Compensation
 
 
 
 
How are you compensated? Fee-Only, Commissions only, Fee Based (fees and commissions), or Fee-Offset (fees offset by commissions earned)?
I am compensated solely by fees paid directly by clients. I believe you should pay your advisor just as you would pay a doctor, dentist, accountant, attorney or other professional; with a fee. Some advisors claim to be Fee-Only and use terms such as "fee-only investment management” however they may still accept commissions for products such as life insurance which is misleading. These advisors are Fee-Based, not Fee-Only and you should be aware of their bait & switch compensation tactics. True Fee-Only advisors never accept commissions of any kind.
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What fees do you typically charge? If you earn commissions, please share your commission rates on the products you offer.
Fees may be in the form of retainer, assets under managements (AUM), hourly, or a combination. Actual fees depend on the work involved which is different for each client and are determined during the discovery consultation.
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Do you have an agreement describing your compensation and services that will be provided in advance of the engagement?
Compensation and services are described in detail in my Form ADV as well as in the client agreement.
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Do you have a minimum net worth, investment account size, or income minimum?
No. I do not require clients to have minimum account sizes, incomes, or net worth. I work not only with people who have already accumulated wealth, but also with those who are serious about doing so. Frequently it is those attempting to accumulate wealth that need the most guidance and are also the most ignored by the financial advisory community.
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Do you have a minimum fee? If yes, please explain.
Fees can be as low as $150-$200 for one hour consultations. For comprehensive financial planning services a minimum fee will generally apply. I reserve the right to reduce the minimum fee if I feel there is a good fit.
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Do you charge an Assets Under Management (AUM) fee and why?
Assets under Management fees are charged for Investment Advisory accounts that are professionally managed and are a percentage fee based upon the value of the account being managed. This type of fee generally aligns the interests of the investor and the advisor. The reason is that the fee is dependent upon the size of the account. If the account grows, the fee grows. Conversely if the account declines in value the fee also declines neither of which the investor or the advisor want to have happen.
 
This does not mean Investment Advisory account do not lose value at times, which they do, however it means that the advisor is not heavily incentivized to take on inappropriate risk as the increased risk may result in a loss of value and in turn a reduction in the fee. The advisor looks to increase the value of the account steadily over time to match the required rate of return for your financial goals.
 
My Investment Advisory fee is 0.50% annual and is exclusive of any custodial, trading, and other manager fees.
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Are there financial incentives such as bonuses, vacations, and/or gifts for you to recommend certain financial products? If yes, please explain.
No. These incentives typically only exist in the brokerage/sales side of financial services
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Do you have a business affiliation with any company whose products or services you are recommending? Please explain.
No. I am completely independent from any product providers.
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Does any member of your firm act as a general partner, participate in, or receive compensation from investments you may recommend to me?
No.
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Are you an owner of, or connected with, any other company whose services or products I may use? Please explain.
No.
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Do other professionals whom you may refer me to, send business, fees or any other benefits to you in return for your referrals? Please explain.
Other professional who I refer clients to may provide referrals in return where my services are appropriate for the client. There are no formal arrangements to provide reciprocal referrals or fee sharing arrangements.
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Do you have an affiliation with a broker/dealer?
No. Portnoff Financial LLC is completely independent. Broker/dealers are required for advisors wishing to sell products and earn commissions. I am Registered as an Investment Advisor and therefore do not require a Broker/Dealer.
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How will I know when you are acting as a sales agent in the interests of your brokerage firm and when you are acting in my best interest as an investment advisor/fiduciary?
Portnoff Financial is a Fee-Only Investment Advisor. This means that I always act in your best interest at all times. I have no broker/dealer affiliation that can create these types of conflicts.
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Are you willing to provide full disclosure in writing for any potential conflicts of interest that may affect the performance, risk exposure, or expenses of my assets?
Yes. Any conflicts that may arise, however unlikely, will be fully disclosed verbally, and/or written.
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