FAQ
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What do you charge for an initial consultation?
We do not charge for the initial consultation. After our first consultation, if we feel we can add value to your situation, we may invite you to schedule a second meeting. We are looking for life-long relationships with a very limited number of clients. For this reason, we require two meetings before we determine if we'd be a good fit.
Is your wealth management program for everyone?
Our wealth management process is highly consultative in nature, so it is not an ideal fit for everyone. Examples of when we might NOT be a good fit ...
- If you have less than $1MM to invest (e.g. 401(k), IRAs, brokerage accounts)
- If you are trying to "beat the market"
- If you reside outside of the United States
- If you are in collections and/or your minimum credit card payments exceed your income
- If you are in bankruptcy or considering bankruptcy
- If you have no household income
We find that those who have at least $1,000,000 invested (in IRAs, 401(k)s, etc.) tend to benefit most from our services.
Do I have to invest my money with you?
No. Sometimes it is best for clients to leave their money where it is, for example, in their employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. We are happy to provide financial planning services whether or not you invest with us.
For financial planning we charge a monthly fee, which depends on the scope and complexity of your plan. For wealth management and portfolio management we charge a level fee, expressed as a percentage, based on the amount of money we are managing for you. For other services, like consulting, we charge an hourly fee.
Will you work on a commission-basis rather than on a fee-basis for my investments?
No.
Yes. As a Registered Investment Advisor in the state of South Carolina, Palmetto Coast Wealth Management is held to a strict fiduciary standard, which we put in writing. This means we are required by law to put our clients' interests ahead of our own. You can read more about Our Fiduciary Standard here.
What does Palmetto Coast do to safeguard my money?
Our clients expect their money to be safe from theft or fraud. Here are some steps we take to ensure the highest level of security:
- All accounts are maintained in your name with one of the leading independent "custodians" like Charles Schwab, Fidelity, or TD Ameritrade. Anytime you write a check to fund your account, you'll make the check payable to your custodian - not to us.
- These custodians all carry SIPC insurance, which protects investors against fraud.
- You'll receive monthly statements directly from your custodian, and a confirmation each time there is activity in your account.
- Your custodian can only send funds to you at your address of record or your bank account.
- You'll have 24/7 access to view your accounts online directly through your custodian's web site.
Why do I need an advisor? Can't I just do it on my own?
Not everyone needs wealth management, and not everyone is the right fit for our wealth management program. Our clients, however, find that the planning, structure and investment discipline liberates them from the stress of doing it on their own. They often find they are able to implement their plan more efficiently than they could if they tried doing everything solo. Time is our most valuable asset. Hiring us to do what we love means you get to spend more time doing what you love.
Why do you limit the number of clients you work with?
Some advisors work with hundreds of clients. The result is they may not have the time to spend with you as often as you need. We work with a limited number of select clients so we can provide you with the highest level of service.