GEORGE FINANCIAL ADIVSORS: FAQ

What is financial planning?

Done right, financial planning is a process that helps you figure out where you are financially today and where you want to be in the future, and then helps you determine the best way to get there. With George Financial Advisors the process involves an initial in-depth review of a client’s current financial situation and then the creation of a blueprint on how to achieve future goals and objectives. We adhere to the philosophy that the financial-planning process has seven distinct steps. See the Seven Steps to Financial Success for more detail on this unique process.

What is a financial planner or advisor?

Anyone can say that he or she is a financial planner or advisor. So it is essential to be sure of the qualifications and credentials of any “planner” or “advisor” before you pay anything or entrust them with your financial present or future.GFA offers a no-obligation Get-Acquainted meeting via phone or in person. GFA is well-qualified to help you with your financial advisory needs. Our Principal, Ted George is a CFP^®professional meaning that he has met all of the the CFP Board of Standard's requirements which include education, experience and passing the rigorous CFP Exam. He has a Master of Science in Financial Planning Degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He has also taken extensive training, adheres to a rigorous code of ethics, and is independently registered as an investment advisor with the State of California. He adheres to the CFP Board Code of Ethics and Practice Standards and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors Fiduciary Oath.

How are we Different?

We believe that every person is unique, and that their unique wants, needs and experiences demand an individual, personalized approach to get the best results. Our advice will always be based on your unique situation which we have meticulously come to learn from meeting with you and analyzing the information you provide.

Financial Planning IS our business, not just a loss-leader to get clients in the door. We believe that a financial plan is the foundation on which you can achieve and maintain excellent financial health.

We are independent and fee only. Our independence enables us to objectively make recommendations that are right for you, with no organizational or compensation related pressures compromising our judgment. Our fee-only compensation further enhances this independence as our only compensation for the work we do for you comes from you. You can be 100% sure that our advice and actions are truly objective and in your best interest.

We are professionally qualified: Our Principal earned a Master of Science in Financial Planning from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, graduating with Highest Honors and The Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Financial Planning. He is also a candidate for CFP® Certification meaning that he has met the CFP® Board of Standard's educational requirements and has passed the rigorous CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Exam. He has also passed the NASAA Series 65 Exam for Investment Advisers. His financial services experience includes 5 years of part-time work in investment management, trust and estate planning. He is also actively involved in his profession as a member of The Financial Planning Association, The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, and The Garrett Planning Network.

You also offer Investment Management. Do I have to have my investments managed by you?

No! There is no requirement and no pressure to have your investments managed by us. Financial Planning is our core business. However some people would like help in implementing their financial or investment plan. We provide assistance with implementation: on an hourly basis where appropriate, and on an “assets under management” basis for ongoing investment management.

Do I have to have lots of money to need or get a good advisor?

No. Financial planning and investment advice is available to anybody on an hourly basis with no income or asset minimums, nor any need to have an investment account with us. For ongoing investment management we do require a $200,000 investment assets minimum.

How can a financial advisor help me?

Anyone, any age looking for financial peace of mind can benefit from working with a good financial advisor either periodically or on a regular basis. We serve people at all income levels and from all walks of life; whether the need is one quick question answered or ongoing financial assessment, management, and direction. Because our fees are on an hourly basis, George Financial Advisors (GFA) offers an accessible option for beginners, middle-income Americans, and do-it-yourselfers to get quality financial and investment advice. GFA also provides corporations and organizations financial education programs for employees or members. Each individual’s situation is unique. Someone just starting out may need a detailed, long-term plan of action while someone else already on the road to achieving their goals simply may need a new strategy, professional insight, fine-tuning or second opinion of an existing plan. That is why we custom tailor our services to meet each individual’s needs. Goals can be short-, intermediate-, or long-term. Reducing current income tax liabilities, for example, is a short-term goal, while funding a child’s education an intermediate one, and enjoying a secure financial retirement a more long-term goal. By focusing on cash flow, investments, taxes, pensions, and retirement plans, estate planning, insurance issues, savings opportunities, and other general financial matters, GFA can design a customized financial plan for you.

What if I want or need to buy investment or insurance products? How do I do that?

George Financial Advisors does not sell products, only our time and expertise. We do offer specific

recommendations and opinions on various products and services that may be appropriate for a client’s situation, and in turn can advise a client where to obtain those products or services. If appropriate and at the client’s request, we also can help with plan implementation.

Do you provide just comprehensive financial planning?

No. Although a comprehensive financial plan yields the greatest benefits, we also can limit our services to whatever is critical to you right now.

My spouse and I need help and guidance getting started building for our financial future. Will you accept us as clients?

Yes, we will be happy to visit with you about your situation. We offer financial planning and investment advice with no minimum income levels or net worth requirements. We realize that everyone has financial questions. We are proud to work with people from all income levels and all walks of life. Remember, you don't have to have a fortune to start building one. Contact Us and start building today.

