Our Unique, Custom Approach
Understanding your lifetime financial needs, establishing where you are, where you’d like to go, and how you’re realistically and feasibly going to get there is no easy feat. Our holistic approach considers a multitude of factors such as income, timeframe, goals, risk tolerance, tax bracket, estate plans, current assets, and personal values to create a plan completely tailored to you and your family.
You deserve an experienced professional who holds themselves to higher standards than those set by the financial industry. For peace of mind around financial decisions large and small, there’s nothing like the guidance of an independent, fiduciary financial planner; An objective advocate with years of experience and knowledge, who has pledged to always put your interests above their own.
Our approach considers all key aspects specific to your life. By creating a customized financial plan, your family is prepared, covered and protected for the future while hitting important milestones along the way. Whether you’re just starting your career, years into retirement or anywhere in between, time is of the essence, and it’s never too early to get started.
The Financial Planning Process
Effective financial planning strategies require getting to know you. Your needs, goals and dreams are the focal point of our approach, starting from where you are right now. This also includes consideration of future income changes – such as Social Security, inheritances, and distribution of retirement assets.
Using top of the line technology and software, we analyze your current lifestyle, then create a strategy to move towards the lifestyle you desire – now and throughout retirement. Our investment advisors carefully create a portfolio that aligns with your objectives, risk-tolerances and values. Results are reviewed on a consistent basis to reflect changing needs and ensure your optimal portfolio.
We Work as a Team, Inside and Out
Our team of in-house accounting and tax professionals, licensed insurance specialists and certified financial planners® work together to create a strategy that’s most advantageous to you. Outside the office, we consult our network of portfolio strategists, estate planning attorneys, and other allied professionals to answer questions beyond our expertise, and to ensure your plan is optimal and effective.
Advantages of Bundling Financial Services
While a few of our clients may just use one service, the majority take advantage of our bundled offerings. In addition to being convenient and economical, advisors utilize each other’s skill sets and expertise with a mutual goal of recommending the best course of action. What does this mean? Collaboration between your financial planner, accountant, and insurance agent leads more informed decisions, and inevitably better results.
Following the Fiduciary Trust Standard
Our financial planners are fiduciaries. We’re legally obligated to act only in your best interest. You may ask, “Aren’t all financial professionals required to act in my best interest?” While the answer should be a resounding “Yes!” it’s not. Not even close.
Many financial advisors claim to meet a “higher standard,” but how many of them actually do? Planners who are not fiduciaries are only required to recommend suitable investments, regardless of whether it’s in the best interest of the client.
A Fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) must follow the “Trust Standard,” the highest standard in securities law. It requires RIA firms to place the interests of their clients ahead of its own and fulfill critical fiduciary duties of trust and confidence. Under the fiduciary trust standard, an RIA must provide its “best advice” to you, the client. No exceptions.
Our passion, dedication and expertise are just some of the reasons our small firm nestled in beautiful Ithaca, New York is one of the top independent wealth management firms in the State. We happily serve clients across the country and beyond, and look forward to our role as dedicated advocates of your dreams™.
Fee Information
While everyone’s needs are different, and your situation may not fit into our standard fee schedule, this link will outline our fees for both financial planning as well as asset management. Form ADV Part 2 (PDF) | Form ADV Part 3 (PDF)
