One of us, likely John, will answer your call or respond to your message introducing the firm. We will ask what is on your mind, and then we will likely say “that’s totally common, here’s what we would recommend…”
Most (90%) of our clients start by contacting us saying:
“I don’t know where to start, I really don’t have anything in place, but I think it might be a good idea talking to an Advisor?”
From here we begin by building a financial plan. The goal of the plan is to download your financial, mental, and psychological state of mind. Once we have a foundation built, we will understand where you are, where you want to go and what behaviors are risk are needed to get you there.
Don’t feel overwhelmed. We’re the least overwhelming group you’ll run into. In fact, we built this firm because we knew this was a stigma within the industry that we knew we could change. We built SGL to be human, approachable, and authentic.
We don’t expect anyone to understand industry jargon; alpha, bps, beta, correlation, EPS, etc. We are here to teach you as much or little as you would like to learn. If you want to talk current events, pop-culture, sports, or the annoying traffic light down the street that only let’s two cars through, that’s perfectly fine. Seriously.
Investing without a well-defined goal will likely miss its intended target. It’s grocery shopping without thinking about what you’re going to prepare. A whole bunch of quality ingredients don’t always result in a balanced meal.
We are grounded by a scientific approach to problem solving (hence the “LABS” in our name). We make fact-based recommendations. The more data we have the more realistic our projections and outcomes align with reality. Here’s more on the importance of financial plans.
Our Standard Financial Plans range from $1,000 to $6,000. Our Pro Financial Plans range from $5,000 to $10,000. Depending on the depth and complexity of your financial situation we will present you with a plan that is right for you.
We do. Currently we work with clients in CO, FL, NJ, MD, MO, WI, UT and of course our home state of PA.
If your state’s not listed, not to worry, you can be the reason we add it to our map!
We really appreciate everyone’s preference and time. We also know what it’s like to have something on your calendar that you wish you could just handle remotely.
We’re chameleons and can adapt to any preference. Of course, it’s nice to share a cup of coffee and be able to say hello face-to-face once in a while; however, if your preference is to work with us remotely, we’re completely good with that too.
There is absolutely no minimum amount of net worth or annual earnings that preclude you from talking to us. We’re not just saying this.
We have clients that have a little and have a lot.
We’re a fee-only firm. That means we are paid directly from our clients based on a fee that is a percentage of assets managed, or a flat annual fee.
This is important as it helps ensure that your interests are represented, not the interests of higher commissions based on products and structures that may not be right for you.
Are you good and successful at making money and managing client assets?
Glad you asked. Because of regulatory rules, we cannot say that we are good at anything, really. It is considered “promissory.” So, to stay out of hot water with the regulators we’ll say this: We have been managing client assets for more than a decade and have an insatiable academic curiosity for our craft.
The expertise you’ll encounter with the team at Sweetgum Labs is based on a select group of well-rounded, industry veterans that have been integral team members of successful organizations throughout various investment environments. Our team has a unique perspective, as we’re comprised of senior individuals who have spent the majority of our careers in the brokerage, distribution, and product development businesses. If you’re in search of a RIA that has experience on all sides of this business and a team that truly knows the inter-workings of how financial planning has been managed over the years, we are likely a great fit.
SIMPLY: We build relationships with our clients. We’ll meet, speak, email, text… Frankly we’ll communicate with you however you like. We are built to be here for you, never to dodge you.
We’re not into sales and slogans. Our only focus is listening to our clients’ needs and educating them on best practices for successful planning.
Much of the financial advice you'll encounter is simply about investments; however, we know that money is about more than investing—your financial well-being is a foundational component of your life.
A Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) is a person or entity registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to manage the assets of individuals with a duty of undivided loyalty of fair and honest oversight to their clients and accompanying assets. In addition, our custodian (third party who holds your assets) is a member of the SIPC. We are fully licensed and insured. We are held to the fiduciary standard.