Common questions from prospective clients.

If you have a question not covered here, please contact us.

Who is your typical client?

You, in fact—because every client is unique. Since we do financial planning on a fee-for-service basis, we feel no pressure to seek out clients that fit a certain profile. So we work with people of all ages and wealth levels. Our clients do share some common aims, however. They all want to be empowered, to set personal financial goals and have a plan to achieve them. They all want a trusted advisor to give them unbiased, professional advice, and to monitor and follow up as circumstances change. And that’s what we do.

How do you get paid?

We charge fees for our advice. Typically we give you an estimate during our first meeting for developing a financial plan. If you choose us to also implement your plan, we hire best in class portfolio managers to handle your investments. Together, Caring for Clients, the portfolio managers and the trustee holding your securities are paid about 2% of asset value per year for ongoing services. All fees are fully disclosed and may be tax deductible. Many clients find our fully customized service costs less than they had paid for little or no service.

How long does the process take?

Every situation is different. But, from the time you decide to work with us and provide us with your information, an initial working draft plan usually takes 2 weeks to develop. Fully implementing an agreed-upon plan usually takes about 6 months. In fact, planning never really ends, since most clients ask us to provide ongoing advice as their situations change.

What can I expect from you?

You can expect professional, experienced advisors. You can expect us to work in your best interests only. You can expect us to be interested in every aspect of your life. Why? Because finances touch on career, family, health, leisure—just about everything you do. The more you share, the more we can help. You can expect us to be available, pretty much anytime, to answer questions and solve problems. You can expect us to stay in touch. We will anticipate ways to save and protect your wealth as times change and to advise you of these opportunities as they arise.

Is financial planning the same as investment management?

Not at all. Financial planning takes a comprehensive look at all your circumstances to ensure your finances (budgeting, cash flow management, borrowing, insurance, investing, tax planning, etc.) fit with your goals and preferences. Investment management ensures that the marketable securities in your plan align with your financial planning goals.

If you do my financial plan, do I need to invest with you?

No. We charge for our advice and the plans we develop. You are completely free to deal with anyone you wish to handle your investments.

Are you tied to specific investment products?

No, we are completely independent of any financial institution and its products. We, and the portfolio managers we hire, have just one aim: to ensure the investment products you own are the best available to carry out your financial plan.

Do you take commissions from financial institutions?

We do not receive commissions on investment products. If insurance is part of your financial plan, we may receive a commission on those purchases, because that is the insurance industry practice. But we will always be completely transparent about disclosing any income we receive for acting on your behalf. We volunteer this information without being asked.

Do you split fees with other professionals you refer?

No. We often get asked to recommend professional and other services. We never accept commissions or fee splits from those we recommend.

Do you provide investment advice?

Yes and no. We help you develop an overarching investment strategy, which is documented in an investment policy statement. This statement includes targets for liquidity and acceptable risk, and guides all investment decisions made on your behalf. But we do not recommend specific equities or other investments. Those decisions are made by investment professionals we hire on your behalf.

What is Queensbury Strategies Inc.?

Queensbury Strategies is a wealth management firm founded in 1987. It is independent of any financial institution, leaving its advisors free from influence to sell specific products and better able to offer unbiased advice. Caring for Clients leases space and services from Queensbury, making our overhead more affordable and giving us access to first class client reporting tools.