What type of company is Constant Guidance Financial?
Constant Guidance Financial (CGFadvisor) is a fee-only, independent, Wealth Management firm that provides customized wealth management strategies and retirement advice to individuals, corporate executives, and business owners. My independence allows me to always pursue what’s most appropriate for you and since I face no front office pressures to sell you products or services, my interests are aligned with yours. I leverage my 17 years of experience developing successful investment strategies for individuals and institutions to help guide you to the lifestyle you want.
Am I the right client for you?
My clients range in age from 30 to 104 years old. All of my clients want their money managed by an professional investment manager with 17 years experience and a with CFA designation. My clients either don’t have the time or the investment knowledge to manage large portfolios on a daily basis. I also assist do-it-yourself investors who actively trade stocks.
I have no minimum portfolio size that I manage. Currently, my client account sizes range from $1,000 to over $2,000,000.
What types of clients do you work with?
I work with a variety of clients.

Retirees or investors saving for retirement – All of my clients want to know whether they will have enough to comfortably retire and how their money should be invested in retirement. I have experience across many financial areas – income planning, Social Security strategies, long-term care, asset allocation, and charitable planning.

Corporate Executives – I work with all types of professionals on their individual planning and their retirement planning. I work with various stock option plans and have extensive experience understanding black-out periods, stock option tax planning, and stock trading plans.

Generational Wealth – I work closely with a local attorney that specializes in trusts and expertise in passing money on to the next generation. I have handled complex trusts and do have advanced training in other estate planning techniques.

Business Owners – I help business owners diversify their investments and create successful transition strategies. I work closely with exit planning strategists and helping business owners manage their investments upon sale of their business.

What is the difference between a fee-only advisor and a fee-based advisor?
Fee-only financial planners are registered investment advisors with a fiduciary responsibility to act in their clients’ best interest. They do not accept any fees or compensation based on product sales. Fee-only advisors have fewer inherent conflicts of interest, and they generally provide more comprehensive advice. At Constant Guidance Financial, I fee-only advisor.

A fee-based “advisor” usually refers to a stock broker or registered representative who is usually compensated by asset management fees and/or the products he or she sells – like a wrap account. They may receive a commission and do not have fiduciary responsibility to do what is in your best interest.

How do your fees compare to other advisors?
My fees are quite reasonable and well below most brokerage and investment management firms. My fee structure aligns your interests with mine – when you do well, I do well.
Will you handle only my investments or do you help with financial planning?
With a combination of Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations, I am able to bring an interdisciplinary approach to investments and financial planning. I work with clients in many areas, including:

Retirement planning
Estate Planning
Tax planning
Insurance planning
Social Security Analysis
Diversifying stock options

How is your investment process different from other advisors?
I take a dynamic and proactive investment approach which is designed to be flexible and capitalize on current market conditions. I strive to navigate your portfolio smoothly with a focus on protecting on the downside. Most other advisors do not actively manage your portfolio and do not properly diversify your investments. I focus on building asset allocation’s that help you achieve your financial goals through customized portfolio management. After I align your investments with your financial goals, I manage your portfolio by investing in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and stocks. My strategic asset allocations are tailored to meet your needs and personal circumstances. My goal is to reduce volatility through global diversification and tactically managing your portfolio to take advantage of market opportunities.
How frequently do you review my investments and account?
Daily. All of our investments and asset allocations are monitored daily.
Can I review my account online?
Yes, through TD Ameritrade Institutional which is the custodian that holds your money and investments.
Who is TD Ameritrade Institutional?
TD Ameritrade Institutional provides comprehensive brokerage and custody services to more than 4,000 fee-based, independent registered investment advisors (RIAs).
How do I know my money is secure and safe?
All client investments are safely held with third-party custodians. Given the scandals on Wall Street, I believe the most secure place for your money is to separate it from your advisor through a third-party custodian. My clients have peace of mind that their investments are held at TD Ameritrade Institutional. My clients enjoy how TD Ameritrade Institutional maintains account security, technology, and administrative services.
Are my assets insured?
Yes. Experience one of the highest levels of security in the industry. This security guarantee extends to the cash or shares of securities in your account. In the event of unauthorized activity, we will reimburse you for any cash or shares of securities you lose. We can guarantee this protection if you keep your account information secure, monitor your account regularly, and help us should your account be compromised. Certificates of Deposit are FDIC insured, and securities are protected by SIPC. To learn more – click here.
Why Choose a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)?
When it comes to your financial future, you can’t just leave it to anyone. But when you choose a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, you’ll know you’re in good hands. That’s because every CFP® pro is thoroughly vetted to uphold the highest standards. The Certified Financial Planner credential is globally recognized and granted after completing a rigorous course of study and a comprehensive exam on financial planning. CFP® professionals must adhere to a rigid code of ethics in order to remain credentialed. In fact, CFP® certification is the most recognized in the industry for personal financial planning. So as you think about your financial future, please bear in mind that only 17% of all financial advisors in the industry can claim this distinction. We believe that a CFP® is an important indication of an investment firm’s dedication to excellence and integrity.
Why Choose a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)?
No credential is as widely regarded in the global financial industry for its rigorous focus on current investment knowledge, analytical skill, and ethical standards as the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. With more than 100,000 CFA charterholders in over 135 countries and territories and an increasing demand worldwide for the CFA Program, the charter has become the global professional investment credential.
What Guides a Charterholder?
A strict code of ethics and professional standards. A charterholder not only has the technical knowledge to make investment decisions but also adopts and is held to the highest ethical standards.
Global best practices and real-world experience. The CFA Program curriculum is based on an extensive and ongoing global practice analysis process, which ensures that the program stays current and relevant in relation to the ever-changing dynamics of global professional investment practice.
Breadth of knowledge and expertise. A comprehensive, global view and up-to-date practical skills give these investment professionals the tools and deep understanding necessary to effectively analyze the risks and rewards of a variety of investment types, enabling them to address a client’s specific investment needs.
Are you a fiduciary? Is it important?
By law, I am a fiduciary. Fiduciaries owe two main duties to their clients: a duty of loyalty and a duty of care. The duty of loyalty means that fiduciaries are obligated to act solely in your best interest. The duty of care prescribes that fiduciaries perform their duties with a high level of competence and thoroughness. To meet this fiduciary standard, I must put your financial interests before our own.

On the other hand, a non-fiduciary financial advisors are held only to suitability standard and may recommend a solution that is acceptable for your situation, which may or may not be in your best financial interest.
If you have additional questions or need further explanation of our FAQs provided above, please give me a call at 508-207-8049 or email me at mitch@cgfadvisor.com.
I am not affiliated with TD Ameritrade, Inc. and TD Ameritrade is not responsible for the advice, information, or services they provide to you.

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