FAQ

Vannoy Advisory Group, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is your motivation for being in this business?

Most people have no interest in researching investments, analyzing portfolios, reviewing insurance policies, or doing many of the things associated with financial planning. Some people simply find it boring while others are overwhelmed by the amount of information you need to know to complete a solid financial plan. I, on the other hand, am enthralled by financial planning. This business is a great way for me to help people while doing something I love. Like the saying goes, “find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life”.

2. What are your qualifications?

I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional (CFP® Professional). I have a Certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University. The coursework for the Certificate met the CFP® education requirements, and consisted of courses in Financial Planning, Insurance, Investments, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning, and Estate Planning. I have held the Series 7, 31, 63, and 66 Securities Licenses. I currently hold the Series 65 Securities License that allows me to work as an Investment Advisor, and I am a Registered Investment Advisor in the State Texas.

I am also an Enrolled Agent. Enrolled Agents are federally-authorized tax practitioners that are able to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals.

3. Are you held to a fiduciary standard?

Yes. As a Registered Investment Advisor and CFP® Professional, I am bound to the standards of a fiduciary and must therefore legally and ethically put the needs of my Clients above my own.

Visit www.FocusOnFiduciary.com to learn more about why it is important to select an advisor that is held to a fiduciary standard.

4. Have you ever been disciplined or terminated for any unlawful or unethical actions in your professional career?

No.

5. What services do you offer?

Our hourly, as-needed model gives us the flexibility to customize our services to meet each Client’s individual needs. Although a comprehensive financial plan yields the greatest benefits, we can limit our services to individual specific needs like cash management and budgeting, investment analysis, portfolio design, retirement planning, college planning, or other services that you might need. We also offer ongoing asset management for Clients that want us to take a more active approach in the management of their investment assets.

Basically, if it has to do with money and finances, we can provide guidance and resources.

6. Can you help me with any kind of securities?

Yes. We provide advice on all types of securities, including mutual funds, stocks, stock options, bonds, bank deposits, rental real estate, annuities, limited partnerships and tax shelters. We also provide advice on mortgages, 401(k), 403(b) and other retirement programs, and more.

7. If I hire you to develop a financial plan, am I obligated to purchase the recommended products?

No. We offer recommendations to meet your needs and objectives, but you are under no obligation to purchase anything we recommend. We recognize the importance of shopping around for the best available product or service and are able to direct you to one or several different providers with quality products at competitive prices.

We are not compensated by commissions on products, so you can be assured that our recommendations are based on what we believe is in your best interests. We take our fiduciary role seriously.

8. How will I pay for your services?

We are a Fee-Only firm and do not receive any commissions or sales charges. Financial planning fees are usually based on an hourly rate, although flat fees and retainers may be used for some projects. Fees for ongoing asset management are billed based on the amount of assets that we supervise for a Client.

9. Are your fees tax deductible?

Yes, with certain limitations. Section 212 of the Internal Revenue Code permits an itemized deduction for tax and investment advice on Schedule A, subject to a 2 percent floor of adjusted gross income.

10. Can I have it in writing?

Absolutely. All of our Clients receive a written agreement that clearly states, among other things, the services that we will be providing and the corresponding fees.

11. Where is your money invested?

I invest my money using the same types of investments and strategies that I recommend to Clients. I would never recommend something to a Client if I would not do it myself if I were in the same financial situation. Remember that each Client’s situation is different and may require different investments and strategies.

12. Do you receive ongoing income from any of the investments that you recommend? (12(b)-1 fees, trailing commissions, deferred sales charges, etc.)

We do not receive any ongoing income from the investments we recommend except for the fees we charge for ongoing investment advice for the investment assets we manage directly for our Clients.

13. Are there financial incentives for you to recommend certain financial products?

No. The only compensation we receive is from our Clients. We believe that this is the best way to ensure that our interests are aligned with the interests of our Clients.

14. Are you independent of financial product providers?

Yes. We do not represent financial product providers or receive sales commissions from financial product providers. We believe that this is the best way to ensure that our interests are aligned with the interests of our Clients.

15. Do your clients have to meet any asset or fee minimums before you will work with them?

No. We believe that everyone has the right to competent, professional advice regardless of their income, net worth, or investable assets.

16. Do you provide assistance in implementing my financial plan?

We are available to help our Clients implement their financial plans at their discretions, and offer ongoing investment management for Clients that would like us to implement and monitor their investments.

17. I already work with a financial advisor and just want a second opinion. Can you do that?

Yes. We are happy to provide a second opinion on any financial planning or advice that you have received in the past.

18. How do I get started?

Call (254) 213-5000 or email us to schedule a free Get Acquainted Meeting. During the meeting we will discuss our services, determine your immediate financial planning needs, provide a firm estimate of the charges involved, the data needed, and when the work will be completed.

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