The Align Difference
Let's face it, there are plenty of places lined up and eager to compete for the privilege of managing your money. How does Align Wealth Management stand apart?
Established Performance History
We enjoy a long-established history of solid performance that we gladly make available upon request. On a daily basis, every account we manage is tracked by a GIPS compliant third-party reconciliation firm verifying our actual investment performance, net of fees. Accordingly, at any given time, we are able to precisely document our historical investment performance over a variety of market conditions. For more on GIPS compliance and how this benefits you as an investor click here and here.
Focus on Risk
Our "safety-first" strategy is a crucial factor in our continual delivery of successful investment experiences through both good and bad markets. Every investment and every portfolio undergoes rigorous testing to minimize risk and to stay within your individual comfort levels. Our focus on principal protection, tax-efficiency, and low cost has allowed our clients to enjoy a successful investment experience through a wide variety of market cycles.
Nationally-Recognized Experts
We have developed a national reputation for wealth management excellence. We have been recognized as one of America's top wealth management firms by BusinessWeek, Barron's, Wealth Manager Magazine, Financial Advisor Magazine, etc.
Your Fiduciary
We are honored to serve you in a fiduciary capacity in all of our business dealings. As advisors registered under the Investment Advisor Act of 1940, we are held to a fiduciary standard requiring us to act solely in your best interest. This fiduciary standard is more stringent than the stockbroker's "suitability" test.
Independent and Fee Only
Our only business is fiduciary wealth management. As an independent, privately-owned firm, our recommendations are based solely on your goals and objectives with no conflicts of interest. We work only for you. We do not work for any large financial company, brokerage firm, bank, or insurance company. In fact, we do not receive commissions, compensation or kickbacks from any third party. Every penny of our revenue is derived from fully disclosed fees for the advisory services we provide to you. Accordingly, every ounce of our allegiance flows directly to you. We are Client Focused. Period.
Guarantee
We stand behind our work with a no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. If you don't love the work we do for you, simply let us know within the first 180 days, and we will gladly refund every penny in fees that you have paid to us. No questions asked; no strings attached.
Transparent
You enjoy 24/7 access to your accounts from two sources, an independent custodian and a third-party reconciliation agent. We never take custody of your money. Instead, your accounts are held securely in your name with well-known custodians such as Fidelity and TD Ameritrade.
A Unified Team Dedicated to Service
Our primary value lies in the timely delivery of accurate, unbiased wealth management. You will always know what you own and why you own it. Rather than being limited to one contact person, you will be served by a unified team dedicated to your individual needs. Our team approach enables us to help you coordinate your one financial life and eliminates piecemeal, disjointed financial advice. We continuously monitor and manage your assets, assist with appropriate asset titling, handle chores such as trading, re-balancing, record keeping, cost basis, and other tax reporting issues. We even go so far as to deliver to you and your CPA a Schedule D Gain/Loss Report that is ready to be filed with your tax returns. Additionally, we conduct face-to-face reviews, and work in conjunction with your other advisors (such as your CPA and attorney) to help you make the most of your financial life.
We Deliver Tremendous Value
Our total cost is typically a fraction of what others charge. See for yourself:
| Industry Average | Align Wealth Management | |||
| Advisory Fee for $1,000,000 Account | 1.00% | 0.89% | ||
| Portfolio Management | - | - | ||
| Mutual Fund Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.27% | 2 | |
| Mutual Fund Trading Charges | 1.47% | 1 | 0.07% | 3 |
| TOTAL | 3.97% | 1.23% | ||
1 Katsen - "High transaction costs from portfolio turnover negatively affect 401(k) participants and increase plan sponsor fiduciary liability." Journal of Pension Benefits, 2008.
2 Each Align Wealth Management portfolio has a different mix of funds. This is a weighted average of all portfolios fees.
3 Internal review of DFA's SAI documents.
