Details Are Part of Our Difference
Embracing the Evidence at Anheuser-Busch – Mid 1980s
529 Best Practices
David Booth on How to Choose an Advisor
The One Minute Audio Clip You Need to Hear
Tag: Fiduciary
Independent Difference Campaign
I’m proud to be a part of the independent advisor community. In the most simplistic definition, independence means that our firm does not fall under a major brokerage firm, bank or trust company. We operate independently and work for you, not a corporation. This is a hugely important distinction because our model allows us to operate objectively.
I was recently invited to be a part of a national ad campaign supporting independent advisors around the country, and I was taped saying lines like:
I am a fiduciary, not just some of the time, but all of the time.
As a fiduciary, I promise to put your interest first. Always.
As a fiduciary, I promise to always act in the best interests of you and your family.
We believe these statements at our core and think every investor deserves to be served by someone who works solely for them, as their fiduciary. Reciting these lines came naturally and we’re honored to help support the broader community of advisors.
Stay tuned for more information on the campaign, who it’s associated with, and when it will air!
Creating a Statement of Financial Purpose
Our good friend (and Matt Hall’s podcast guest) Carl Richards has been discussing a concept that may feel foreign to many people when they think about investing. It’s called a “Statement of Financial Purpose. “
Historically, we’ve talked to clients about goals – we help to set them, work to achieve them, cross them off the list, and move on to the next. A Statement of Financial Purpose is something more profound than just goals. It’s the why behind the goals. This statement is not lengthy; it’s usually a sentence or two and, typically, pretty simple, but it’s not easy.
We have introduced this concept to clients over the last year, and the reception has been very positive. Initially, clients are a bit hesitant when we present the topic, but it has led to some great conversations, and, in certain instances, spouses have uncovered things they didn’t know about the other person! Additionally, we’ve found these conversations especially valuable in guiding the recommendations and decisions we make with our clients.
Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more about creating your Statement of Financial Purpose.
Vital Signs
In my role, I meet with prospective families searching for a new financial planner. Many people we meet have a specific issue they are trying to solve, but some just have a general sense they could do better.
Recently I asked a potential new family how much they were paying their current financial advisor; they said, “Nothing.” Nothing? In reviewing their statements, we knew they were getting charged 1.00% on the value of the managed assets plus additional fees on the underlying holdings, but I wanted to ensure they knew the answer. After an awkward silence, I asked them if they knew their asset allocation or long-term performance. They didn’t have a good answer for either question.
As a client of Hill Investment Group, we take pride in the clarity and simplicity of our communications and reporting. We always want you to know your asset allocation, portfolio performance, and fees. While many in our industry hide from these vital signs, we lean into ensuring you know them. Awareness brings several benefits to our relationships. If this message seems obvious, we agree, and yet it is rare that we meet with folks who have a clear sense of these three vital answers.
If you have a friend or family member that doesn’t know or can’t get the answers to these “vital signs,” there’s good news. We can help.
Click here to schedule a Discovery meeting with PJ.
