Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why should I engage Capstone?

A. We offer a one-stop, client-centered approach to financial advice that focuses on simplifying your financial life and providing peace of mind. Our services include wealth management, estate and trust planning, income tax planning, asset protection and risk management, and charitable planning.

Q. What differentiates you from other advisors?

A. Our goal is to deliver clarity and confidence through every step of the financial planning process. Not only do we analyze your situation and make recommendations, we also take the planning to its next logical phases: implementation and supervision. We make life easier by managing your everyday financial concerns.

Q. In addition to financial planning, what other services do you offer?

A. The breadth of our services extends well beyond the core areas of financial planning. We also assist our clients with residence and other debt financing, liquidity and cash flow analysis, targeted event planning such as education funding, company benefit and stock option planning, estate administration and small business transactions including organization and exit strategies.

Q. How often should I expect to meet with you?

A. Initially, meetings may be more frequent as we get to know our clients and seek to gain a full picture of their financial needs. Established relationships typically require meetings as frequently as once per quarter or as infrequently as once per year, depending on the complexity of the planning. Of course, critical financial decisions, such as a career change or sale of a family business, may require additional meetings.

Q. How are you compensated?

A. Clients generally compensate us on a percentage of the wealth we are managing. Our revenue is derived solely from providing professional financial planning services. We do not accept commissions or referral fees of any kind.

Q. What other expenses might I incur as part of the financial planning process?

A. Other expenses that may be incurred, regardless of who you use to oversee the financial planning process, could include fees paid to accountants, attorneys and outside investment management professionals. Generally, we find that our involvement in financial planning reduces these expenses because we devote a great deal of time to correcting inefficiencies that would otherwise be present. In addition, custodians or brokerage houses will often charge custodial and/or transaction fees for each investment purchased. None of these fees are paid to Capstone and we do our best to minimize these third-party costs.

Q. What authority do you have over my investment accounts?

A. Usually, clients authorize Capstone to perform certain administrative functions such as security trading and cash management on their investment accounts. This authorization allows us to more efficiently serve your investment management and cash flow needs. You can rest assured knowing that investment objectives are discussed with you prior to any activity.

Q. What measures do you take to protect my personal data?

A. We believe the confidentiality and protection of client information is a fundamental responsibility. Whenever client personal information is collected and used, it is done so with discretion. We have established security procedures against unauthorized access to client information. Capstone employs an IT company whose main goal is to safeguard confidential information.

Q. What is your investment philosophy?

A. The basis of our investment philosophy is modern portfolio theory. We use asset-class diversification to build a portfolio that reflects your preferred level of risk and cash flow needs.We give careful consideration to your investment objectives. We dedicate long hours to structuring a portfolio that not only speaks to your needs but also achieves diversification across multiple asset classes to reduce volatility.

Q. What types of investment vehicles do you use for your clients?

A. As independent, unaffiliated advisors, we do not incorporate proprietary products into our investment planning. This gives us the freedom to choose from a broad field of investments. Most frequently, we use exchange-traded funds and open-end, no-load mutual funds. In many situations, we can use institutional investment managers or closed investment vehicles not usually available to the average investor. Our aim is to build portfolios that are cost-efficient, tax-efficient and customized to suit your investment objectives.

Q. Where are my investments held? Am I required to transfer all of my assets to your firm?

A. Capstone acts only in the capacity of an advisor; we do not take physical custody of any assets on your behalf. However, it may be more beneficial to you to replace your current custodian with one of the custodians that we utilize, as it may result in greater investment options, improved administrative flexibility or potentially reduced costs.