| Frequently Asked Questions |
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management and
Investments from Clemson University. I am a Certified Financial Planner. I
completed the Financial Planning Program at DePaul University in Chicago,
which included retirement planning, investment planning, insurance
planning, estate planning, income tax planning, employee benefits planning
and ethics.
What further education in financial planning do you plan to pursue?
I frequently attend educational seminars given by the Financial Planning
Association, read the Journal of Financial Planning and I volunteer each year
as an AARP Tax Advisor, which keeps me astute on tax law. It is actually
imperative that I obtain a certain number of continuing education credits
each year in order to be certified as a financial planner.
Are you a member of any professional financial planning association?
Financial Planning Association
How long have you been offering financial planning services?
Since 2000.
Will you provide references?
Absolutely.
Do you do the work or will I be turned over to another employee in your
firm?
I do all the work for my clients directly, from beginning to end.
What is your approach to saving and investing?
Pay yourself first for you dreams and goals. Invest in securities and assets
that fit within your risk profile and will accomplish your realistic goals in a
prioritized manner.
Will you provide an individualized financial plan? Can I look at a recent
example of a plan prepared for someone in similar financial
circumstances?
Yes, every financial plan I develop is individualized, there is no cookie cutter
approach to financial planning since your goals and specific financial
situation are the basis for the plan. I cannot show you a plan of another
client, all my plans are confidential by nature. I could show you examples of
strategies that may be effective in your situation and would be happy to
supply you with some client references.
What kinds of communications can I expect from you on an ongoing
basis (account statements, newsletters, etc.)?
Monthly statements of assets that are directly under my management,
quarterly consolidated statements of all your assets, semi-annual meetings
to review your goals and plan, and anytime there is a change in financial
policy or laws that will affect you or your financial plan. Optional newsletters
on a monthly basis via e-mail or mail.
How often will you review my portfolio?
It depends on the types of accounts and assets that are being managed, but
you can be assured that I will review it no less than every 3 months; every
portfolio I manage is re-balanced quarterly.
How are you compensated for the services you provide?
I am a fee-only planner; I am paid solely by my client and never accept
commissions, kick-backs, or referral fees. I am not obligated to sell any
products or services of any investment company or insurance company.
What, if anything do you expect of me during our relationship?
Candid comments regarding your financial goals and situation.
Preparedness when it comes to my data gathering needs. Honest feedback
when the plan is presented and a willingness to be involved in the
strategies to meet your financial goals. It is important for us to work together
as a team if we are to be successful in solving financial issues and realizing
your goals. Ongoing communication regarding any life changes affecting
your financial plan or goals would be essential; my priority and full time job
is to manage your assets appropriately, based on your risk profile and the
goals you set forth, it can only be accomplished if we work together.
What if I do not have a financial plan?
What if I didn't have continuous asset management and guidance?
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management and
Investments from Clemson University. I am a Certified Financial Planner. I
completed the Financial Planning Program at DePaul University in Chicago,
which included retirement planning, investment planning, insurance
planning, estate planning, income tax planning, employee benefits planning
and ethics.
What further education in financial planning do you plan to pursue?
I frequently attend educational seminars given by the Financial Planning
Association, read the Journal of Financial Planning and I volunteer each year
as an AARP Tax Advisor, which keeps me astute on tax law. It is actually
imperative that I obtain a certain number of continuing education credits
each year in order to be certified as a financial planner.
Are you a member of any professional financial planning association?
Financial Planning Association
How long have you been offering financial planning services?
Since 2000.
Will you provide references?
Absolutely.
Do you do the work or will I be turned over to another employee in your
firm?
I do all the work for my clients directly, from beginning to end.
What is your approach to saving and investing?
Pay yourself first for you dreams and goals. Invest in securities and assets
that fit within your risk profile and will accomplish your realistic goals in a
prioritized manner.
Will you provide an individualized financial plan? Can I look at a recent
example of a plan prepared for someone in similar financial
circumstances?
Yes, every financial plan I develop is individualized, there is no cookie cutter
approach to financial planning since your goals and specific financial
situation are the basis for the plan. I cannot show you a plan of another
client, all my plans are confidential by nature. I could show you examples of
strategies that may be effective in your situation and would be happy to
supply you with some client references.
What kinds of communications can I expect from you on an ongoing
basis (account statements, newsletters, etc.)?
Monthly statements of assets that are directly under my management,
quarterly consolidated statements of all your assets, semi-annual meetings
to review your goals and plan, and anytime there is a change in financial
policy or laws that will affect you or your financial plan. Optional newsletters
on a monthly basis via e-mail or mail.
How often will you review my portfolio?
It depends on the types of accounts and assets that are being managed, but
you can be assured that I will review it no less than every 3 months; every
portfolio I manage is re-balanced quarterly.
How are you compensated for the services you provide?
I am a fee-only planner; I am paid solely by my client and never accept
commissions, kick-backs, or referral fees. I am not obligated to sell any
products or services of any investment company or insurance company.
What, if anything do you expect of me during our relationship?
Candid comments regarding your financial goals and situation.
Preparedness when it comes to my data gathering needs. Honest feedback
when the plan is presented and a willingness to be involved in the
strategies to meet your financial goals. It is important for us to work together
as a team if we are to be successful in solving financial issues and realizing
your goals. Ongoing communication regarding any life changes affecting
your financial plan or goals would be essential; my priority and full time job
is to manage your assets appropriately, based on your risk profile and the
goals you set forth, it can only be accomplished if we work together.
What if I do not have a financial plan?
- You may not have a plan for possible devastating financial problems
- You may not be using available tax advantaged programs
- Your achievement of financial goals and dreams may not be
reachable - Your loved ones may be left without
What if I didn't have continuous asset management and guidance?
- Complex financial markets and fees may make it difficult to achieve
your goals - Your assets may have excessive risk exposure if they are not
diversified properly and re-balanced accordingly - Your investment returns may be under performing
- You could be surprised by unfavorable law changes
| Contact me: 248-390-7252 gsherrow@meridian-advisory.com |
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| P.O. Box 122, Holly, MI 48442 Phone: (248) 390-7252 Fax: (248) 846-7184 Email: gsherrow@meridian-advisory.com |
