What is your ideal client?
  1. My ideal clients come in a few areas. I work well with retired clients who needs someone to guide them through the distribution phase of retirement. Many of my clients are employees of various school districts, and I really enjoy getting people started on the road to retirement. (needs work)
  2. You want and advisor who is familiar with the type of investing you are looking to do or already have. For example, I am licensed to trade stocks in a brokerage account, but choose not too as most of my clients do not have that need.
How long have you been practicing?
  • I have been licensed since 2001.
  • Like all professions, time is your friend. Advisors with years under their belt can rely on experience to help guide clients to the right investments.
    • How are you compensated for your work?
  • I can be compensated in generally 2 ways, either upfront commission or annual management fees. How that is determined is….
    • How much time do you set aside for first time client meetings?
  • The first meeting to me is more of an interview. You are interviewing me to see if I am the right personality and have the required skill sets to assist you in hitting your goals. I am interviewing you to see how I can be of service to you. To be safe, I usually ask that the first appointment be between an hour and a half to two hours. This covers introductions, discussing your plans and goals, and then I present some ideas for you to consider..
    • What degrees, designations, and or education do you have?
  • I have a bachelor of science in Business from Montana State University in Bozeman. Go Bobcats! I also have 3 securities.
    • What is your investing approach?
    How often are you in contact with your clients?
    What makes you unique?

    Prepping for your first meeting with an advisor.

    Selecting a financial advisor to help you plot your path forward for you and your family is something that should be taken seriously.

    1. Plan for 1 ½ to 2 hours for a meeting. Laying out a financial picture and then plan creation takes time.
    2. Create a list of retirement and investing goals
      • What does retirement look like in our mind? If you don’t know, that’s OK, it could be a few decades away.
    3. Gather information on existing retirement/investment accounts.
      • If you have an employer plan (401k, 403b, SIMPLE IRA, etc.), gather, the investment options does it offer Roth, what is the employer match, and a recent statement of your investments.
      • Recent statements of IRAs/Roth IRAs/college plans will provide most of the information needed for an assessment.
      • Savings accounts – if that is where the funds are currently held.
    4. Develop a list of questions for the advisor.
      • An advisor should be ready and willing to answer any questions you ask them. Taking the time to learn who you are and what issues are important to you.
    5. Other documents. An advisor will want to know if you have a current will, trusts, life insurance, business agreements, etc.
      • I ask all clients and potential clients if they have life insurance and a current will. These two items are an important puzzle.