Frequently Asked Questions

How is Ames Planning different from other financial planners?

First, we are fee-only financial advisors who earn no commissions from our recommendations, allowing us to provide truly objective financial advice. We begin with a conversation and take a personal interest in your life and your family situation. Through this individualized approach, we discover your “roots,” so we can understand how to best help you achieve your financial life goals. Our strategy and financial planning tips are designed specifically for your individual situation.

What services do you offer?

Ames Planning provides comprehensive financial life planning, investment advisory and business consulting services on a fee-only basis. Our services include:

• Financial planning
• Investment analysis and implementation
• Retirement planning
• Estate planning
• Education planning
• Beneficiary review
• Employer retirement plan review
• Tax planning
• Cash flow planning
• Risk analysis and insurance review
• Long-term care analysis

In-depth analysis and portfolio recommendations are preceded by a thorough review of your goals, current assets, liabilities, income needs and risk tolerance.

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How long have you been advising clients?

Ames Planning was established in 1988.

What is your client retention rate?

Over 98 percent of our clients continue to use our services year after year.

What is the minimum that I need to invest?

We work comprehensively with clients who have at least $500,000 in investable assets, including retirement plans. Some hourly work is performed with other clients at a rate of $300 per hour.

What is your fee?

Please call us to discuss this. Due to the specific nature of our services and the planning needed by clients, all fees are discussed individually. Typically, our fees range between 1.3% and 0.6% annually. Tax savings, improved portfolio performance and comprehensive planning provide a value that far exceeds any fee assessed.

What is the difference between fee-only and fee-based financial advisors?

Fee-only financial advisors such as Ames Planning Associates are not associated with any financial products, brokerage firms or mutual fund companies and receive no commissions, allowing us to provide completely independent financial advice. Fee-based advisors may work for a fee part of the time and act as commissioned salespeople when they recommend the products of companies they are associated with. As fee-only financial advisors, Ames Planning provides complete objectivity.

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What are the advantages of using a professional investment advisor?

We are generally able to reduce your costs, decrease your risk, improve your return and create a strategy where there was not one. We help you determine your investment goals and ensure that your personalized portfolio and customized asset allocation reflect these goals. We conduct an ongoing evaluation of your investments and make adjustments as needed, with your approval, to ensure that your goals are being realized. We stay abreast of the latest financial and investment information, keeping you and your portfolio up-to-date.

How do you choose investments?

We rely on rigorous academic research and modern portfolio theory in recommending investments or asset classes that match your objectives, required liquidity, risk tolerance and investment timeframe. You review and approve of your investment policy statement and all investments before the purchase of any securities.

How will I know how my investments are performing?

You will receive quarterly portfolio performance reports, which include quarterly position, time-weighted rate of return (TWR), cash flow and investment change in value. We review the reports with you in detail, answer questions and recommend portfolio changes. We follow disciplined trading guidelines so investment changes continue to reflect your financial life goals.

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Do I need to worry about taxes on my investments?

Yes, therefore we develop a tax strategy as part of your personalized financial plan and review your investments each year with an eye toward limiting your tax liability. As your lead advisor, we provide quarterly and year-end reporting to your tax preparer.

How do I get started working with you?

Call us at 800-258-9939 or e-mail us to set up a free initial consultation. We look forward to talking with you about your dreams for life and your financial life goals. Everything that you share with us remains confidential. After our initial meeting you have no obligation to engage our services. If you decide to continue working with us, we create an agreement for your review and begin putting together the pieces of your personalized financial plan.

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