Quick List of Questions
- Why do we call ourselves financial counselors rather than financial advisors?
- What's the advantage of using fee only planners and investment advisors?
- Why should it be important to you that D3 Financial Counselors is a fiduciary advisor?
- Why should I hire an independent financial counselor?
- What credentials should matter to you in your search for a financial advisor?
- What type of experience should I look for in a financial advisor?
- Why is it important to have an advisor that focuses on continuing education?
- Who needs independent advice?
- What credentials are important to have as a financial counselor?
Why do we call ourselves financial counselors rather than financial advisors?
A counselor has a more comprehensive viewpoint than a financial advisor. Financial advisors often just focus on a person's investments, whereas D3 Financial Counselors focus on what your goals are for your investments and help you structure your investments accordingly.
What's the advantage of using fee only planners and investment advisors?
Educated consumers want to know how much they are paying for financial services. Paying fees is more transparent than paying commissions for financial products. Additionally, paying fees for services lowers the potential for any conflict of interest between the advisor and the client.
Why should it be important to you that D3 Financial Counselors is a fiduciary advisor?
A fiduciary has the legal obligation to put their clients interest before their own interests. Registered investment advisors are legally considered fiduciaries, brokers and agents are not fiduciaries under the law.
Why should I hire an independent financial counselor?
Being independent allows a financial counselor to consider all options that would be beneficial to their client's unique situation. There is no company pressure to push one product over another. Also, being independent gives the financial counselor a wider variety of options to consider when helping a client achieve their goals. Being independent gives you access to multiple institutional providers rather than one.
What credentials should matter to you in your search for a financial advisor?
It depends on what help you need. If you need tax advice, you should look for a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). If you need investment advice, you should look for a CFA™ (Chartered Financial Analyst). If you need planning advice, you should look for a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner™). These are the gold standards in their respective professions. If you need someone to help you in all of these areas, look for a combination of these credentials.
What type of experience should I look for in a financial advisor?
You should consider someone that has the most experience in the areas where you have the most needs. For example: If you are looking for sophisticated, risk controlled, investment management based upon your goals, look for a financial counselor that has managed assets through multiple investment cycles. If you are looking for insightful planning, consider a financial counselor that has a wide variety of experiences that can be applied to your situation.
Why is it important to have an advisor that focuses on continuing education?
Not all financial advisors are required to continue their education. Continuing education is important for two reasons:
1. The opportunities and the risks in the financial area (investments, taxes, etc.) are constantly changing. Having a financial counselor that keeps up with these changes improves your chances of achieving your goals.
2. An educated financial counselor will be focused on helping you understand the economic consequences of your financial decisions. This empowers you to make smart, logical choices as you navigate through the various financial alternatives you face daily.
Who needs independent advice?
Individuals who want to know the economic consequences of their financial decisions.
Business Owners who are busy running their companies, and need a reputable advisor to help them maximize their wealth, and effectively manage their tax liabilities, by incorporating personal financial planning with their business success.
Professionals who are specialists in their respective fields, but not in the field of personal finance. Someone who has a significant cash flow event, or anyone with significant assets.
Anyone who has a question or concern about a financial decision, or a desire to achieve a financial goal (college funding, retirement planning, estate planning, etc.).
Why you need independent advice:
- Because the decisions you make today can impact you for the rest of your life.
- Because you want to know the alternatives and what is specifically right for your financial situation.
- Because you don't want to feel pressured or obligated to purchase anything.
- Because you just want to be better informed about your retirement options, your business options, or your personal investments.
- Because you want someone working for you; not for their commission check.
- Because you need someone to understand your perspective, and then translate that into action steps to achieve your financial goals.
- Because you will either make more money or save money by planning today.
Now, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you unsure about the financial decisions facing you?
- Are you doing all you can to save on taxes, plan for your children, or invest for retirement?
- Do you need help understanding the complexity of the choices you face?
- Do you need help realizing the value of your business?
- Do you deserve your own investment advisor?
- Do you want unbiased, objective advice from a professional money manager with 25 years of experience, who will work for you, and not a commission?
The 6 person team at D3 Financial Counselors has an unparalleled combination of education and portfolio management experience. Since founding D3 Financial Counselors in 1997, owner Don Duncan has worked for clients with various backgrounds and talents, designing unique financial plans to fit their individual circumstances. He brings large company experience to your individual situation. Base your decisions on the knowledge of a CFA™, CFP®, CPA, and MBA with 25 years in the financial markets. Our two other professionals have earned MBAs, a CFA, and a CFP® designation.
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