Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I let someone else handle my retirement portfolio for me, how do I know they will do a good job and will I be able to trust them?

As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional, I have a fiduciary responsibility to always put your interests first. Deciding to work with a CFP^® is usually an excellent place to begin on the road toward selecting someone to assist you with your financial life.

2. What is the difference between a financial advisor and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional?

If someone is not specifically titled as a CFP^®, then they have not gone through the rigorous training and requirements that are attached to this mark.

3. When is the best time to invest?

Many will argue that the winning strategy is not "timing the market," but instead "time in the market." That is the strategy I usually subscribe to.

4. How are you compensated?

I can be compensated in a variety of ways depending on the investment undertaken. I will always disclose this compensation prior to your committing to any investment.

5. How often will we meet to review my account?

I typically ask my clients how frequently they'd like to be updated on their holdings. In accordance with their response, I meet the communication guidelines they set for me.

6. What benefit does your being an employee of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated add to the appeal of working with you?

At Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated I have access to proprietary research and investment instruments that many independent advisors simply don't even get to look at. Further, I can make available syndicate offerings (like IPOs) that would be difficult to participate in, if you did not have access to a firm like Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated.

7. Do you work with Small Business Owners?

Absolutely — you can use a retirement plan to great advantage for both savings and tax breaks. I encourage business owners to get serious about retirement NOW. That way you can monetize your business and help generate money for your retirement and for giving to beneficiaries.

8. What can I do if I am unhappy with my current financial advisor?

I would be happy to meet with you for a complimentary financial review. In such a private meeting, we'll take a hard look at what your current advisor has in place and consider alternatives for improvement. This no-obligation, no-cost approach allows you to make a careful comparison on your own terms.

9. How easy is it to change advisors?

Quite easy. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of turnover in this business and clients often find that their advisor has either retired or left the business. I often come upon clients who have been switched to a call center or to a "rookie" advisor to handle their account.If this has happened to you, then now might be a good time to consider an alternative. Once you've decided to move your assets from your brokerage firm or bank, it's simply a matter of our electronically transferring that cash and/or securities to your new account at Stifel. This transfer is done at no cost to you for securities that transfer; in fact, we will credit you for any "exit" fee that your former brokerage charges on your way out the door.

10. What should I do to prepare for my first meeting with you?

I always ask that you bring along any statements and financial records that will be needed for me to carefully consider your current situation. This is typically your current brokerage, retirement, insurance, and bank statements. In more complex situations, we may look at your tax return as well.

11. Is there a difference between the rates found for Fort Collins life insurance and long-term care policies?

No matter where you live, insurance companies will all have somewhat different rates in accordance with your health and age. As I represent a variety of high-quality insurance carriers for life insurance and long-term care insurance, I am able to compare rates to find the carriers who really want to earn your business (that is, they will charge you a very competitive rate).

12. Do you work with other professionals in the community?

I work with like-minded professionals who can help me offer a complete range of service to my clients. These professionals include CPAs, Estate Planning Attorneys, and Long-Term Care Insurance Specialists…to name a few. I also network extensively in the community to meet other service providers who I think will provide top-quality service and advice in areas that are not directly related to my work, but can have an impact on my clients' financial well-being (e.g., Banking, Mortgage Brokers, Home/Auto Insurance, and Health Insurance).

13. I have a 401(k). Will you provide assistance in helping that to perform optimally?

Certainly. I typically will look at your 401(k) options and, in accordance with your risk tolerance and time horizon, suggest an appropriate asset allocation mix. I will also offer suggestions in regards to maximizing whatever company match program you might have.