Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fiduciary?
A fiduciary has the highest ethical obligation to put your interests ahead of their compensation and any other considerations. I am a fiduciary – this is a fundamental value of mine and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Believe it or not, there are financial "professionals" out there that are NOT held to this standard. It doesn't mean they aren't good people, it simply means there may be a human-nature conflict that could arise.
Why should I hire you instead of doing this myself?
Who is your typical client?
A typical LifePoint Planning client is a smart, savvy, professional or retiree that is focused on being the most efficient with their current financial strategy. Most of our clients have/had a current advisor prior to enagaging with us, but their advisor was more of a "generalist". We focus on specializing in tax-efficient strategies and using your plan as the benchmark to success above all else. Our clients are generally on the cusp of retirement or are early retirees that have accumulated $1,000,000 or more.
What is your investment philosophy?
Our investment philosophy focuses on low-cost, high-quality investment management using ETF's. mutual funds, and stock positions. We believe in diversified portfolios holding multiple asset classes to minimize risk. We also focus on behavorial investment counseling so that our clients do not make market timing mistakes that could derail their plans. For a deeper look at our process, click here.
Who is NOT a good fit for LifePoint Planning?
If you believe in timing the market and/or day trading stocks or other securities, we will probably not be a good fit. LifePoint Planning is focused on long-term financial success for all of our clients. Our goal is to work with clients for the long-term, and not operate on a transactional basis. If you think that real financial planning is a one-and-done type of engagement, we will probably not be a good fit.
Do I have to come into your office?
No. In fact, most of our clients prefer conference calls and virtual meetings. We are able to share our computer screens in live-time during client meetings so the clients can see exactly what we see. However, clients are more than welcome to come to our office or we can come to them.
Do I have to pay for the first meeting?
No. We believe that everyone should have access to a qualified independent financial advisor. The first meeting will be free and it will be a working session where we will provide value to you from the start. Please bring your financial questions with you. If we don’t end up working together now, we will be able to follow up when/if it becomes a better fit.
How does being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ differ from other advisors?
Completed a required 30 hours of continuing education hours bi-annually
Committed to adhering to the standards of ethics and practice outlined in the CFP Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct
Not everyone in the financial services industry is held to this standard.
www.cfp.net/become-a-cfp-professional/cfp-certification-requirements
How do you get paid?
I am a fee-only financial planner, which means my only compensation comes from the services I provide to you. I do not get paid any commissions, kick backs, “trails,” or any other fees other than from the fees I charge you. I am held to the fiduciary standard, which means I have to act in your best interest regardless of the compensation I receive. I believe this is the fairest form of compensation and aligns my interests with yours.
Do you work with people outside of Michigan?
Yes. We work with clients all across the United States. We use a robust technology suite that makes location a non-issue.
What if I don't fit into one of your service models? Can we customize the way with which we work together?
Yes. We are all about making the level of service customizable to the client. We understand that clients have unique situations and we strive to accomodate them in the best way possible.