Why didn’t you tell me you were going to create your own firm?
We would very much like to have discussed this decision and asked for your input prior to our move. Unfortunately, industry regulations and other legal considerations prevented us from informing you. We are committed to adhering to all regulatory requirements, to protecting client privacy, and to respecting all legal restrictions. We have done so, despite the difficulty of not sharing our plans with you in advance. Now that our firm has launched, we are very excited to speak further with you about the independent firm we have founded, and the benefits it will provide you and your family.
Why did you start your own independent wealth management firm?
Being independent allows us to give more comprehensive financial planning advice to our clients, while also accessing a much broader list of investment solutions. We can now also shop around for banking services and the best possible rate on loans for clients who need liquidity. Without corporate ownership, we are not pressured into selling checking accounts or other banking services that our clients may not want or need.
How can I reach you?
If I wanted to follow you and bring my relationship to Cedar Gap Wealth Management, what is the process?
We have made the move to independence to better serve you, and so we’re grateful that you are interested in joining us. We’ve taken steps to make the process as easy as possible. First, we will help you open investment accounts at Schwab. Then we transfer the assets IN KIND from Merrill to Schwab, a process which takes about 5-10 business days. Nothing is sold from your account, and there are no tax consequences for an IN KIND transfer. Likewise, there are no tax consequences for IRA and retirement account transfers. Merrill charges a transfer fee, but we will refund those fees after your assets are at Schwab. You will be able to follow your money during the process – you can log onto Merrill’s online site to see the assets transfer out and then log onto Schwab’s online site to see the assets arrive.
Will my investments have to change if I want to follow you?
No, your investments won’t need to change. Virtually all of the investment managers, mutual funds and securities available at our prior company are also available at Schwab. Having said that, we may want to suggest changes to your investment portfolio based on the much broader list of available managers, funds and investments available to us at Schwab. A major benefit of being an independent wealth management firm is the opportunity to bring more investment opportunities to our clients.
Is establishing an independent firm unusual in the wealth management profession?
No. There have been major shifts in the financial services industry over the last few years. With changes in technology, the ability for small firms to have access to the same (if not better) investment opportunities and cutting-edge software has levelled the playing field. For these reasons, the migration of advisors from large brokerage firms and other corporate financial institutions to RIAs (Registered Investment Advisers) has accelerated. Each year, more advisors are voting with their feet, recognizing that the independent model is better for their clients, better for their local community and better for the advisors themselves. The many advisors who have made this move before us have been resoundingly positive about the significant improvements in technology, research, security, and resources, and, most importantly, in their freedom to deliver fully on the promises they make to their clients every day.
Will my assets and information be safe?
Yes. Charles Schwab is one of the largest brokerage firms in the world, and they are committed to keeping client assets safe and secure. We have included in your welcome kit two pieces entitled “How Client Assets Are Protected At Schwab” and “Charles Schwab: Who We Are” for your review. It outlines the company’s financial strength, history, capital structure, and procedures that ensure the security of your accounts. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or would like to know more, please call us directly.
