Q: Do I have to be local (in Portland) to work with you?

A: Not at all. Our advice is just as good in person as it is over the phone/Internet/web chat/Google WAVE/iChat/e-mail. We can work with anyone in the United States as long as you have a phone number and an Internet connection.

Q: What does the financial planning process entail?

A: We like to start with a phone meeting to get to know you and discuss your specific questions. From there we ask you to provide the necessary data we’ll need to crunch your numbers. Then we set up a final meeting to go over our conclusions with you. We conclude each module with a summary of your questions, our specific answers and a list of action items for you to complete.

Q: What does each module include?

A: Each of our modules includes at least two-hours of one-on-one time with your advisor, plus whatever it takes for us to answer your questions behind the scenes.

Q: How long does the process take?

A: Depending on the complexity of your situation, we usually need approximately one week (after we receive your data!) to crunch your numbers and get back to you. We do our best to accommodate our clients’ schedules and we’re happy to make evening and weekend appointments as needed.

Q: How do we get started?

A: E-mail us! We require payment of at least one module up front (via pay-pal or check) to get you on our schedule and from there we begin the process immediately.

Q: How is Pearl Wealth LLC different from other financial planners, brokerage houses and investment advisors?

A: It’s our philosophy on wealth that sets us apart, but our objectivity makes us unique. Most financial planners make money by selling products and services on which they earn a commission. This means they can’t pick and choose from ALL investment products. No matter how great it is, their advice is always biased by the products they are required to sell. The only thing we sell at Pearl Wealth LLC is our advice.

Q: What is a fiduciary?

NAPFA defines a fiduciary as a “financial adviser held to a fiduciary standard occupies a position of special trust and confidence when working with a client. As a fiduciary, the financial adviser is required to act with undivided loyalty to the client. This includes disclosure of how the financial adviser is to be compensated and any corresponding conflicts of interest.”