Frequently Asked Questions

Summit Financial Partners provides comprehensive financial services including:

• Financial Planning: Holistic planning for all life stages
• Investment Management: Portfolio design and ongoing management
• Retirement Planning: Strategies to secure your retirement
• Estate Planning: Wealth transfer and legacy planning
• Tax Optimization: Strategies to minimize tax liability
• Risk Management: Insurance and protection planning

We tailor our services to meet your unique needs and financial goals.

Getting started is simple and straightforward:

1. Schedule a Consultation: Contact us by phone or email to arrange your complimentary initial meeting
2. Initial Discussion: We'll discuss your financial situation, goals, and concerns
3. Proposal: We'll outline how we can help and present our service agreement
4. Begin Planning: Once engaged, we start gathering information and building your financial plan

There's no obligation during the initial consultation, and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

While some services may have minimum requirements, we work with clients at various financial stages. We believe everyone deserves quality financial guidance regardless of where they are in their wealth-building journey.

During your initial consultation, we'll discuss which service model best fits your current situation and needs. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you specifically.

We believe in transparent, fair pricing. Our fee structure includes several options:

• Asset-Based Fees: A percentage of assets under management, typically ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% annually depending on portfolio size
• Hourly Planning: For specific projects or consultations
• Flat-Fee Planning: Fixed fees for comprehensive financial plans
• Retainer Services: Monthly or quarterly fees for ongoing planning and advice

All fees are discussed upfront before engagement, with no hidden costs. We'll work with you to find the fee structure that best fits your needs.

Meeting frequency is customized to your needs and preferences:

• Quarterly Reviews: Our standard recommendation for most clients
• Monthly Check-ins: For clients who prefer more frequent contact
• Semi-Annual Meetings: For established clients with stable plans
• As-Needed Basis: Always available when life changes occur

Between scheduled meetings, you can always reach out with questions via phone or email. We're here when you need us.

Yes, Summit Financial Partners operates as a fiduciary, meaning we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times. This includes:

• Putting your interests ahead of our own
• Providing transparent disclosure of all fees and potential conflicts
• Offering objective, unbiased advice
• Recommending suitable investments based on your goals and risk tolerance

This fiduciary commitment is the foundation of the trust-based relationships we build with our clients.

Our investment approach is grounded in proven principles:

• Goals-Based Investing: Your portfolio is designed to help you achieve specific financial objectives
• Diversification: We spread risk across asset classes, sectors, and geographies
• Long-Term Focus: We invest for the long term while managing short-term volatility
• Tax Efficiency: Strategies to minimize tax impact on your returns
• Regular Rebalancing: Keeping your portfolio aligned with your target allocation
• Cost Management: Using efficient investment vehicles to keep costs low

We tailor this philosophy to each client's unique risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.

Market fluctuations are a normal part of investing. Our approach to volatility includes:

• Proactive Communication: We reach out during turbulent times to provide perspective
• Appropriate Risk Management: Portfolios designed to match your risk tolerance
• Strategic Rebalancing: Taking advantage of market movements to maintain allocation
• Focus on Goals: Keeping attention on long-term objectives rather than short-term noise
• Behavioral Coaching: Helping you avoid emotional investment decisions

Our goal is to help you stay the course and maintain perspective during both market ups and downs.