Questions and Answers to Help You Select the Right Advisor

We have compiled a list of questions frequently asked of us by prospective clients. Please call or e-mail us if you have any questions that remain unanswered after reading our responses.

How do I know my money is safe with G5?

All assets are held for safekeeping (custodied) at our industry leading, independent financial partner firms. Trades are executed and independently reported to you by these large and prominent firms. Additionally, these independent firms also send directly to you, frequent account statements showing in detail account value, positions held, trading activity and all deposits and withdrawals to and from your account.

What should I bring to my first meeting with my potential financial planning advisor?

First and foremost, a list of questions for your prospective advisor. It is also helpful to bring information that can help define the issues you’d like addressed, such as: a statement of assets and liabilities, recent investment and retirement plan account statements, two years of tax returns, recent paystubs, a recent description of your employee benefits package and copies of your insurance policies.

What credentials are important to look for in a financial advisor?

Unfortunately, there is no one credential that defines how good an advisor’s advice will be. We believe it is important to work with an experienced financial advisor who has worked with many clients over a period of years and has seen firsthand a number of market and economic cycles. We also feel it is critically important that you feel comfortable talking with your advisor and that your investment philosophy is compatible with theirs. You should always verify any advisor’s credentials and regulatory history through various regulatory web-sites before making a final selection. We have provided links to many regulatory sites to make it easy for you to verify our advisors credentials and regulatory history.

What is tactical asset allocation?*

Tactical asset allocation is an investment strategy that over-weights and under-weights various asset classes (or investment types) in an attempt to lower risk and enhance long-term returns. Its underlying premise is that markets become over-valued and under-valued largely in response to the emotions of investors. Tactical asset management attempts to exploit these market inefficiencies over time by reducing portfolio risk when markets are over-valued and increasing risk when markets are under-valued. This is the opposite of how the majority of investors usually invest.

Do I have input into how my money is invested?

G5 advisors offer both discretionary and non-discretionary accounts. In a discretionary account, you initially set risk/reward parameters with your advisor and thereafter your account is managed according to these guidelines without your direct input. In a non-discretionary account, all decisions are made with your direct and continuing input. Most managed accounts, industry wide, are discretionary.

* All investment allocations and strategies involve risk and there is no assurance that any specific strategy will be successful or that any specific allocation will ensure a profit or present a loss in a declining market.