1. How are you different from other financial advisors?
There are three really important things about our firm that separate us from others:
- All we do is retirement planning. We are retirement specialists with a simple goal of making sure you don't run out of money.
- We limit the number of new clients we take on to deliver massive value and personalized service.
- We invest in industry-leading technology and coaching to simplify our clients' lives and make retirement easy.
2. Are your recommendations truly in my best interest?
As a firm, we take very seriously our fiduciary duty to always act in the client’s best interest (vs. just trying to sell you a product). In addition to a legal obligation, our firm has been built on a foundation of placing the client’s interest before any thoughts of our own compensation.
We recommend for clients the same investment strategies used in our personal accounts (we eat our own cooking) and the accounts of our immediate family members. Our commitment to honest and ethical behavior has allowed us to build a successful firm.
Click here to see a 3-minute video clip that compares stock brokers and fiduciaries to butchers and dietitians.
3. Will you help me solve any and all financial problems I may encounter?
Yes. We will assist clients in solving an assortment of financial issues such as 401(k) plans, audits, family deaths, disability, tax issues, real estate, debt, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, college, gifting, and almost any other financial issue imaginable.
For our clients, we serve as a single point of contact for all their financial needs. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, this includes coordinating every aspect of their financial needs. Each of our clients has a financial plan and financial action checklist detailing all the actions needed to achieve their financial goals. As needed, these action items are coordinated with accountants, attorneys, and other professionals.
While we certainly don’t have all the answers, through our network of resources, we will not stop until a solution has been found.
4. Why should I consider hiring Eagle Ridge Wealth Advisors?
Great question! But first, let us explain why you shouldn’t hire us.
If you’re looking for an advisor who will trade stocks to “beat the market,” you’re in the wrong place. Why? Because we only focus on what you can control. Predicting if the stock market will go up or down or guessing what interest rates will do next are not things you can control and our focus is with retirees where we are concerned with return of your money as much as return on your money!
But if you’re interested in things like lowering your tax bill, investing smarter, and creating a reliable income stream in retirement, you’re in the right place.
5. Do you work with clients in other states?
Yes. While many of our clients are in central IL, we work with retirees and pre-retirees all over the country. Our firm is equipped to use Zoom video conferencing software, and we adhere to strict security guidelines to protect your privacy.
6. Where do you keep my money and how can I see it?
We use Altruist as custodian for our client assets because of their end user experience. Your accounts can be viewed at any time at: https://app.altruist.com/login.
We also have access to custodial services through Schwab, Fidelity, and Interactive Brokers if needed for special situations.
7. What are your hours?
We keep regular office hours: 9AM - 5PM Monday-Friday but we generally work virtually from our homes unless we are scheduled to meet at the office. We are always willing to make arrangements for our clients.
You can reach us by phone (call or text) and by email. Plus we are available to schedule a time to visit at our office or over Zoom.
If you need to give us documents, we have a secure dropbox available anytime right outside our office door. We can also provide you with a secure Dropbox link where you can upload electronic documents to us securely.