CLIENT ENGAGEMENT STANDARDS

Our purpose is to help clients live more abundantly so they can spend their time doing what they enjoy most. Setting clear expectations upfront is the foundation for planning success. The following tenets outline how we operate, what you can expect from us, and what we expect from you in return.

Our Tenets

  1. Financial planning is an ongoing process.

    Financial planning involves goal setting, cash flow planning, risk management, investment management, asset protection, healthcare planning, tax planning, estate planning, and more. Through this ongoing process, our goal is to lower your tax bill, improve investment returns, and optimize your income so you can retire with confidence.

  2. Good communication is critical.

    We want to hear about your dreams, goals, successes, and challenges as life unfolds. Good communication is critical for this to be a mutually beneficial relationship and for us all to enjoy a successful financial planning experience.

  3. Your engagement is crucial for success.

    Planning is a collaborative process requiring a time commitment from you as well as from us. While we may do the heavy lifting, it’s paramount that you provide information and documents to us in a timely manner to give you the best chance of success.

  4. Our advice is proactive.

    We employ a systematic approach to ensure thoroughness and efficiency in our financial planning. If we have any concerns about your plan or investments, we will proactively reach out to you with recommendations to get you back on track.

  5. Evidence-based investing creates lasting wealth.

    We employ an evidence-based approach to investing and retirement planning. Like you, we don’t have a crystal ball, and we never implement strategies that aren’t proven through published, academic research.

  6. Technology improves efficiency.

    Financial planning involves a lot of moving parts, so we leverage technology to make your life and our lives easier. This includes digital communications, electronically signing documents, and linking your financial accounts to our secure online financial planning portal so we can provide accurate, real-time planning advice.

  7. Our mutual interests are in alignment.

    We are professional financial planners, not sales reps. Our transparent fees are based on the assets we manage/advise on and cover all our services. We don’t receive compensation from anyone but you. As fiduciaries, your interests are our interests.

  8. We love our clients.

    We only work with good people who appreciate and value our services. We treat people with respect and kindness and expect the same in return. As such, we are committed to long-lasting, healthy relationships with each of our clients.

What We Deliver

  1. We look at all aspects of your life to create an ongoing financial plan that fits your goals, values, and resources, as well as maximizes your opportunities.

  2. We assist you along the way with the “heavy lifting” process of implementing your plan. Then we monitor your plan regularly to make certain that all parts stay relevant and updated.

  3. We keep your information confidential, safe, and secure. Our client portal and office systems employ advanced security features and protocols to protect your data. We share information only as needed with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals with whom you may be working to effect services, quote coverage, or review accounting, insurance, and legal services.

  4. We strive to return all phone calls and emails within one business day. We will inform you of any short-term deviations from this policy.

  5. We meet at least once a year to review your financial plan, written investment policy, and portfolio performance to ensure that you remain on track to accomplish your objectives.

  6. We are flexible on the timing and method of communication to make meeting participation convenient for you.

  7. We manage your investment portfolio according to our investment philosophy and process, to achieve your goals in a low-cost manner.

  8. We commit to always doing our best on your behalf. We love what we do and take pride in helping clients achieve amazing results.

  9. We are proud to serve you in a fiduciary capacity. That means we are compensated by client fees only, our fees are fully disclosed, and we do not accept any commissions or referral fees.

  10. To ensure accurate advice and plan execution, we manage or advise on all your investment accounts (except perhaps a small “play account” that you self-manage).

What We Expect From You

  1. I am willing to be an active participant in the financial planning process.

    I understand that each part of the process requires information or participation from me. I promise to stay engaged because I understand the outcome of my plan hinges on my cooperation and involvement.

  2. I want to delegate management of my wealth to professionals.

    I understand that, if I act without your input or knowledge, this may affect your ability to provide appropriate advice. I am hiring you to help me enjoy life more fully, and part of this process requires me to let you do what you do best.

  3. I agree to be responsive to emails and phone calls within a reasonable time period.

    I understand that many financial planning issues are time sensitive and forcing you to repeatedly chase me down hinders your ability to serve me and other clients well.

  4. I agree to provide requested data and documents in a timely fashion.

    I understand that, if I leave you waiting, I not only hurt myself, but I impede your ability to efficiently serve other clients as well.

  5. I agree to receive documents electronically via email, the client portal, or document signing services.

    I understand that leveraging technology allows you to be more efficient and spend more time doing meaningful work for me and other clients.

  6. I acknowledge that North Ridge Wealth Advisors only accepts clients who abide by an evidence-based investment philosophy and process.

    I understand diversification, driving down costs, discipline, asset allocation, and a long-term focus are keys to successful investing. Chasing returns, following tips, giving in to hunches, and listening to predictions do not fit your philosophy.

  7. I appreciate that North Ridge Wealth Advisors keeps flexible hours for clients as well as staff.

    I understand that any deviations from the normal schedule are communicated via newsletter, email, and/or voicemail.

  8. I accept that North Ridge Wealth Advisors’ dress code is casual on days when there are no client meetings.

    I understand that clients are welcome to “drop by” the office any time, but you may be in casual attire.

  9. I appreciate that North Ridge Wealth Advisors takes full responsibility for their errors.

    I understand you do your best to minimize errors, but you are human. I will make you aware of any errors as soon as they are discovered so you can correct them ASAP.

  10. I agree that our relationship needs to be reevaluated if we ever stop enjoying or respecting one another.

    I understand that you are committed to living your lives from a place of joy and kindness, and you desire to have long-lasting, healthy relationships with all your clients.

  11. I acknowledge that fees are due on a quarterly basis and are deducted from my account (unless paid directly by me).

    I understand your fee schedule is subject to review and updates at any time. Should a change be made, you will communicate such change well in advance.

My signature below indicates that I have read, understand, and agree to all the expectations above, and I have had any questions answered to my satisfaction.

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Client Signature Printed Name Date