FAQ's
FAQs
- Why work with a CFP® professional?
Anyone can call themselves a financial planner, but to be a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, an advisor must meet several criteria including:
- Complete comprehensive financial planning education
- An undergraduate degree
- 3+ years of client-related financial planning experience
- Pass rigorous exam (historical pass rate of 55-60%)
- Complete continuing education requirements of 30 hours every two years
- Adhere to strict ethical standard outlined in CFP® Board’s Standards of Professional Conduct
When you work with a CFP® professional, you can rest assured that you are receiving high-quality, expert advice in your best interest. You’ll know that you are working with a well-educated advisor dedicated to the profession and the highest ethical standards. Visit the CFP® Board Website to learn more about what makes CFP® professionals different.
- What is KGF’s investment philosophy?
We believe that money is a tool to help you reach your goals, rather than the goal itself. We know that understanding your relationship with money and what drives your financial decisions is the first step to creating a sustainable financial plan. Our client relationships are built on honesty, clarity and trust and we are committed to providing you with the financial guidance needed to realize the financial future you envision.
- Is there a minimum investment required?
No. We strongly believe that everyone should have access to high-quality financial advice, and we do not impose any account minimums to work with us. We provide three different ways that you can work with Knox Grove to fit your individual circumstance. See “Our Services” for more information.
- What is the difference between financial planning and portfolio management?
Financial planning is the process of looking at one’s entire financial health from cash flow and budget analysis to estate, education, retirement, and tax planning. Portfolio management is the creation and monitoring of investment accounts based on your risk tolerance and goals and can be an important piece of your overall financial plan.
- If I’m not ready for a full financial plan, are there other ways to receive financial advice?
Absolutely. We understand that you have different needs for every life stage. Knox Grove Financial provides full financial planning including the development of a Living Plan, Consulting Services when you just need advice on immediate financial needs, and Portfolio Management to manage your assets. Both Financial Planning and Consulting Services offer a one-time, quarterly, or monthly fee payment option.
- Are you owned by another entity?
Knox Grove LLC is a local, independently owned and operated business. We are affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, our primary broker-dealer and their parent company, Advisor Group. Together, they provide operational support, help us maintain compliance with FINRA and SEC regulations and ensure our business and the services we deliver to you follow the best practices and the highest standards of the financial services industry. Through our affiliation with Royal Alliance and Advisor Group, we—and by extension, you—benefit from a vast range of resources and support.
- How are your advisers compensated?
Our advisers are compensated in different ways depending on the services and products provided. Clients may be charged a flat fee for a specific service such as a Financial Plan or for Financial Consulting. Advisers can also be paid fees for asset management or a commission for products sold. As independent advisers we have the freedom to make recommendations that are best suited to your needs and we are not required to sell specific products. As fiduciaries, we are ethically bound to always act in your best interest.
- How do I become a client?
Please call our office at 609-216-7440 or email us at info@knoxgrove.com to get started on creating “Your Path Forward” to financial wellbeing and independence.
- Do I have to come to your office for an appointment?
In today’s environment, we understand the need for flexibility. We meet with our clients in a way that is most comfortable for them. While many clients enjoy meeting face-to face in the office, others prefer virtual meetings via a service like Zoom or via telephone.
- Do you work with clients in other states?
Yes, we serve clients all over the country.
- Will I have online access to my accounts?
All clients have access to their accounts through the secured website of the custodian holding their assets. Custodians we use include Fidelity, Schwab, AssetMark, and National Financial Services. Financial Planning clients also have access to view all their linked accounts using the KGF eMoney platform.
- What is the KGF eMoney Platform?
A customized, comprehensive, wealth management tool we use to collaborate during the financial planning process and to monitor your financial progress thereafter. Financial planning clients have access to this portal which provides a consolidated, up-to-date view of all their linked accounts, both those we manage and those held outside such as bank accounts or 401(k)s. The KGF eMoney platform helps you track your spending, monitor your investments, and safely store your most important financial documents in a “Vault”.