Frequently Asked Questions
How many clients do you work with?
When working as a financial advisor, you need to give each client personalized attention. As a result, we limit the number of clients we work with at any given time. This makes it easier for us to fully consider the variables at play in your financial life and come up with a plan that is fully tailored to you.
Are you a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)?
Yes, we are registered with the Securities Exchange Commission as an RIA. This registration is important. It means we are held to a fiduciary standard and are required by law to always act in your best interest. Non-RIA firms are held to a suitability standard, meaning they can make recommendations that are suitable to you but not necessarily in your best interest. You should never use a financial planning service that is not an RIA.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes, we believe that a good relationship with a financial advisor depends on being a good fit. However, we cannot know if we are a good fit for you until you get to know us. We do not want you to spend money in your search for the right advisor. The first meeting with us is free. During this meeting, we will discuss your financial goals and concerns, review our approach to financial planning, and answer your questions.
Do you offer ongoing advice on financial affairs?
Yes, our services go beyond just setting up the best plan for you. We are always available for contact and will reevaluate your plan on a regular basis, taking into account the results you are seeing and any changes that have occurred. We are also available on an as needed basis.
Is there an agreement outlining your compensation and services that will be signed before we start working with each other?
Yes, before we begin rendering our services, there will be full and clear disclosures that outline what services we deliver and what our compensation will be. We will also explain how we arrived at the fee and ensure you understand why it is a fair price.
Do our receive kickbacks for suggesting certain products or services?
No. Our services are not tied to any specific investment product or services. When we make a suggestion, we do so strictly based on what would best benefit you. Our recommendation are not motivated by commissions, awards, bonuses, or tips.
Do you receive referral bonuses from attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, mortgage brokers and others?
No. We consider accepting referral bonuses to be a clear conflict of interest. When we refer you to another professional, we do so because you need it, and we recommend professionals based on their skills, experience, and demonstrated results, not any compensation given to us.
Have you ever been cited by a professional or regulatory agency for disciplinary reasons?
No, we have not. We also strongly encourage you to avoid working with any financial advisor who has been disciplined by a professional or regulatory body. This indicated they are being held accountable for imprudent advice or abuse.
Do you take custody of my assets or have access to them?
No, we do not. Any financial advisor who does claim to need to take custody or have access to your assets might be acting deceptively and you should not work with them.
Do you assist me in implementing the plan you create?
Yes, the creation of the plan is merely the first step in our comprehensive services. Since a plan does little good until it is implemented, we will hep you throughout the implementation process.
How are your fees calculated?
We are compensated using a flat annual fee model based on the complexity of your finances and not the value of the assets we manage. We always work in your best interest.
What are the not-so-obvious things you do?
We spend countless hours reading research articles and attending training sessions and conferences to keep our technical knowledge sharp. We also do a lot of networking. Not to attract new clients; rather, to meet other financial professionals that might be resources for our clients.
Axiom in Action
Right after beginning our financial planning work with Sara, we asked her the same question we ask all new clients - namely, what keeps her up at night. She explained that she did not feel she was maximizing her tax benefits and there are some unique risks related to her small business that makes her concerned about legal liability. We immediately helped Sara create two entities. The first was an LLC with a S-Corp election for her business. This limited Sara's liability while reducing her tax liability. The second was an LLC to hold her taxable brokerage accounts, which were now valued over $1,000,000. This LLC added a layer of liability protection for her investments. Both LLCs were formed in Wyoming to take advantage of favorable charging rules.
Professional Associations
We are proudly associated with the following organizations:
Alliance of Comprehensive Planners
American Institute of CPAs
California Society of CPAs
Certified Financial Planner Board
KPMG Alumni
National Association of Tax Professionals
National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
UCLA Alumni Association
University Club - San Diego
We Support US Small Business