FAQs
Questions to ask your financial advisor.
Over the years, we have been asked these questions by potential clients as they considered the options available to them among wealth management advisors. We hope our answers will provide insight into how we work with and on behalf of our clients – and how we put their interests first.
What types of clients does Rossmore serve?
Rossmore serves successful individuals, families and their related entities throughout the United States. Our clients value holistic advice and appreciate our expertise related to legacy and long-term wealth planning issues. Along with their attorneys and accountants, our clients see us as a key part of their wealth advice team.
Can you formally evaluate and recommend investment, credit and corporate trustee solutions offered by institutions across the industry?
Yes. Unlike large banks and brokerages, our advice is not limited to products and solutions offered internally. We believe that clients are best served when all reasonable options are explored so that the best fit may be recommended without conflict or the wrong incentives.
How does Rossmore charge for its services?
In general, we charge an asset-based fee for our services. In certain limited circumstances we may alternatively charge a consulting fee. In all cases, our fees are based on an assessment of the client’s total circumstances and the services the client wishes for us to perform.
Importantly, our fees are not connected in any way to products or investment solutions that we may recommend. In fact, there are no incentives for us to recommend any product, at all. Our advice is always based upon what we believe to be in your best interest, taking into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances.
Can you report on all of the assets and liabilities on my balance sheet, including accounts or positions that are not held by your firm?
Yes. We utilize industry leading technology that allows us to provide comprehensive total balance sheet reporting. This means that you can see all of your accounts in one place and track overall risk exposures and investment performance.
Is it reasonable for me to expect that you will prioritize my needs as an existing client over prospecting and other new business activities?
Yes. While we recognize that a growing client base is a characteristic of any successful wealth management firm, our experience has been that the best way to attract new clients is to provide sound advice and outstanding service to existing clients.
What is your investment philosophy?
We believe in a data-driven approach to investing. Our view is that the data suggests an investment portfolio will benefit from controlling what can be controlled. This means diversifying where possible to reduce risk, minimizing unnecessary fees and paying careful attention to taxes.
We believe that each client has unique needs and goals. Consequently, we take each client as we find them and customize portfolios that are responsive to those needs and goals.
We believe in avoiding dogma and remaining open-minded as markets and investment solutions change and evolve.
Relative to choosing a fiduciary in the context of my estate plan:
Can you help me evaluate all of my options in an impartial manner?
Yes. We routinely help clients think through choice of fiduciary decisions and actively work with many individual and corporate trustees across the country including Delaware and South Dakota trust companies.
If I wanted you to personally serve as a trustee for me or my family, would you be willing and able to fill that role?
Yes. Unlike most wealth management providers, certain Rossmore principals do personally serve in professional trustee capacities for clients. We believe this is a significant service to our clients who see our close relationship with their family, along with our legal and investment experience, as the ideal combination of qualities to help carry out their legacy.
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Please contact us to have a conversation about your goals and how we can work together to meet them.