Common Questions - Etzler Financial Advisors

Why should you work with a NAPFA registered fiduciary?
The White House Economic Advisors stated non-fiduciaries costs American families $17 billion a year due to the conflicts of interest posed. This results, on average, in 1 percent lower annual returns on families’ retirement savings.1 At Etzler Financial Advisors, the fiduciary standard is upheld in all elements of our firm's culture - even in the way we have built our compensation structure. In addition, being a proud member of NAPFA.org, we are required to be held accountable to the highest standards of fiduciary requirements.
What is the difference between “fee-only” and “fee-based?”
Consumers frequently confuse the terms fee-only and fee-based; assuming they mean the same thing. However, these terms refer to how an advisor may be compensated and they have vastly different meanings and implications to consumers.
Fee-only means the only source of compensation the advisor receives is from fees paid directly to the advisor from clients. This could be in the form of an hourly fee, a retainer fee or a percentage of the assets under management. Regardless of the type of fee, the point is that the client pays only a fee and no other type of compensation is charged. No commissions are received. No financial products are sold. Advice is totally independent of any products recommended.
Fee-based is a term the brokerage community developed to counteract the success of the fee-only classification. The terms certainly sound similar and consumers are confused, so their strategy seems to be working. Where fee-based can be misleading is that not only does an advisor receive fees under a fee-based compensation system, but they can also accept commissions from financial products recommended, or annuities and insurance sold. This system creates the potential for a huge conflict of interest.
How is your planning process different from other advisors?
Our priority is to understand your goals and create strategies for you to accomplish them. Most financial advisors are focused on your investment portfolio or the other products they can sell you. In contrast, we provide conflict-free advice on all personal financial matters including retirement, taxes, investments, cash flow, risk management, estate preservation, employee benefits, and anything else that impacts your life. We sort through the mass of information, misinformation, and confusion to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Every situation is different and we take the time to figure out the best course of action. While you’re a client, our advisors are here as a partner to help you reach your financial goals — to check in, answer questions, and help keep you accountable!
How do you secure my information?
Keeping your personal data private and secure is a top priority at Etzler Financial Advisors. The personal financial management website we provide has multilayer security protections in place. When you are logged-in, the information is transmitted with the same level of encryption used by banks and the military. Your encrypted data is stored on servers in a heavily guarded data-center. Internal processes are in place so that access to your data is restricted to only employees who need to see it. Furthermore, the network is routinely audited to ensure that there are no vulnerabilities and that no unauthorized access has taken place.

SOME OF THE SPECIFIC SECURITY MEASURES WE USE INCLUDE:
SSL/TLS encryption of network communications between all of our servers
Networking provided by an ISO 27001 certified cloud computing infrastructure
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Regular software updates throughout our office and system infrastructure, to keep pace with current security improvements throughout the software industry
Strict internal policies governing who has access to what kind of data, as well as how that data is stored

What is your account minimum?
We don’t have account minimums. You may be a professional growing your life, family, and career with a lot of investable assets in a company retirement plan, or a business owner with assets tied up in the company. There are a number of reasons why a minimum investment may not work for you, and that places an unhealthy focus on only investments when we know financial planning is so much more. You should have access to professional advice.
I'm not in Northern California, can we still work together?
Yes! We have built EFA with some of the latest technology. We can work with clients all over the country. We have the ability to meet virtually and share data using the latest security features. If you are here in CA, it’s your preference. We can meet in person or virtually – whatever is best for you.
As of December 2018, we have served clients in 10 states!
Is financial planning the same as investment advice?
Not at all. Financial planning takes a comprehensive look at all your circumstances to ensure your finances (budgeting, cash flow management, borrowing, insurance, investing, tax planning, etc.) fit with your goals and preferences. Investment advice ensures that the marketable securities in your plan align with your financial planning goals.
I understand the benefits of working with a fee-only financial planner, but I might need to obtain financial products. How will I be able to do that?
While we do not sell financial products, we will offer specific recommendations and opinions regarding the purchase of the various financial products that may be appropriate for you. So, if you need to obtain an insurance policy or a new mortgage, or find an estate planning attorney or tax professional, we can direct you to the resources you need and help you obtain these products and services. If appropriate, we can also help you implement your investment plan and set up your accounts for a fee.
How do you work with people remotely?
Although EFA is headquartered in Red Bluff, CA we work with clients all over the world. Thanks to the development of new communication technologies, we’re able to make sure the experience of our out-of-the-area clients is as positive as that of our local clients.
To do that, we use…
Zoom for virtual meetings.
A highly secure online client vault to store and exchange sensitive financial documents.
MoneyGuidePro so clients can examine their financial plans, and see how changes to different variables effects the outcome.
Youtube and our website for client updates, briefings, and announcements.

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877-389-5373

819 Jefferson Street

Red Bluff, CA 96080

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Why should you work with a NAPFA registered fiduciary?

What is the difference between “fee-only” and “fee-based?”

How is your planning process different from other advisors?

How do you secure my information?

What is your account minimum?

I'm not in Northern California, can we still work together?

Is financial planning the same as investment advice?

I understand the benefits of working with a fee-only financial planner, but I might need to obtain financial products. How will I be able to do that?

How do you work with people remotely?