Frequently Asked Questions
Considering a Financial Adviser? Here are some great questions we can help you answer.
What You Need to Know Before Choosing an Investment Adviser
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) receives many questions about investment advisers—what they are and how to go about choosing one. This page answers some of the typical questions we receive from investors about investment advisers. This Q&A is for the benefit of investors. You should not rely on it to determine if you need to register as an investment adviser.
What is an investment adviser?
An investment adviser is an individual or a firm that is in the business of giving advice about securities to clients. For instance, individuals or firms that receive compensation for giving advice on investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or exchange traded funds are investment advisers. Some investment advisers manage portfolios of securities
What is the difference between an investment adviser and a financial planner?
Most financial planners are investment advisers, but not all investment advisers are financial planners. Some financial planners assess every aspect of your financial life—including saving, investments, insurance, taxes, retirement, and estate planning—and help you develop a detailed strategy or financial plan for meeting all your financial goals. Others call themselves financial planners, but they may only be able to recommend that you invest in a narrow range of products, and sometimes products that aren’t securities. Before you hire any financial professional, you should know exactly what services you need, what services the professional can deliver, any limitations on what they can recommend, what services you’re paying for, how much those services cost, and how the adviser or planner gets paid.
What makes financial planning for pilots different from other professions?
Pilots face unique challenges such as mandatory retirement age, fluctuating industry stability, and strict medical certification requirements. These factors require specialized planning to protect your long-term financial goals.
How are you compensated for your services?
We are a fee-only fiduciary firm, which means we are paid directly by our clients for our advice. We do not earn commissions or have hidden agendas—our advice is always in your best interest.
What does it mean that you are a fiduciary?
As fiduciaries, we are legally and ethically bound to put your interests first. Every recommendation we make is focused on helping you achieve your goals, not ours.
What is your financial planning process like?
We follow a proven step-by-step process: understanding your goals, building a personalized plan, and meeting regularly to adjust as your life and circumstances change.
Where are you located, and can you work with clients in other states?
We are based in Knoxville, TN, but we work with clients nationwide through secure video conferencing.
How to Select an Investment Professional
SEC Guidelines Linked Below!
Get the Facts
The SEC’s Roadmap to Saving and Investing
Invest Wisely
Advice from your securities regulators
Questions
You should ask about your investments …and what to do if you run into problems
