FAQ

Expect a friendly conversation! We will want to know what your financial goals are, where you are financially as far as assets and income, and what you would like to accomplish by working with a qualified financial advisor. After a discussion, we can decide if it makes sense to set up a complimentary introductory meeting.

Yes. We can work with clients who live anywhere in the country. While our office is located north of Baltimore, the ability to scan documents and conduct phone and internet meetings allows us to work with people across the country. If you are looking for an experienced financial advisor, and are comfortable building a relationship via phone and web, please reach out and start a conversation with us.

If you believe that you can beat the market, are interested in trying to time the market, or want to pick “cocktail” stocks, we probably are not a good fit for each other. We do not think you can (or even need to) beat the market, but we do strive to build you a portfolio that will help you meet your long-term goals. That is why we select low-cost investments and attractively valued individual securities of well-managed companies so we can focus on things you can control.

We face many psychological biases that prevent us from achieving financial success. According to Bloomberg, from 1996-2015 the average investor returned only 2.11% while the S&P 500 averaged 8.19%. One of the primary reasons for this deficiency is the emotional aspect of managing your own money. As fiduciaries to you, we will help construct investment strategies that will maximize your returns given your comfort level with investment risk.

But beyond returns, there are many ways we can add value that do not show up on your performance reports. For example, we can look at ways to help you reduce your expenses, reduce the risks you face in your life, and get on the right side of compounding interest.

As an independent financial planning practice, Apprise Wealth Management is set up to avoid conflicts of interest. You should hire us if you want someone to provide peace of mind around your money and reduce the financial stress you feel in your life.

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world for measuring the competence and integrity of portfolio managers and investment analysts. All CFA charterholders are held to a stringent Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Please click here to read the full CFA Code of Ethics. http://www.cfainstitute.org/ethics/codes/ethics/Pages/index.aspx

Why Hire a CFA?

CFA® charterholders are trained to understand what drives value in all dimensions of your financial life. They have mastered more than just the art and science of securities analysis and asset allocation. They also have expert-level portfolio management skills, including the ability to integrate tax and intergenerational wealth planning.


LEARN MORE https://www.cfainstitute.org/learning/investor/Documents/why_hire_a_cfa_charterholder.pdf:


Why hire a CFA® Charterholder to Manage Your Wealth?
https://www.cfainstitute.org/learning/investor/Documents/why_hire_a_cfa_charterholder.pdf


Why hire a certified public accountant?

CPAs are required to act with integrity https://us.aicpa.org/about/missionandhistory/aicpavaluesandvisionstatement , practice high professional standards, and follow a strict code of professional conduct https://www.cpajournal.com/2020/04/03/fiduciary-duty-due-care-and-the-public-interest/ .

When advisors follow the best practices model they implement the “fiduciary standard of care.” This requires that advisors act solely in the client’s best interest when offering personalized financial advice. Apprise’s designation as an RIA combined with the fact that its Principal is both a CPA and a CFA® Charterholder requires that the interests of Apprise’s clients come first. Apprise’s principal is bound to put your interests above his own. Saying we are “fiduciaries” means we obligate ourselves in writing to a legal, ethical standard of trust in ALL matters. We NEVER stop working solely for our clients. We believe the best way to deal with a conflict of interest is to eliminate it.

Other firms can imply they have a fiduciary duty by saying they put “your interests first” or “work for you.” However, their duty often legally applies only to specific activities in specific accounts, if at all. Many will “switch hats” to sell products and services on behalf of a third party. For them, disclosing a conflict, often in fine print, is adequate. In fact, they may be required to put the interests of their employers ahead of yours. At Apprise Wealth Management we will gladly sign a fiduciary oath that confirms our commitment to giving you advice that is in your best interest.

No. If you are located nearby, we can meet at a mutually convenient time and place, including Apprise’s home office. We can also meet virtually over Zoom. A telephone call will also work. We prefer whichever method of communication is easiest for you. We are set up this way so we can meet you wherever you are, regardless of where you live. 
Apprise means to inform or tell someone. We believe education about financial matters in the U.S. is substandard. One of our motivations in launching Apprise Wealth Management is to help bridge that gap. For those that are interested, our goal is to help clients and prospects better understand their personal finances. We also want to help you understand the “why” behind the recommendations that we make. If you need or want assistance, we can also help you better recognize where your money goes as well as how to better manage and balance current needs and long-term goals. Given our interest in helping our clients to be better informed, we felt the name was particularly appropriate.
 

Pathway to Informed Success

Pathway to Informed Success
1 443 690-5240

14840 Hunting Way Phoenix, MD 2113

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Beneficiary Designation Checklist

Naming a beneficiary to your account is a simple, effective, and flexible way to keep your assets out of probate after death. Use this checklist to make sure your accounts have correctly designated beneficiaries.

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Beneficiary Designations