FAQs
What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®)?
Licensed by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, CFPs must satisfactorily 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, CFPs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years and abide by Standards of Professional Conduct that bind them to provide financial planning advice in the best interests of their clients.
What is a Certified Fund Specialist® (CFS®)?
The Certified Fund Specialist® (CFS®) designation is the oldest designation in the mutual fund industry. Certified Fund Specialists are trained to evaluate and compare financial measurements and benchmarks when constructing client portfolios using techniques such as alpha, beta, correlation coefficient, first-auto correlation, R-squared, and standard deviation that should be incorporated in the selection process. Using modern portfolio theory (MPT), CFS advisors are able to build a more suitable and efficient portfolio using closed-end, exchange-traded, and open-end funds.
What is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
CPAs must have achieved minimum college education requirements, minimum experience levels working in a CPA firm environment, and the successful passing of the Uniform CPA examination. CPAs are licensed and regulated by state boards of accountancy. In addition, in order to maintain their license, CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing education every two years.
What is your fee structure?
At Strategic Partners, our asset management compensation is 100% transparent, so you know exactly what we make and the value we provide. We are unique in the fact that our advisors may be compensated on a commission or fee basis depending on the agreement most suitable for the individual client. Often, we charge a competitive asset under management (AUM) annual fee that is computed on the value of the assets we manage. In certain circumstances, a financial planning fee may be charged. Insurance products, by their nature, may carry commissions.
Do you have a minimum account size?
While we do not have a minimum account size, our services are best suited for clients with investable assets in excess of $250,000.
Do I need a financial advisor?
Did you know that the majority of all millionaires have hired the assistance of a planner? These highly successful and disciplined people know that accountability is key 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 and our access to wide-ranging expertise through our Integrated Financial Resources Network can help you take the necessary actions to pursue your goals.
Can I use just one of your services?
We offer strategies using a comprehensive, consultative approach, with the goal of simplifying your financial life. Typically, coordinating a client's financial planning, investment portfolios, and insurance strategies is the best path to achieving this goal. While the majority of our clients seek our full suite of services, when appropriate, we may provide a singular service to meet your needs.