Frequently Asked Questions
Why work with an Independent Financial Planner?
WealthTrust Financial is an independent financial services firm not affiliated with any banks, investment firms, or insurance companies. Our clients greatly benefit from our independence because we have the freedom to be objective in the advice we give and products we recommend. As an Investment Fiduciary, there is no pressure or distraction by corporate interests, and we only do what's best for our clients.
Why work with a Certified Financial PlannerTM Professional (CFP®)?
Anyone can call himself or herself a "financial planner", and many people think that all financial planners are "certified", but that is not true. When selecting a financial planner, you need to feel confident that the professional you choose to help you plan for your future is competent and ethical. The CFP® certification provides that sense of security because the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards allows only those who meet their rigorous education, examination, experience and ethical requirements the right to use the CFP® certification marks.
Why develop a Financial Plan?
Having confidence in the sustainability of your lifestyle throughout retirement is a critical component of financial independence, security, and happiness. Protecting, preserving, and managing your assets are important functions of estate planning. Insuring your legacy and providing for your family's livelihood in the event of an unexpected loss is critical. These goals are best accomplished by developing and maintaining a sound financial plan.
Why pay for financial planning?
Like any other professional service, you get what you pay for. Financial planning requires advanced education and specialized skills. Working with an experienced professional not only provides comprehensive analysis and service for your entire financial life, but can greatly enhance the protection, preservation, and return on your investments. The quality of our work is evidenced by the individual care we provide to each of our clients.
What if I need more complex estate planning services?
Estate planning sometimes requires additional consultation, including coordinating the review and drafting of wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and/or trusts. We are happy to work together with your Trust and Estate Attorney, or we can recommend an independent Trust and Estate Attorney to you, to help accomplish your estate planning objectives.
How will you manage my portfolio?
Investment recommendations are customized and aligned with your specific objectives, timeframe, and risk tolerance. We exercise care, skill and diligence in evaluating and reviewing your portfolio on a regular basis. We schedule routine review meetings, and are always available to you when you have questions.
Why do you charge asset management fees for a managed investment account?
Asset management fees align our compensation directly with our client's account performance.
What is the benefit of a managed investment account?
When working within a managed investment account, we are held to a fiduciary duty standard of care. This means that we must legally act in your best interests at all times in every recommendation we make. We will monitor and review your managed investment account regularly, and periodically re-balance your account in accordance with your risk tolerance, time horizon and investment goals.
Why should I have my insurance policies reviewed?
Risk management is an essential part of the financial planning process. Many people purchase insurance policies without ever reviewing them. Often times, the risks you insured against at the time you purchased the insurance may be different today, or possibly no longer exist.
What is a Chartered Financial Consultant®?
A Chartered Financial Consultant® has completed the most extensive educational program required for any financial services credential. Each ChFC® has taken eight or more college-level courses on all aspects of financial planning from The American College, a non-profit educator with the highest level of academic accreditation. Advisors with the ChFC® designation are required to serve you with the highest level of professionalism. The authority to use the ChFC® mark is granted by the Certification Committee of the Board of Trustees of The American College, and that privilege is contingent on adherence to strict ethical guidelines. All ChFC® advisors are required to do the same for clients that they would do for themselves in similar circumstances, the standard of ethical behavior most beneficial for their clients.
What is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®?
The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation is earned from the Center for Fiduciary Studies, a Fiduciary360 company (fi360), and signifies that the designee has acquired the knowledge to apply Global Fiduciary Standards of Excellence. AIF® designees demonstrate a thorough understanding of fi360's prudent practices for Investment Advisors. An investment fiduciary is someone who is managing the assets of another and stands in a special relationship of trust, confidence, and/or legal responsibility.