Question 1

Are you a fiduciary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All advisors at KWM Partners are licensed fiduciary advisors, legally required to act in our clients’ best interests at all times.
Many financial professionals are not held to this standard. That’s why one of the most important questions to ask any advisor is: Do you follow the fiduciary standard? The answer determines whether advice is given in your best interest—or influenced by commissions, incentives, or sales goals.

We believe clients deserve fiduciary care, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Question 2

Where are managed accounts held?

Accepted Answer

It is critical—for your protection and our own—that all assets are held with independent, third-party custodians. Note that, unless we arrange otherwise, all non-employer-related accounts for which you choose to grant KWM Partners trading authority are held at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a registered broker dealer.
Your money is safe in the hands of this multi-billion dollar entity, which is separate from KWM Partners, creating checks and balances. Schwab has extensive experience serving the needs of independent advisors and their clients, affording access to in-depth research as well as virtually any investment vehicle you could want. And they carry not just the standard SIPC $500,000 per-account protection, but an additional $600 million of supplementary insurance through Lloyd’s of London and other insurers. Your employer accounts, including 401(k), 403(b), Deferred Compensation, etc., remain with your employer-directed custodian but we are happy to assist with asset allocation planning on these accounts.

Question 3

Do you have a minimum account size?

Accepted Answer

Our services are designed to enable us to work with any client that wants to build a strong financial future and/or live their best life in retirement. While our Investment Management services do have a tiered fee schedule, we do not limit clients based on their current circumstances. Instead, we focus on your financial potential and how committed you are to working together to build wealth and achieve your goals.

Question 4

When should I take Social Security?

Accepted Answer

Our fiduciary advisors look holistically at each client's financial situation. While we do not provide tax or legal advice, we do take taxes and other factors into consideration when helping clients determine when to take social security.

Question 5

How much money do I need to retire?

Accepted Answer

This answer is different for every client. KWM Partners looks at the full scope of your situation including quantitative (such as account balances, etc) as well as qualitative (values, goals, and objectives) to determine the amount necessary to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

Question 6

Why pay an advisory fee?

Accepted Answer

Managing your life savings is not a do-it-yourself project, the stakes are too high.  Our goal is to help you reach your financial objectives, and we’re motivated to make that happen. By working together, we align our success with yours, so you feel confident that we’re always focused on your best interests. When you win, we win.

Question 7

Who can benefit most from your services?

Accepted Answer

We offer financial and retirement planning as part of our ongoing investment management practice. Any person seeking financial peace of mind or looking to match his or her financial actions and resources with personal goals can benefit from our services. We provide financial planning and advice to clients from all income levels.
Our services can help you plan for:
Retirement: When will I be financially independent? How much will I need and how do I get there?
Taxes: How can I reduce my taxes?
College: What is the best way to save for college? How much should I save?
Budgeting: How can I reduce debt or save more?
Insurance: Do I need life, disability or long-term care insurance? If so, how much and for how long? Investments: What are the best investments for me?
Estate Planning: How can I make sure my estate is handled the way I would like?
Special Goals: What is the best way to financially plan for and finance that new home, special trip, wedding, gift or other goal?
Financial Check-Ups: How is my plan proceeding? Do I need to make any changes?

Question 8

Should I use a financial advisor?

Accepted Answer

As financial advisors, we provide valuable expertise, personalized guidance, and peace of mind. Whether you’re planning for retirement, building wealth, or protecting your assets, a professional can help you stay on track and navigate the complexities of the financial world.

A 2019 Vanguard study found that a hypothetical advisor-directed $500K investment would grow to over $3.4 million over 25 years, while a self-managed portfolio would total $1.69 million – 50% less – over the same period. The study's advisor-managed portfolio averaged 8% annual growth over a 25-year period, compared to just 5% growth for a self-managed portfolio.
https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/who-we-are/pressroom/Press-release-Vanguard-introduces-new-framework-for-assessing-the-value-of-financial-advice-092019.html

Question 9

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Our advisors are ready to meet you! Follow the link below to schedule a free, no-obligation discovery meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions