+ How does the financial planning process work?

Financial planning is meant to be a continuous process throughout your lifetime. Clients can purchase a financial plan designed to meet a single goal or a lifetime plan. Analyses and solutions are unique to each client’s situation, expanding far beyond typical ‘boiler plate’ approaches. Peters Wealth Advisors uses sophisticated, powerful financial planning software featuring the ability to analyze multiple client goals such as retirement, education, and net worth. Nine robust calculators analyze pre- and post-retirement cash flows, assisting you and your planner in developing ‘what if scenarios’. These scenarios ascertain the best course of action to achieve your financial and quality-of-life goals. We help identify and mitigate risks in both your investment portfolio and insurance protection plans. Clients can choose between various types of written reports and level of detail.

+ What is the difference between a registered investment advisor and a stock broker?

A registered investment advisor manages client assets and determines the composition of a portfolio by making discretionary decisions and trades on behalf of the clients. In other words, a client grants an RIA authority to make investment decisions on his or her behalf. A registered representative or stock broker, however, earns commissions each time a trade is made and must have the client’s approval prior to execution of a trade.

+ How is Peters Wealth Advisors compensated for their services?

As a registered investment advisory firm, clients are charged a percentage of the value of the assets we manage. Charging for our services in this manner aligns the best interests of the client with those of the Peters Wealth Advisors. As assets under management increase, the fixed percentage yields a larger fee to Peters Wealth Advisors. Reduced fees are available for clients at certain breakpoints as the assets we manage increase. Cost for financial plans are fee based and vary according to the number of goals analyzed, the complexity of the client’s financial situation, and the types and number of assets held.

+ Who is Almanack and describe their relationship with Peters Wealth?

Almanack Investment Partners is an SEC-registered investment advisory firm offering a comprehensive suite of platform services including compliance, portfolio analysis, execution services, marketing support, multi-account performance reporting, and a bevy of other practice management tools.

Peters Wealth Advisors has worked in different arrangements with Almanack’s principals for almost 10 years. During our founders’ retirement in June 2018, we formed a strategic alliance with Almanack and its leaders, whereby we could increase the quality of the service we provide to our valued clients.

+ Which regulatory agency is responsible for regulating Peters Wealth Advisors?

The SEC regulates investment advisors that have over $25 million in assets under management. As Investment Advisory Representatives of Almanack, the advisors at Peters Wealth Advisors are subject to SEC regulations. Additionally, those holding a CFP® designation are subject to the rules and regulations of the Certified Financial Planner® Board of Standards.

+ How much should I have in equities?

It is entirely related to how much uncertainty and market fluctuation a client is willing to bear and how much money you need to accumulate to support yourself in retirement. Keep in mind most retirees live longer than they generally believe they will. Today the average 65-year-old will live another 15 to 20 years, nearly a decade longer than the previous generation. So the point is that you may need to accumulate more than you think.

+ Is it too risky to own stocks once I have retired?

Owning pieces of healthy, growing companies (stocks and growth mutual funds) is the only proven way to transfer wealth over time. Real long-term growth—growth that is greater than the assured losses brought by taxes and inflation, cannot be obtained from bank deposits, money markets or bonds. As one gets older, priorities sometimes change. Producing income and protecting the assets that you have accumulated can become more important. In that case, the amount invested in stocks can, and likely will, decline.

+ If we engage Peters Wealth Advisors to develop a financial plan, are we required to implement the recommended investments with you?

There is no requirement that you implement any suggestions we may make including investment suggestions.