Frequently Asked Questions

 

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T WORK WITH US?

Yes, that reads correctly…shouldn’t…If you’re seeking a financial planner who will find and invest in that one hot stock that might double in value tomorrow, you’ve come to the wrong office.

Why? You may ask – We develop and implement a financial plan built around risks within your control.  Placing bets on market direction and government policy can be detrimental to the long-term performance of a financial plan.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US?

  • If you are looking for a financial planner to:

  •  1) Determine if you are on the right course to pursue your financial goals

  • 2) Begin an investment portfolio using simple and cost-effective techniques

  • 3) Better position your insurance policies to strive to enhance both your protection and save you money on your premiums

  • 4) Execute a strategic tax plan which may reduce you tax liability and leave more of your hard-earned money in your pocket

HOW Does First Then IFS MAKE MONEY?

This is a great question, we discuss our fees and services so that you are confident in your decision to move forward with us. We strive to be as transparent as possible, and will not shy away from uncomfortable conversations to uncover your financial goals.

We charge an asset based advisory fee which typically starts around 1.25% per year depending on account size and client needs. The percentage charged is reduced at various breakpoints as more assets are invested with our firm. Our advisory fee is split up into quarterly payments and paid directly from your account value so there is no need to write us a check every quarter.

We also charge a one-time fee for financial plans, the cost of which varies based on case complexity. The price for a financial plan is determined and agreed to only after a preliminary review of the client’s financial situation. This allows an opportunity for us to determine the scope pf the plan and the client’s needs prior to any formal engagement.

Our advisory fee is reported on a single, transparent line item on your statements each quarter, so there is not a doubt what you are paying us to bring you competitive value!

IS WORKING WITH A FINANCIAL PLANNER RIGHT FOR ME?

If you have clicked and scrolled your way to this point, we suppose life is getting to be more and more complex and you have some burning questions about how to prepare for your financial future.

If this is you, we can help! Our financial planning approach has helped many clients get on a path to success.

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

Schedule a free, 30-minute phone consultation with our of our trusted partners by clicking here.

This is a time designed to learn more about you and your unique goals

  • You will get to know our team and how we may be able to help you

  • This is not a time for a sales pitch.  We want determine if we are best suited to work together and lay the foundation for a long-term client relationship.

DOES Does First Then IFS HAVE ACCOUNT MINIMUMS?

About 90% of our business is structured around financial advisory services. We call this our “advisory platform”, and it includes various services such as Retirement Planning, Income Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Insurance Needs Analysis, and Quarterly Investment Rebalancing. The top tier advisory platform starts at the $250,000 threshold while a more limited advisory services can be had at the $50,000 threshold.

We do work with those who have less than $50,000 to invest and/or are just starting out. We believe that if someone is committed to saving and seeks professional financial help, then it is our duty to facilitate that whenever possible. We offer investment management services for accounts under $50,000 on a case-by-case basis and are compensated on a fixed monthly fee.

What comes with a Complimentary Initial Financial Review / Checkup?

  • Offering a high level investment portfolio review

  • Are all of your proverbial "eggs" in one basket?  Is a there a current investment strategy in place?

  • Insurance policy review

    o    What was the initial purpose of the policy and does it still fit the need?

  • o    Are beneficiaries up to date?

    • When you bring the following current items to our office*

      • Insurance policies in place (Life / Disability / Long Term Care / Home & Auto)

      • Quarterly investment statements