What do I need to bring to my consultation session?
Prior to our initial face-to-face consultation, you will receive a welcome packet from
our office that includes detailed information about the firm and answers to common
questions. Please review this packet so that we can answer any remaining questions
you may have at our meeting. In addition, you should bring basic financial documents
that help us understand your situation: Investment statements, work open enrollment
information (if applicable), any life/disability or long-term care insurance policies,
annuity contracts, mortgage and debt statements and existing estate planning documents.
What deliverables do you provide in an engagement?
Artisan Financial Strategies has two primary client offerings that vary in scope and
deliverables. Our Financial Advisor offering provides a balance sheet, detailed cash
flow statement, analysis on existing accounts and policies and an executive summary
citing our recommendations. Our Private CFO offering provides the same deliverables as
well as scenario stress testing that is relevant to your situation (e.g. Do I have
enough money to retire if there is a bear market? Do I still need to retain this
life insurance policy?). In addition, Private CFO services include a high level of
client guidance and interaction (or hand-holding, as some clients call it) along with
integrative communication and coordination with your CPA and estate planning attorney.
I thought advisors just managed money. What role do you have
in this process?
We believe that an advisor’s role truly extends past investment account
management. We have a planning-centric, planning-first philosophy and believe every
financial action should start with a financial blueprint that is central to all
decisions. Your blueprint should drive choices of many kinds including determining
appropriate risk in accounts, beneficiary designations, amount of insurance coverage,
investment selection, where to tax money, how to optimize for tax savings, whether and
when to pay down debt, strategies on funding a college education/new car/vacation home,
participating in the ESOP or 401k allocation at work, etc. If I’m in on the case, I’m
ALL in. That means every aspect of your financial life falls under the umbrella of
Artisan Financial’s comprehensive financial planning services.
How often do you schedule reviews?
We don’t believe in meeting just to meet; everyone is too busy. Depending on the scope
and nature of the engagement, we at least meet once a year in person or online via Zoom
or GoToMeeting. Generally speaking, we like to schedule two check-in calls throughout
the year to make sure things are on track. However, that is a minimum. We are always
available for our planning clients and serve as their 911 and 411 on all things
financial. If you have a question or concern at any time, we want to hear from you!
How much does an engagement cost?
While this sounds like what a lawyer would say (and we have many as clients), it
depends. The bigger the scope of the project and services, the greater the fee. Rest
assured that in our initial face-to-face consultation we work hard to understand your
situation and needs in order to determine which of our client offerings (and associated
fee structure) are in your best interest. When our fee and services don’t align with a
potential client’s situation and goals, we don’t hesitate to refer you to other
advisors. As we bring in additional advisors, new client offerings continue to expand to
align with a broader range of client profiles.
How long will this process take the first year?
Gathering information and creating your financial blueprint is a
time-intensive effort, but more on our end than yours. You can expect to spend more time
the first year than in subsequent years. The amount of time it takes to complete
questionnaires and establish goals will vary, in part based on the status of your
financial records. Please see Our Process for a detailed
description of our work together.
What should I expect in subsequent years?
Following development and implementation of your financial plan in the initial service
year, most clients choose to renew with us for continued oversight of the financial plan
and assistance in resolving other financial questions and issues that pop up throughout
the year. You also have the option not to renew. In that event, we will simply continue
to oversee any investment accounts or insurance policies that were initiated as part of
your financial plan.
Can you just manage an investment account for us?
We can, but we are planning-focused and believe that prognosis without diagnosis is
malpractice. We strongly prefer to manage client investment accounts in the context of a
full financial plan so we can incorporate the complete fact pattern to support your
investment choices – things like your tax bracket, the intended purpose of invested
funds, your investment horizon, etc.
Can you just write an insurance policy for us?
Again, we can do this but believe we can serve you far more effectively when we
understand the nuances of your financial and personal situation. Things like cash flow,
current health history, beneficiary strategies (outright to your family vs. through a
trust for asset protection purposes) are all major considerations that should guide your
selection of insurance products
I need a new attorney or CPA. Can you refer us to someone?
