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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does an investment policy help me? Your portfolio can be an emotional roller coaster as the markets are unpredictable and often volatile in the short term.We will work with you to develop a formal Investment Policy when times are calm and our heads are clear. This policy outlines a long-term strategy that addresses your tolerance for risk, as well as the long-term objectives for your portfolio. An Investment Policy is one of many tools we use to help protect your assets in the short-term, while looking for profitable opportunities to generate increased wealth in the long-term.  TOP 2. Do you have a minimum requirement in accepting new clients? While we do not have an established minimum for new clients, the benefits of a comprehensive planning relationship are typically best realized by those who have, or will soon have, $500,000 or more in managed account assets. TOP 3. Why do you stress the independent nature of your firm? Future Benefits is a privately held firm responsible only to our clients. Most banks and brokerage firms offering financial services also develop their own investment products that are presented to their clients. We do not. We have the flexibility to offer an array of products and services in an entirely conflict-free environment. We believe this is an important distinction between our firm and other advisors. TOP 4. Do you offer investment management services? Yes, we supervise portfolios consisting of all forms of investments and separately managed accounts through Linsco/Private Ledger. TOP 5. How are you compensated? Services are offered on a fee or commission-structured basis, depending on your needs and the most cost-effective means of accomplishing your objectives.COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL PLANNING Comprehensive plans are developed by Future Benefits Planning Corporation for a fixed planning fee of $1,500 to $8,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your situation. A minimum annual fee of $1,500 for ongoing planning services may be offset on the basis of investment management fees on accounts with assets over $500,000. INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PROGRAMS At the election of the client, portfolio management services are offered through fee-based accounts or commission based programs. Larger accounts will generally benefit from the additional flexibility found in a fee-based program. Fees for services are deducted from these accounts on a quarterly basis. (Fee-based services are offered through Linsco/Private Ledger, a Registered Investment Advisor/Member FINRA/SIPC. Nominal transaction costs may be incurred.) TOP 6. Once a financial plan is created, does the relationship end? Not at all! Financial planning is an ongoing process, not an event. Our clients generally prefer the active role we play through implementing their plan — particularly through our investment management services. We also initiate regularly scheduled updates on financial issues that may affect them. TOP 7. How often do we meet? Depending on the complexity of your situation, meetings are scheduled on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. There is no extra charge for update meetings. TOP 8. How often will I receive statements on my accounts? Statements for LPL accounts (our broker dealer) are generated each month in which there is account activity, but not less frequently than quarterly. Planning clients also receive quarterly statements prepared by our office aggregating activity for all accounts upon which we advise. TOP 9. Do you prepare wills and trusts? No. We assist you in developing the strategy most appropriate for your situation and join you in a discussion with your own attorney, or we are pleased to recommend one of several attorneys whose work we have confidence in. TOP 10. Where are accounts held? Accounts are held in a brokerage account at Linsco/Private Ledger or directly at the mutual fund or insurance company sponsoring the investment. TOP 11. Who is Linsco/Private Ledger? Linsco/Private Ledger (LPL) is the largest broker-dealer in the country dedicated to serving the independent investment advisor community. We have selected LPL as our broker/dealer based on their depth of experience, the broad range of services we can bring to our clients, and the absence of proprietary investment products that might present a conflict of interest with the best interest of our clients. TOP 12. Do you prepare income tax returns? No. We do, however, review the returns prepared by your tax advisor and discuss issues that may benefit your financial situation. |
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