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Frequently Asked Questions

What's on Your Mind?


Who do you work with?

Recently widowed, starting the divorce process (or your divorce is final and you want to be on the right track going forward), families with college bound children and those nearing or in retirement are our firm’s main areas of focus. To learn more, click HERE 

 

What can I expect from our first meeting?

Our first meeting serves as a complimentary way for us to get to know each other. We will learn more about you and your financial goals while asking questions to determine what is most important to you. If we find out that we are not a good fit, we are happy to refer you to one of our connections that may better serve your needs.  "Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor" is a great resource when interviewing a financial advisor. Click HERE 

How is FPS different from other advisory firms?

What may make FPS different than your traditional financial advisory firm is our holistic approach in regards to your finances. Looking at one's investments alone can have devastating consequences to one’s overall wellbeing.   As a fiduciary, we always put your needs first.  As a Fee Only firm, we have no products to sell which eliminates those conflicts of interest.  Also, being a smaller firm that utilizes a team approach, we’re able to get to know you and what you would like to accomplish really well. You won’t get lost in a phone maze when you call. Real people,  Real answers.

How accessible are you for your clients? 

We are very accessible.  At FPS we generally get back to you the same day. Clients under our FPS Wealth Management Program™ (Click HERE to learn more) meet with us annually (Either in person, virtually, or by phone) for a comprehensive review of your financial life. We are always available during the year via email, phone or virtually as well to answer any questions you may have.  Many of our clients have raved about our weekly FPS newsletter.  Click HERE to see a sample

What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and what can they do for me?

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner can help you meet your various life goals and reduce stress.  Anything from planning your retirement, helping pay for college or other large expenses. Helping ensuring your loved ones will be in a good place financially if you become disabled or pass away. A focus on reducing your tax burden, and helping to make sure you don’t make irreversible mistakes. A CFP® is proficient in investments, taxes, retirement, estate planning, and insurance and takes a comprehensive look at all of the areas of your finances to help you make better financial decisions. Our advisors also have specialty areas such late state college planning, student loan repayment, Pre and Post divorce planning, and custom 401k design for small businesses.

Do you offer continuous ongoing advice regarding my financial affairs? What is the difference between financial planning and wealth management?

Clients under our FPS Wealth Management Program™ experience our highest level of service.  This includes unlimited access to our team to help you in all areas related to your finances on an ongoing basis. Click HERE to learn more.  Some folks might only need a comprehensive financial plan.  Click HERE to learn more.

Is there an account minimum for FPS wealth management clients?

Our firm minimum is $500,000 of investments under management. However, each advisor will have the discretion to set individual minimums that may differ from the firm minimum.

What is your investment philosophy? 

Our investment philosophy is focused on growing your wealth over the long term, while aligning your investments with your personal goals, values, and tolerance for risk. If you’re looking for an advisor to focus on finding you the “next hot stock”, you’re in the wrong place. Why? Our client portfolios are built with a diversified long-term approach. If you are interested in investing smarter: with a focus on managing your short and long term goals in a tax efficient manner, you’re in the right place. 

Who will be responsible for my planning?

Each client has a lead advisor they work with. However, we also take a team approach to your financial wellbeing. With four CFP®’s on staff, we’re able to leverage all of our expertise to help you make smarter financial decisions.

How do you keep up to date on critical financial planning and investment topics?

We read. A lot! (Have you read the 648 page “Life and Death Planning for Retirement Benefits? We have, so you don’t have to!) Rick, Lyman, Andrew, and Janet maintain their CFP®  designation on an ongoing basis.  They also incorporate various seminars, webinars, books, and periodicals to further their understanding of more complex areas including tax, estate planning, college funding, and divorce.  

Are you a member of any professional organizations? 

All advisors of the firm are members of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Rick is a past President and past Chairman of the Massachusetts chapter and since 2008, holds the current position of Liaison and pro bono coach with Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Lyman, Janet, and Andrew also volunteer as Financial Coaches offering pro bono help to Dana Farber patients that are struggling due to the complexities a cancer diagnosis can bring.  Learn more HERE.  Andrew and Rick are members of the Association of Certified College Planning Specialists. Janet and Rick also belong to the Institute of Certified Divorce Financial Analysts.  Lyman also belongs to the Center for Fiduciary Studies which oversees his AIF designation.

How can I view my account?

For our Wealth Management Clients, you can view your accounts on our secure client portal. Your client portal will be your resource for accessing your accounts and securely sending and receiving documents. You can also view your accounts at our independent custodian, TD Ameritrade.


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