly. LPL and any mutual fund company that we work with adheres to the financial industry standard of cybersecurity safety.
9. Do you coordinate with accountants and estate planning attorneys? We do not have accountants or lawyers with us in office, however, we do have long standing relationships with local estate planning attorneys and CPAs. With client permission, we can coordinate advice, meetings and share information to help navigate all aspects of a financial plan.
10. Do you work with multiple generations? Yes, we will happily share generational wealth planning ideas and involve all interested parties. You have worked hard for your money and we want to help you create a lasting legacy across multi-generations.