Our code of ethics and fiduciary duty is simple. We focus on clients’ best interests at all times. You won’t find commissions, trailers, loads, or affiliations with fund companies here. The scope of work determines a flat fee or hourly compensation. Clients are the only ones who compensate us.
In concert with this commitment, we adhere to the CFP® Code of Ethics. (Also, see it here).
Objectivity:
We will be unbiased in providing advice to clients.
Confidentiality:
We will keep all client data private unless authorization is received from the client to share it. We will treat all documents with care and take care when disposing of them. Relations with clients shall be kept private.
Competence:
We will strive to maintain a high level of knowledge and ability by keeping current on continuing education in our field. We will not provide advice in areas where we are not capable.
Fairness & Suitability:
Dealings and recommendations with clients will always be in the client’s best interests. We put our clients first.
Integrity & Honesty:
We endeavor to be mindful of the potential for misunderstanding that can accrue in normal human interactions. We will be diligent to keep actions and reactions so that a thinking client, or other professional, would not doubt intentions. In all actions we will be mindful that in addition to serving our clients, we are in the business of building a profession and our actions should reflect this.
Regulatory Compliance:
We strive to maintain conformity with legal regulations.
Professionalism:
We conduct ourselves in a way that would be a credit to our profession at all times.
Further, as a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, we follow NAPFA’s Code of Ethics. Learn more with NAPFA’s infographic here.
Also, our Values Statement that informs our dealings with clients and vendors who support us. Find it here.
To learn more about how advisors’ compensation affects advice, see Chapter 6 of The Mindful Money Mentality: How To Find Balance in Your Financial Future.
