FAQs

+ I’d like to learn more, what are the next steps?

Read all about our services, then get in touch to schedule your free introductory meeting. If you’re not quite ready to meet, but you’d like to keep in touch, feel free to sign up for my blog posts and newsletter at the bottom of this page. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

+ Who is your typical client?

Our typical client is anyone looking for a more transparent, authentic approach to financial planning. We take great pride in the work we do, and genuinely care about helping you reach your full financial potential. It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning. There are no requirements as to your income or net worth; we simply require a willingness to make positive changes.

+ Who is NOT a good fit for Great Oak Wealth Management?

We’re not a good fit for those who want to improve their finances with shortcuts, get-rich-quick ideas, or day trading stocks. Our services focus on the big-picture. Slow and steady wins the race in our books; long-term success is the goal. That is achieved through ongoing financial planning and a portfolio designed to meet your unique needs.

+ Do I have to come to your office?

We make meeting as easy and convenient as possible. You’re welcome to meet with us in our offices in Pottstown (North Coventry Township) or Malvern. We’ll also come to your office, meet over lunch, or wherever it’s convenient for you – even mountain biking in French Creek State Park. Seriously. Our process also makes it easy to meet virtually, and we can connect with you via your preferred method.

+ What is the cost for the initial meeting?

The first meeting is absolutely free, and serves purely as time to get to know one another and see if we’re a good match. We’ll discuss your immediate financial needs, as well as future goals, to ensure we get a broad overview of your unique requirements. We will also talk you through our client-focused approach, and provide a list of our current fees. We’re fee-only planners, so our costs are fully transparent, with no hidden charges or agendas.

+ What is the CFP® designation?

The CFP® certification is recognized for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) hands on practical financial planning experience; (3) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (4) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients. See more at: CFP Board.

+ Do you accept clients outside of Pennsylvania?

Yes, our services have been designed specifically so clients can easily work with us from any location with internet connection. We regularly meet with clients on Skype, FaceTime, or Google Hangouts. They come in handy for those who do not live in our region, or the ones that have had enough of Pennsylvania winters and decided to move to a warmer location.

+ What does fee-only mean?

Great Oak Wealth Management is a fee-only financial planning and wealth management firm, which means that our compensation comes directly from the clients we serve. We do not receive commissions or sell products; our costs are fully transparent, with no hidden charges or agendas. We’re also fiduciaries, which means that your individual needs are at the very core of our working relationship.

+ Speaking of fees, how much are your services?

It is important that you understand how your advisor is getting paid, and our transparent approach ensures you are never left in any doubt as to the cost of our services. We provide everything in writing, and you can download a copy of our current fees here. Most advisors don’t offer this kind of upfront approach – heck, most advisors aren’t fee-only, either.

+ What is your investment philosophy?

We believe in using low-cost index ETF’s and mutual funds that are broadly diversified. Every client is different, but we believe in creating an agile investment portfolio, with a process that takes full advantage of economic opportunities. That means we live by the axiom buy low and sell high.

+ Why choose you as my financial advisor?

There are many reasons why you should choose to work with us, but here are just a few to get you started:

We’re fee-only, which means we work for you, not a big corporation or mutual fund company. We’re CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™, which means we have education, experience, qualifications, and abide by a strict ethical standard.

We take the long-term, work in progress approach. Rome wasn’t built in a day; getting your financial life in order should – and will – take time, and it’s a never-ending process. Your needs change, laws change, the economic landscape changes. The financial plan you implement in your twenties or thirties surely won’t be the one you are using in your fifties or sixties. Updating, adjusting, tweaking… whatever you want to call it, it’s vital for your long-term financial success.

Communication is at the heart of everything we do. Many advisors overlook this vital aspect, but this is what sets us apart from the crowd. We will email, call, meet, text; whatever it takes to keep you updated and in the loop. This is a team effort, and we’ll be here cheering you on every step of the way.

+ Do I need a minimum amount to work with you?

You do not have to have a fortune to begin building one. There are no requirements as to your income or net worth. We’ll help unlock your financial potential.

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