I already have substantial assets and am doing quite well financially - I think. Can you help me?

Yes. We offer many services for those people who need more sophisticated financial planning or advice. If a goal is to simplify your financial affairs, one of our ongoing client programs may be right for you. Or, if you are interested in a professional review or a second opinion, we can provide that, too. Be sure to check out our 7 Steps to Financial Success.

I am in charge of the retirement plans and employee benefits at my company and would like to get more employees to participate. How can you help us?

Education is key in increasing employee participation and appreciation. George Financial Advisors can tailor a program for a Company’s employees to help them understand the benefits of various programs.

Can you help me with any kind of securities?

Yes. We provide advice on all types of securities, including mutual funds, stocks, stock options, bonds, bank deposits, variable and fixed annuities, limited partnerships and tax shelters. We also provide advice on mortgages, budgeting and cash flow issues, 401(k), 403(b) and other retirement programs, life, disability, and long-term care insurance, and more. If it has to do with money and finances, George Financial Advisors can provide counseling, guidance and resources. Whatever advice you need, whenever you need it, we can help.

If I use George Financial Advisors to develop a financial plan, am I obligated to purchase the recommended products?

Absolutely not! We offer recommendations to meet your needs and objectives, but you are under no obligation to purchase anything. We also recognize the importance of shopping around for the best available product or service. If you need life or disability insurance, for example, we will suggest the type of policy, various riders or additions, and the amounts that best fit your situation, then direct you to one or several different providers with quality products at competitive prices.

The extent of your advisor’s involvement in helping with your purchase of a product or investment also is up to you. We are happy to have you take our advice and implement your investment plan on your own.

If you would like, we can help you purchase investments and/or set up your accounts with a third-party custodian like a discount broker. We also can provide ongoing investment management on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis at your third party custodian, or at our custodian. Learn more at Investment Services. Since we are not compensated by commissions on products, you can be assured that our recommendations are based on what we truly believe is in your best interests, regardless of your approach. George Financial Advisors takes our fiduciary role seriously.

What is the George Financial Advisors investment philosophy?

As financial advisors and investment consultants, we believe in the following fundamental principles when it comes to designing an investment portfolio and making specific recommendations:

The purpose of a client’s investment portfolio is to fund current and/or future financial objectives.
The design of the portfolio must take into account the client’s financial objectives, tolerance for risk, needs for current income or liquidity, and special considerations such as income and estate taxes.
The important thing to remember is that no one can predict the future. Difference of opinion makes a market. Investment and economic "experts" provided with the same information often come to different conclusions. We do not suggest that we, or that any of the money or mutual fund managers that we may recommend or use, will make the correct decision every time. We do believe, however, that studying the historic trends and relationships of investment classes and the philosophies and approaches of successful investment managers can provide valuable insight.
The appropriate allocation of investment assets for your goals and risk tolerance is the most important component in developing an investment portfolio. We believe that a diversified, well-balanced portfolio, combined with long-term buy-and-hold strategies, affordability and patience, increases the likelihood that you will achieve your long-term financial objectives.

How does George Financial Advisors select investments for a client?

Before recommending any investment, We consider current economic conditions, the outlook for a particular asset class or type of security, and how the investment fits within a client’s portfolio given his or her objectives and tolerance for risk. With equities, the focus is primarily on the philosophies, experience, and track record of the management team. With fixed income investments, Garrett advisors look for the best yield available for a given quality of security. As fiduciaries for our clients, we strive to obtain the most appropriate investment vehicles to meet a client’s objectives, while being very conscious of total expenses and risk exposure.

How do you charge for periodic financial advice?

Our fees are based on the actual time involved in meeting with a client in person

or via the phone, researching and analyzing that client’s current situation, and providing specific

recommendations and implementation assistance (if appropriate). We provide prospective clients with firm quotes of their estimated fees, typically at the end of an initial no-obligation Get Acquainted session.

Are your fees tax deductible?

Yes, with certain limitations. Section 212 of the Internal Revenue Code permits an itemized deduction for tax and/or investment advice in the miscellaneous section of Schedule A. It is subject to a 2 percent floor of the adjusted gross income on a personal tax return.

Once my financial plan or project is finished, will our relationship end?

No, only that engagement will cease. It’s up to you to contact your advisor as the need arises. However, we like to think of financial advisors as ongoing providers. Just as someone thinks of a dentist as an ongoing provider and has regular dental checkups to maintain good dental health, good fiscal health requires periodic reviews of your personal finances by a qualified financial advisor. Because financial planning is a process, not an event, George Financial Advisors offers ongoing services, periodic reviews, and targeted consultation as requested and/or needed if you so desire.

How do I get started?

Contact Us to set up your no-obligation Get Acquainted Meeting. At your Get Acquainted Meeting we will discuss your immediate financial planning needs and provide a firm estimate of the charges involved, the data needed, and when the work will be completed.

Frequently Asked Questions