Do you have a customer satisfaction or refund policy?
Significant time and effort is dedicated to discovering a client's objectives, investment horizon and tolerance for volatility, including defining one's Risk Number. Consequently, we seek to establish realistic expectations with the intent that these will be met or exceeded over time.
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Why should I choose you as my financial advisor?
My background and experience are unparalleled with over 35 years in the institutional investment business. I am able to draw on my own life experiences to bring empathy and understanding to my clients' questions and challenges. I have no ulterior agendas or affiliations that could compromise my fiduciary obligation to my clients.
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How do you charge for your services?
We are a fee-only, independent advisory firm. We offer clients a progressive fee schedule, based on assets under management. (please see section on fees.)
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How are you compensated? How will I pay for your services?
We are a fee-only, independent advisory firm. We offer clients a progressive fee schedule, based on assets under management.
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If you are going to manage my account, will you obtain my permission every time you buy or sell something?
The degree of your involvement in the day-to-day management of your investment portfolio is up to you. Most clients appreciate being consulted in advance of any trading activity. Once they have gained a level of comfort with our decision-making, most clients prefer not to be interrupted, and are content with quarterly reports detailing any portfolio changes that have occurred.
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How many clients do you currently manage?
We have approximately 24 client relationships which comprise roughly 36 clients.
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Will you be the only person working with me?
Yes. I believe strongly that once you have elected to retain Joppa Mill as your Advisor, you deserve to work with the Principal of the firm rather than having an administrative assistant or junior advisor as your point person.
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Do you offer any guaranteed results?
Regulatory authorities, principally the SEC, along with the CFP Code of Ethics prohibits making express guarantees. Investing involved risk; however, responsibility managed portfolios with a commensurate investment horizon should result in acceptable outcomes.
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How much risk should I be willing to take?
The answer to this question is unique to each individual client. We utilize Riskalyze to aid in determining your orientation toward reward versus risk. Investment portfolios are tailored to address your specific Risk Number.
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Have you ever been charged with any breaches?
No.
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What services do you provide? What are your specialties?
Initial Engagement
" Discuss and assist in identifying primary goals, including timeframe for clients next iteration .
" Review financial assets and liabilities; cash flow and expenses.
" Develop financial forecasts for future income needs.
" Develop and implement investment strategy consistent with goals, timeframe and ability to withstand market volatility,
o Generally this is a Core & Satellite approach using low-cost investment vehicles for the core , augmenting with investment strategies intended to add alpha/diversification.
" Make recommendations as to suitability or efficacy of existing assets to achieve financial objectives, with particular sensitivity to tax issues.
" Optimize and streamline financial assets
o Minimize the number of accounts/institutions to simplify administration.
" Review and help refine household budget, including evaluating costs of alternative providers if appropriate (i.e. homeowners insurance, etc.)
" Insure that critical estate documentation is
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What financial institution(s) do you represent?
Clearing and custodial services are offered through BNY Pershing LLC or Charles Schwab. We are affiliated with Wealthcare Advisory Partners, LLC who serves as our Registered Investment Advisory firm.
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What is your approach to financial planning?
We listen to your plans, evaluate all of your assets and liabilities, now and in the future, determine your Risk Number and establish your Comfort Zone , before any investment recommendations. At least annually well review our progress toward your objectives and make any necessary adjustments to keep you in the Zone&
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What services do you offer?
Initial Engagement
" Discuss and assist in identifying primary goals, including timeframe for clients next iteration .
" Review financial assets and liabilities; cash flow and expenses.
" Develop financial forecasts for future income needs.
" Develop and implement investment strategy consistent with goals, timeframe and ability to withstand market volatility,
o Generally this is a Core & Satellite approach using low-cost investment vehicles for the core , augmenting with investment strategies intended to add alpha/diversification.
" Make recommendations as to suitability or efficacy of existing assets to achieve financial objectives, with particular sensitivity to tax issues.
" Optimize and streamline financial assets
o Minimize the number of accounts/institutions to simplify administration.
" Review and help refine household budget, including evaluating costs of alternative providers if appropriate (i.e. homeowners insurance, etc.)
" Insure that critical estate documentation is
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What are your qualifications?
James began his career at Bankers Trust Company as a commercial lending officer before transitioning to BTCo.s trading desk where he was an institutional bond salesman and subsequently underwrote and traded Federal Agency bonds such as Federal Farm Credit Bank, FNMA and Federal Home Loan Bank bonds. Decamping from New York, James held senior positions with Wilmington Trust Company, T. Rowe Price, Acadian Asset Management, Zurich Capital Markets and Morgan Stanley before joining Merrill Lynch. In addition to holding the preeminent industry designation as a Certified Financial Planner®, James holds degrees from Trinity College in Hartford CT (B.A. English/Political Science) and New York University Stern School of Business (M.B.A.).
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What is your approach to 401 K plan rollovers?
401k Rollovers are appropriate when a broader universe of investment options is available outside of the Plan and/or when a client wishes to consolidate their financial assets in fewer institutions. We can facilitate rollovers or provide guidance on 401k assets that remain in a Plan.
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How long does the process of rolling over a 401K plan usually take?
This depends on the Plan in which the client is invested and their rules governing rollovers. Typically, a rollover can be accomplished within 30-days.
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What financial institutions do you represent?
Clearing and custodial services are offered through BNY Pershing LLC or Charles Schwab. We are affiliated with Wealthcare Advisory Partners, LLC who serves as our Registered Investment Advisory firm.
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How many years of experience do you have?
Over 40 years.
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What are your fees for this service?
We are a fee-only, independent advisory firm. We offer clients a progressive fee schedule, based on assets under management. (please see section on fees.)
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Why should I roll over my 401K plan to your firm?
First, we should determine if a rollover is appropriate. My background and experience are unparalleled with over 35 years in the institutional investment business. I am able to draw on my own life experiences to bring empathy and understanding to my clients' questions and challenges. I have no ulterior agendas or affiliations that could compromise my fiduciary obligation to my clients. By rolling over your 401k, you are in a superior position to gain a comprehensive perspective on your retirement assets and your retirement "runway" with the flexibility to adjust as needed.
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