We sit at the intersection of the complexity you face and provide you with the information you need to make smart decisions both right now and over the long-term.
With the sale of my business/stock, I expect to come into money for the first time. Can you help me avoid mistakes and make the most of this opportunity?
I’m strapped for time and have limited bandwidth for managing my personal finances. How can you help me?
When I sell my equity, what strategies can I use to minimize my taxes?
Our relationships and network provide our clients with access to opportunities usually reserved only for institutional investors and large family offices.
Our Wealth Management clients consist of founders, entrepreneurs, and their families.
Will you help me solve any and all financial problems I may encounter?
We function as your personal Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and it's highly probable that we've assisted others in resolving comparable issues, many times over. Examples include business exit strategy, QSBS optimization, tax reduction, estate planning, exit planning for company founders, alternative investments, 401(k) plans, IRS audits, family transitions, disability, real estate, debt management, social security, Medicare, health insurance, family office structure, college funding, gifting, and a wide range of other financial concerns.
How do you help clients implement their financial plans?
We firmly believe that even the best advanced financial plan is of little value until it’s implemented. To help you achieve your goals without feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the noise along the way, we will work together to make the necessary decisions; then, we will take care of the execution.
Are your recommendations truly in my best interest?
As an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm, we are held to a fiduciary standard, which legally requires us to do what is in our clients’ best interests. This differs drastically from some of our competitors. Our commitment to an honest and ethical culture has allowed us to build deep, trusted relationships with our clients.
What are all the different ways you are compensated?
We are only compensated via one management fee. We believe this allows us to have an unbiased framework to select the best investments for you and to give you advice tailored to your needs, not ours. We believe compensation drives behavior, and the way someone is paid influences the work they do. Many financial firms have complex fee arrangements; we do not.
Why would I choose you as my financial advisor and not DIY?
There’s certainly a possibility that if you put enough focus and energy into it, you could do it all yourself. But like everyone else, your time is limited, and most people prefer to focus on family or business. We’re here to free up your time while leveraging our wealth of experience in addressing concerns, presenting solutions, and working toward your financial goals.
What are the benefits of working with an independent financial advisor compared to a bank or large advisory firm?
Our independent and conflict-free approach allows us to find the best solutions for our clients. This gives you the advantage since larger firms might be compelled to make specific recommendations, sell proprietary products, or may be restricted in the advice and services they offer. We offer guidance customized to your needs and goals which is a personalized level of service, care, and attention larger firms just can’t provide.
Do you use proprietary funds?
At Keystone, we do not use proprietary products. We do not receive commissions or backend fees from any third parties. We do not earn compensation for recommending one fund vs. another. We believe this allows us to have the most unbiased framework to select the best investments for you and to provide advice tailored to your needs, not ours.
Where do you keep my money and how can I see it?
For your convenience and safety, we use Charles Schwab as the custodian for the majority of our client assets. Schwab administers more than $7 trillion dollars and we selected them to care for yours as well based on a variety of criteria including safety of assets, financial strength, and ease of use. As custodian, Schwab holds your funds and provides direct reporting to you. Your funds will be held in accounts under your name and can be viewed anytime online at Schwab.
