What is a fee-based financial advisor?
A fee-based financial advisor is compensated primarily by the client, receiving commissions only on certain products that are inherently commission-based, such as insurance products and annuities. As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), Zephyr Investment Management is bound to always put the clients’ interests first, to help ensure you always receive objective advice about your finances.
What is a Certified Financial Planner®(CFP®)?
Licensed by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, CFP® professionals must complete an advanced college-level course of study addressing financial planning subject areas, including insurance planning and risk management, employee benefits planning, investment planning, income tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning. In addition, they must pass the comprehensive CFP®certification examination and obtain at least three years of full-time financial planning-related experience. To maintain the designation, CFP®s professionals must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
What is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA)?
As an RIA, Zephyr Investment Management acts in a fiduciary capacity when engaged for comprehensive financial planning. Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, any firm that is engaged in the business of providing financial advice for a fee is considered to be an “investment adviser.” These firms are required to be registered with the appropriate federal or state agency. As such, Zephyr Investment Management is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unlike traditional stockbrokers, this means that we always put the interests of our clients ahead of our own interestsserving as your fiduciary.
What is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)?
CFA® is a professional designation given by the CFA® Institute that measures the competence and integrity of financial analysts. Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree, have four years of financial career experience, and are required to pass three levels of exams covering areas such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management, and security analysis. The CFA® charter is one of the most respected designations in finance, considered by many to be the highest standard in the field of investment analysis.
How much does financial planning cost?
As fee-based financial planners, the majority of our services are based on a quarterly fee that is generally about 1.5% of your assets under management. The minimum account size is $100,000. For accounts exceeding $500,000, financial planning services are included at no additional cost. Our services are also available on an hourly basis at $200 to $300 per hour, depending on complexity, with typical engagements averaging a minimum of $3,000.
Can I use just one of your services?
Yes. While the majority of our clients seek our comprehensive services, we are happy to provide individual services to address your specific needs. We do, however, find that coordinating a client's investment portfolios and financial planning is typically the best path to help achieve long-term financial goals.
I consider myself to be financially savvy. Do I need a financial advisor?
For most investors, the answer is yes. These highly successful and disciplined people know that accountability is vital to success. However, many people with the knowledge and experience to manage their own assets will procrastinate when it’s time to make a decision. Often their own needs take a back seat to jobs or family. We add value not only by helping you develop a plan, but also by implementing and adjusting it when necessary. Our knowledge and accountability as a financial advisor can help you take the necessary actions to meet your goals.
How do I know where my investments are held?
Our firm works directly with an independent third-party custodian, TD Ameritrade, and our client assets are held in TD Ameritrade accounts. We provide 24/7 access and visibility to your TD Ameritrade accounts via our online client portal. Your funds will never be comingled with any other investments. We've been operating in the same location for over 30 years, and we are not going anywhere. We are rooted in the community and we understand the value of a good name.