Author: Stephanie Trexler, MS, CFP®
Stephanie Trexler is the Founder & Financial Advisor at Golden Goose Wealth Planning located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She specializes in serving women experiencing a life transition such as divorce or the loss of a spouse all across the country.
Author: Stephanie Trexler, MS, CFP®
Stephanie Trexler is the Founder & Financial Advisor at Golden Goose Wealth Planning located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She specializes in serving women experiencing a life transition such as divorce or the loss of a spouse all across the country.
Choosing the right financial advisor is a critical step toward securing your financial future.
At Golden Goose Wealth Planning, we understand the importance of finding an advisor who
not only aligns with your financial goals but also adheres to the highest ethical standards.
When considering a Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor, it's essential to ask the right questions to
ensure you're making the best choice for your needs. Here’s a guide to the key questions
you should ask during your selection process.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes, at Golden Goose Wealth Planning, we are committed to acting as fiduciaries. This means we adhere to a fiduciary oath, ensuring that we always place your best interests above our own. Our goal is to provide you with advice and recommendations that are in your best interest, without any conflicts of interest. Your financial well-being is our top priority.
Are you Fee-Only and How Transparent Are Your Fees?
The term "Fee-Only Advisor" is crucial in the financial planning world. Unlike advisors who may earn commissions from selling financial products or receiving a trade commission, a Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor is compensated solely by the fees you pay for their advice. This model ensures that the advice provided is unbiased and focused solely on your best interests. At Golden Goose Wealth Planning, we are proud to adhere to this Fee-Only structure, reflecting our commitment to prioritizing your financial well-being.
Transparency is essential when it comes to fees. It's important that your advisor is upfront about how they are compensated and that there are no hidden charges. We offer a clear explanation of our fee structure, whether a monthly subscription fee or a percentage of assets under management. At Golden Goose Wealth Planning, our Fee-Only approach means our only incentive is your financial success, and we are fully transparent about how we are compensated. This ensures you receive a clear understanding of our fees and can trust that our services are aligned with your best interests.
What is your educational background and what credentials Do You Hold?
Education and credentials matter when choosing a financial advisor. It’s important to verify that your advisor is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®). The CFP is the gold standard of the financial planning industry. A high level of expertise and commitment to ethical practices is required to be an exceptional financial advisor. There are also undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in financial planning. Stephanie Trexler received her Masters in Personal financial planning from Kansas State University, which is a top program in the nation.
Are you an active member of the financial planning community?
Memberships in professional organizations like the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) or the Financial Planning Association (FPA) further demonstrate an advisor’s dedication to ongoing education and adherence to a fiduciary standard. At Golden Goose Wealth Planning, our advisor Stephanie Trexler is not only certified but is also an active member and leader of these professional bodies, ensuring she stays at the forefront of industry standards and practices.
How Do You Tailor Your Financial Planning Services?
Every individual’s financial situation is unique, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach
doesn’t work. Ask your potential advisor how they customize their financial planning
services to meet your specific needs. A good Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor will take the time
to understand your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance before creating a
personalized plan. At Golden Goose Wealth Planning, we believe in crafting bespoke
financial strategies that are as unique as our clients, ensuring that every aspect of your
financial life is considered.
What Is Your Investment Philosophy?
Understanding an advisor’s investment philosophy is crucial to ensuring it aligns with your
own financial goals and risk tolerance. Ask about their approach to asset allocation, risk
management, and long-term financial planning. A Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor should have a
clear, consistent philosophy that prioritizes your financial security and growth. At Golden
Goose Wealth Planning, our investment philosophy is centered around balanced, diversified
portfolios that are tailored to meet the long-term goals of our clients.
Have You Ever Been Publicly Disciplined for Any Unlawful or Unethical Actions in Your Career?
At Golden Goose Wealth Planning, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. We pride ourselves on maintaining a clean record and providing exceptional financial guidance. Our commitment to ethical practices is reflected in the positive feedback we receive from our clients.
To ensure transparency and build trust, you can verify our professional history and compliance:
BrokerCheck: For information on a broker's history, including any disciplinary actions, visit BrokerCheck.
SEC Advisor Information: For details on Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and any financial planning-related disclosures, visit SEC Advisor Info.
CFP Board Reporting: CFP holders must report any incidents to the CFP Board. You can check for any related information at CFP Board.
We are committed to ethical behavior and transparent practices, ensuring that our services are aligned with your best interests and maintaining the trust you place in us.
How Will We Communicate, and How Often?
Effective communication is crucial to a successful advisor-client relationship. Ask how
often you will meet, what communication methods will be used, and how the advisor will
keep you informed about your financial progress. Regular updates and clear communication
are essential to ensure that your financial plan stays on track. At Golden Goose Wealth
Planning, we prioritize ongoing communication and make sure that our clients are always
informed and confident in their financial decisions.
Conclusion
Selecting the right Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor is one of the most important decisions you
can make for your financial future. By asking these essential questions, you can ensure that
you choose an advisor who is not only qualified but also fully committed to acting in your
best interests. At Golden Goose Wealth Planning, we are dedicated to providing our clients
with transparent, personalized financial advice that empowers them to achieve their
financial goals.
If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, contact Golden Goose Wealth
Planning today. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of financial planning with
confidence and clarity.
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