Frequently Asked Questions
As a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), we are committed to aligning our interests with those of our clients. We can remain unbiased in our relationship with you because we accept no commissions or referral fees. Our compensation comes directly from our clients. Our independence from the broker-dealer and wirehouse world allows us to offer unbiased advice in an objective manner.
A Registered Investment Advisor is any person that meets the definition of Investment Advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and is registered with either their state or the SEC. In general a Registered Investment Advisor with more than $100 million under management must register with the SEC. Those managing less than $110 million may register at the state level.
It indicates that a financial planner adheres to the industry's most demanding practice requirements, including Fee-Only compensation, and meets NAPFA's rigorous standards. Click here to learn more.
Absolutely not. Our sole compensation is management fees paid directly to Halpern Financial from our clients.
Halpern Financial believes an advisor should always act in good faith and in the best interest of each client. As such, we all abide by a Fiduciary Oath and disclose any potential conflicts of interest to our clients. We strive to build relationships based on integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism, and diligence.
We are subject to regulations set forth by the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission. Client assets are held at an independent third-party custodian. We avoid conflicts of interests by not accepting commissions or referral fees. Clients have 24/7 access to portfolio performance and reports, and statements and activity confirmations directly from your custodian.
Halpern Financial has relationships with a wide range of clients, including professionals and business executives, small business owners, widows, individuals, families, retirees, and those with sudden wealth via a business liquidity event or inheritance. We best serve clients looking for exceptional client service and who value a long-term partnership.
Fees include a one-time establishment fee and quarterly advisory fees based on the level of assets under Halpern Financial's direct management. Advisory fees range from 0.20% to 1.20% per year, billed quarterly in arrears.
There is no cost for our initial discovery meeting. This meeting gives us the opportunity to get to know one another. We seek a mutual agreement before we begin assessing any fee.
You will have access to the expertise of all of Halpern's Financial's professionals. Our team approach allows our clients to build a relationship with us as we provide sound and unbiased advice.
Yes we do conduct trades on your behalf as an Authorized Advisor. We execute transactions. However, you remain in control of your assets.
We do not take custody of your assets. Your assets are held in your name through the institutional platform of Fidelity Investments, an independent third party custodian.
Clients can access their accounts, performance and quarterly reports via a private client login 24 hours a day.
We believe clients are best served when their advisors use a coordinated team approach, benefiting from the expertise each professional provides. Privacy comes first, so after receiving your approval, we encourage sharing of information and when appropriate, joint meetings with your key advisors. If you do not have an established relationship, we will be happy to refer you to a trusted source to address your needs.
You can find a guide in our blog post below:
8 Questions You Should Ask Before and After Hiring a Financial Advisor
Our current minimum portfolio size is $2,000,000. If you have unique circumstances that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to give us a call.