Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s it cost?

I set my fees depending on what I think I can make for my clients. The firm I worked for before I went independent set their fee at 1.35%/year based on assets under management and considered that fair and competitive in the industry. As is usual in this kind of arrangement, the fee declines with the size of the accounts until, for the larger accounts, it’s about .65%. I didn’t feel that was responsive to the high-risk/low-return environment I saw in the markets, so I discounted the fee as much as the firm would allow – 20%, which took the total to 1.2%. I have continued that rate here, but discuss with my clients that when good investment conditions come back, as they will, I think I’m worth that 1.35% and would like a raise. All of them have said they think that’s fair.

2. What kind of accounts do you take?

I can take any kind of account. Mostly, I work with IRAs, Roth IRAs, and taxable accounts (individual, joint, or trust). I can also do business retirement accounts: SEPs, SIMPLEs, and 401(k) plans.

3. Can I get electronic access to my accounts?

Yes, of course. No financial firm can operate today without offering online access.

4. Can I just give you my money and have you manage it?

Yes, in fact, this is how I do almost all of my business now. The markets are moving too fast and too erratically today to discuss every move with every client. As a fiduciary, I am commited (in addition to being legally required) to serving your best interest! This makes me something like a pilot: tell me your destination – where you’re trying to go – and I’ll chose the airplane and fly it to get you there. Flying airplanes is pretty complicated, so it requires quite a bit of expertise. Investing is like that…

5. You look old! When are you going to retire? What happens then?

Well, it’s true! I’m old! And with age comes experience, and with experience comes good judgment, and with good judgment comes something like wisdom. I keep looking at Warren Buffett: he’s over 90 now and says he still dances his way to work. I eat healthy food, I do a serious exercise program, and I’m now physically stronger than I’ve ever been. So I keep looking out about 10 years. This of course IS an issue and I’m looking for a protégé who I can train to do it right and who wants to learn what I’ve learned. If you know of anyone, please send them my way.

6. What if you get sick? Or die?

Similar to number 5: Cambridge has a formal succession planning operation. So if we get surprised, there will be SOMEONE to take over your account and work with you. The IMPORTANT issue is who that will be! I am now constantly on the lookout for the right person. But for now, like at any other firm, there will be someone there to work with you if I keel over tomorrow.

7. I never heard of Cambridge. Who are they?

There’s a description of what they do in the About section on the menu page. They are a very prominent firm; you can look them up online. I did an extensive due diligence search when I left my previous firm and examined 9 different broker-dealer/RIA firms. What attracted me to Cambridge was their list of core values: it included “Kindness”! That one just floored me — “Kindness”?? in financial services?? Are you kidding me?? Turns out they’re serious. I continue to be impressed…

Any other questions?

Please call or email me. I’ll be happy to answer and discuss anything with you! And if your question strikes me as something that more people SHOULD be asking, I’ll include it in this list.

Reach Out

Disclosures:

Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Adaptive Economic Strategies, LLC are not affiliated. This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CT, FL, HI, ME, MA, MN, NH, NY, and SC. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific states referenced.

Cambridge’s Form CRS (Customer Relationship Summary)

The information being provided is strictly as a courtesy. When you link to any of these websites provided herein, Adaptive Economic Strategies, LLC makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at these sites. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, sites, information, and programs made available through this site.

Cambridge does not offer tax or legal advice. Fixed insurance services offered through Adaptive Economic Strategies, LLC Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Fixed insurance services offered through Adaptive Economic Strategies, LLC.

Adaptive Economic Strategies, LLC