CRS Conversation Starters

Investment Advice and Services:

Given my financial situation, should I choose an investment advisory service?

Whether an investment advisory relationship is right for you depends on your individual financial circumstances, goals, and preferences. Advisory services may be appropriate for individuals seeking professional guidance with investment management, retirement planning, education funding, income planning, or other complex financial matters. When evaluating an advisor, consider factors such as your financial goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, income needs, tax considerations, and overall comfort with the advisory relationship.

It is important to work with a financial professional who understands your needs, communicates clearly, and provides guidance that aligns with your objectives. Advisory services may not be necessary for everyone, particularly those who prefer to manage their own investments or whose financial circumstances do not require ongoing professional advice. We encourage you to ask questions and review all applicable disclosures so you can determine whether an advisory relationship is appropriate for your situation.

How will you choose investments to recommend to me?

When you decide to become a client, you will complete a Investment Profile Questionnaire. Our process of recommending investments begins by reviewing your answers and scores to these questions and assigning an overall risk profile for your accounts. This is then used to determine the best model allocation along with additional factors such as age, goals, and lifestyle.

What is your relevant experience, including your licenses, education, and other qualifications?

Our website and ADV describe the licenses, education, and other qualifications.

What do these qualifications mean?

Michael David Stark has earned the following designation(s) and is in good standing with the granting authority:

Series 63: a securities license qualification that demonstrates knowledge of state securities laws and regulations. The examination primarily focuses on state regulatory requirements, prohibited business practices, and ethical standards.

Series 65: the NASAA Investment Advisers Law Examination — is a North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) exam administered by FINRA. The examination covers topics relating to investment advice, securities regulation, ethics, and fiduciary responsibilities. Individuals who pass the examination may satisfy one of the qualification requirements to become registered as an Investment Adviser Representative, subject to applicable state requirements.

Andria Jo Williams has earned the following designation(s) and is in good standing with the granting authority:

FPQP™ - Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional

Individuals who hold the FPQP™ designation have completed a course of study encompassing the financial planning process; the five disciplines of financial planning; and general financial planning concepts, terminology, and product categories. The program is designed for approximately 80-120 hours of self-study. The program is self-paced and must be completed within one year from enrollment.

CMFC^®: Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor:

Individuals who hold the CMFC^® designation have completed a course of study encompassing all aspects of mutual funds and their uses as investment vehicles. The program is designed for approximately 120-150 hours of self-study. The program is self-paced and must be completed within one year from enrollment.

For any additional information on these designations, visit: www.finra.org.  

Fees:

Help me understand how these fees and costs might affect my investments. 

Fees and costs vary based on the services provided, account type, and investments selected. Advisory fees, investment-related expenses, and other applicable charges may reduce investment returns over time. We encourage you to review the applicable disclosures and discuss any questions with your financial professional so you can better understand the costs associated with your account.

Conflicts of Interest:

How might your conflicts of interest affect me, and how will you address them?

Conflicts of interest can arise in the financial services industry. We are committed to identifying, disclosing, and appropriately managing those conflicts through our firm's policies, procedures, and supervisory processes. In addition, employee personal trading activities are subject to firm oversight and review to help ensure that clients are treated fairly and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Additional Information:

Who is my primary contact person?

In some cases, your initial meeting may be conducted by one of our advisors or associate advisors. As a small firm, the roles of our principal and staff overlap and we communicate regularly and maintain all current activities in a common customer relationship system, so we are all able to assist when you contact us. At times, you may also have a specific question for someone specific on our team and we are all available to assist with your questions.

Who can I talk to if I have concerns about how this person is treating me?

If you ever have concerns about how you are being treated, the first person to speak to would be Michael Stark. In addition, each trusted member of our team is always available to hear any concerns you may have.