We are happy to provide multiple referrals for legal and accounting professionals. Our
extensive network allows us to help you find the ideal attorney or CPA to meet your
needs. In addition, our alliance with other financial advisors across the country
enables us to provide out-of-state clients with guidance regarding specific competencies
and fee ranges of potential service providers.
Do you do estate planning and what is your role vs. the lawyer?
Estate planning documents must be drawn up by an attorney, and we are not attorneys.
However, formulating the best strategy to meet your goals for your financial legacy is
an important component of estate planning. Attorneys cannot provide this service. We
guide you through the process of determining goals, flowchart how your assets and life
insurance would pass, establish optimal paths to achieve desired outcomes, and ensure
that all the details are completed so that your estate plan can go into effect without
complications. In addition, we take the lead in coordinating with estate attorneys and
other professionals to complete the estate planning process.
How do I know if you can help me?
While financial planning is important for everyone, Artisan Financial Strategies
focuses on meeting the needs of clients who have achieved a certain degree of financial
success. Our services aren’t the right fit for everyone. In these situations, we don’t
hesitate to refer potential clients to other providers that can provide services better
matched to the individual client profile. If we believe working with AFS is not in your
best interest, we will always communicate this immediately. We only work with clients
for whom we sincerely believe we are the best option.
As a business owner, why do I need a financial advisor?
Business owners often have the majority of their personal wealth tied up in the
business and real estate. Without a substantial investment portfolio or a transactional
relationship, successful entrepreneurs may have difficulty gaining access to elite,
top-performing advisors. In addition, they frequently have an income that varies year to
year, making financial planning especially challenging. We help business owners
understand the big picture of their finances and determine appropriate strategies for
meeting long-term goals despite variability in short-term cashflow. We strongly
encourage business owners to work with a qualified financial advisor to ensure that your
years of hard work translate into the comfortable retirement and legacy you deserve.
Do we have to meet in person each time?
No. While we do enjoy sitting down with clients face-to-face, we also understand the
reality of limited time and busy lives. Some meetings can be conducted over the phone.
We also take advantage of technology tools like GoToMeeting and Zoom for virtual
face-to-face consultations.
Do you charge fees, or do you charge commissions?
We charge a flat fee for financial planning services. The fee
includes building your financial blueprint, all necessary planning sessions and all of
the behind-the-scenes analysis and case preparation (see Our
Process to learn more). Artisan Financial Strategies encourages regular
communication to provide optimal guidance and support for clients. We never want clients
to hesitate to call or e-mail us, for fear of being billed.
Every client presents a unique situation. Therefore, each plan we create is fully
customized and includes different recommendations. Based on stress-tests, modeling and
our behind-the-scenes analysis, some plans include a recommendation for a
commission-based product to solve a specific problem or reach a financial goal. Some
plans may include a recommendation that requires an asset management fee. Again, every
plan is different; there are no standard guidelines for commission-based products or
services.
How much is your fee in subsequent years?
Generally speaking, the financial planning fee is 50% of the first year, unless
something significant has happened in your financial life that would necessitate a
broader scope and work product.
Can I see my accounts online?
Yes. All accounts and policies are visible online. In addition, we have a “client
command center” where we house your updated balance sheet and cash flows in your own
personal vault.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. Meredith has been a fiduciary since 2004. Regulations passed in 2017 require most
licensed financial planning professionals to meet industry standards as fiduciary
agents.
How long have you been in business?
Meredith has been providing financial planning services to Atlanta’s leading
professionals since 1999.
What is the relationship with Artisan Financial Strategies, New York Life,
Eagle Strategies, National Financial Services and
managers like Brinker Capital?
- NYLIFE Securities allows us to offer non-proprietary products, such as mutual funds,
stocks, and bonds from a wide variety of companies.
- New York Life Insurance Company offers a number of insurance and annuity products
for our clients.
- National Financial Services provides Artisan Financial Strategies with trade
execution, clearing, custody and other related services for clients.
- Eagle Strategies is the Registered Investment Advisory arm of New York Life
Insurance Company. Eagle Strategies gives Artisan Financial Strategies access to
dozens of third-party money managers (like Brinker Capital) around the country to
offer to our clients when there is a philosophical, risk and performance fit.
- Ash Brokerage allows us to shop out insurance products to numerous other companies
if New York Life is not an optimal fit.