FAQ
ARE YOU A FIDUCIARY?
Yes, as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) we are proudly held to a fiduciary standard meaning we have to put our client’s interests first.
CAN YOU MEET VIRTUALLY?
Yes, while we love meeting with our clients face to face when possible, we are more than happy to meet remotely with clients that aren’t local or want the convenience/safety of a virtual meeting.
HOW IS 7TH STREET FINANCIAL COMPENSATED?
We charge clients a fee for our financial planning services. This fee can be paid either from your checking account, investment account or via credit card. We are a fee-only firm so there will be no additional commissions or hidden fees.
WHAT OTHER COSTS ARE INVOLVED?
In addition to the advisor fee, there may be small fees related to buying and selling investments but many investments are available now with no trading fees. In addition, each investment will charge a management fee by the company that manages the fund. These additional fees are not collected by 7th Street Financial but instead by the investment custodian and fund manager.
DO YOU OFFER HOURLY OR PROJECT BASED OPTIONS?
While we like to engage with clients for a long term comprehensive planning relationship, we recognize that not everyone has the same financial planning needs. If an hourly or a project based engagement makes more sense for you we will work to accommodate your needs.
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT THAN OTHER ADVISORS?
There a few things that make 7th Street Financial unique.
1. Fee-only: We only charge you for financial advice. We will not sell you any products for which there are commissions or extra fees.
2. A limited number of clients: We cap our roster of clients to 50. This leaves more time to spend focused on you and your planning needs.
3. No net worth or investment minimums. Many firms have a requirement that you invest a certain amount of money with them before they will take you on as a client. We believe you shouldn’t be left on your own to grow wealth and then get help.
What is our approach to financial planning?
We believe in a steady, long term approach to achieving your financial goals. We place an emphasis on building a strong foundation with your finances first and then work to put clients in a diversified, risk-appropriate set of low cost funds. In addition to working toward your goals this approach also allows your money to stay invested instead of paying high fees. Finally, we take a patient approach with investments. While there may be periodic economic or market conditions we feel it is appropriate to respond to, we will not engage in high investment turnover in an attempt to beat or time the market. Our goal is not to do whatever possible to maximize returns. Our job is to put you into a portfolio that does what you need it to do.
WHAT ARE MY QUALIFICATIONS?
I received my Certificate of Financial Planning from the University of Georgia and have my Series 65 designation which is a license to provide financial advice and am CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?
As your advisor, I will drive two meetings per year to review how things are going. In addition, the client is free to contact me as needed throughout the year to discuss any updates, concerns or thoughts.
CAN I JUST USE A ROBO-ADVISOR?
A robo-advisor might be an appropriate choice for a number of people depending on their needs. However, if you are looking for someone to work with on a more comprehensive basis where you can get personal advice and service I believe you will be happier with 7th Street Financial.