Ethics are a really big deal to us. Established in 1983, we were the first fee-only and fiduciary-based firm in Delaware. As fiduciaries, we do not receive commissions, bonuses, rewards or other compensations as a result of any recommendation. Unlike banks and brokerage firms, we have no proprietary products to sell (mutual funds, wrap accounts, mortgages, bank accounts / loans, insurance policies, etc.) Also, we are 100% privately owned, which means that we do not answer to corporate owners who structure compensation to maximize profits at your expense. Our recommendations will always be made from a position of complete independence and objectivity. You come first, always.
We want to be the first call anytime you have a financial concern. Our services are designed to be all encompassing, meaning that we will assist you in meeting a full spectrum of financial planning needs. From in-depth tax, estate, investment and retirement planning to meeting with adult children or your professional team, we are in your corner.
Our professional team has a combined experience of over a century with a myriad of professional designations and a continued commitment to learning. We not only have thorough knowledge of personal finance, but also excel in helping clients make pivotal changes to their financial habits that lead to a more rewarding life. In our experience, it is not enough to just understand the numbers. It’s just as important to understand the emotions surrounding your decision making process and properly frame the trade-offs of time, money, and happiness, to ensure consistency with your goals.
We emphasize the “personal” in personal financial planning. Every member of our team is personally and emotionally invested in your success and we want to be a helping hand and your advocate wherever you need one. It is our pleasure and commitment to get to know you and your unique situation. Doing so helps us to help you navigate the twists and turns of your financial and life journey. It’s not just business, it’s personal.
We understand that it is ultimately your decision to follow any of our recommendations. Be assured that our advice is the result of a thorough and careful analysis of your resources and objectives and backed by extensive education, thirty-five years of experience and a proven level of professional judgment. If we believe that your decisions will negatively impact your financial future we will not hesitate to tell you so.
As an example, our investment recommendations often run contrary to the latest, most popular investment trends or gimmicks. Doing so takes discipline and patience. To paraphrase Jean-Marie Evelliard, one of the most highly successful money managers of all time, “We would rather lose half of our clients, than lose half of our client’s money”, by following the herd.
Our financial planning process is designed to maximize your resources and protect you and your family from the financial impact of life’s uncertainties. We start with an in-depth review of every aspect of your financial life. Our advisors use leading edge technology while performing these reviews to, for example, evaluate investment risk and the impact of longevity on financial resources.
The planning process includes recommendations to more closely align your investment portfolio with your resources and needs. Existing tax laws are taken into consideration when assigning recommended investments to available accounts. Portfolios are monitored and changes made to mitigate risks and to take advantage of developing opportunities.
We strongly believe in the benefits of coordinated financial planning for individuals and families. Some entities however, such as businesses with retirement plans, charities, and foundations, have a need for objective assistance with the oversight of investments over which they have stewardship responsibilities.
Our investment experience and expertise allows us to design and manage portfolios aligned with the missions and needs of these organizations.
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