Questions & Answers
Eight things clients always ask first.
If your question isn't here, just call (406) 723-7704. A human answers between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. MT.
Yes — registered investment advisor representatives under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, operating under fiduciary duty. In plain English: we are legally obligated to act in your best interest, disclose all conflicts of interest, and accept no hidden compensation. We are not dual-registered broker-dealers — we do not earn commissions on products we recommend.
For ongoing Wealth Builder management, the minimum is $250,000 in investable assets. For Family Office service, $2 million. Below those thresholds we offer hourly Starter Advisory at $250/hour, which is often enough to address a single decision — a refinance, a policy audit, a Roth conversion question.
Three transparent streams: (1) hourly fees for Starter Advisory, (2) a percentage of assets under management for ongoing wealth management (0.50%–0.85%), and (3) commissions paid by insurance carriers when you bind a policy through us — we disclose the commission in writing before you sign. We do not receive payment for order flow, trailing 12b-1 fees, soft-dollar arrangements or product-placement incentives.
Your assets are custodied at Charles Schwab, Fidelity Institutional or Pershing (BNY Mellon) — your choice. Statements come directly from the custodian. We have discretionary trading authority but cannot withdraw funds from your account — only you can. Accounts are SIPC-protected up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for cash) and covered by supplemental excess-SIPC insurance up to $150 million.
Yes. We are SEC-registered as an investment advisor, which permits nationwide operation. Our insurance licenses cover all 50 states and D.C. Mortgage originations are available in all states except New York (in process). Whether you live in Manhattan or Miles City, the service level is identical.
Auto and personal loan pre-approvals take 4 minutes with a soft credit pull (no score impact). Mortgage pre-approvals are typically issued within 24 hours of receiving your documents. Insurance quotes for auto, home and life can be returned same-day during business hours. Health insurance marketplace enrollments follow federal open-enrollment windows.
Your relationship belongs to the firm, not to the individual advisor. If your lead advisor departs, a senior advisor already familiar with your plan assumes stewardship — typically within five business days. Your custodian relationships, account numbers, beneficiaries and holdings remain completely unchanged. We have a documented succession plan reviewed annually by external counsel.
We insist on it. With your written authorization we collaborate directly with your existing CPA, estate attorney, P&C agent and bookkeeper — sharing documents securely, joining annual planning meetings, and coordinating tax filings. If you don't have these professionals, we maintain a vetted referral network in every state we serve and can introduce you to counsel whose work we have observed first-hand.