What is AdvisorConnect®?

AdvisorConnect® by Wealthstone Private Wealth Management is a superbly tailored service for two distinct types of clients: Young professionals embarking on their journey of wealth accumulation and seasoned investors with substantial wealth who prefer a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach to managing their investments.

As a monthly subscription-based service, AdvisorConnect® offers unparalleled direct access to Zak Gardezy, CFP®, through email and text communication. This platform allows investors to engage in insightful conversations about our market outlook, explore the latest investment themes and ideas, seek opinions on specific investments, and receive general financial planning advice.

One of the key benefits of the AdvisorConnect® program is that it empowers clients to maintain full control over the management of their investment accounts, at their preferred financial institution. This feature is particularly appealing to those who value independence in their investment decisions but also appreciate the availability of professional advice to guide their financial strategy. AdvisorConnect® is an ideal solution for investors who seek the perfect balance of autonomy in investment management coupled with expert advisory support, and semi-annual check-ins.

How much does AdvisorConnect® Cost?

$99 a month for young professional accumulators: AdvisorConnect® at Wealthstone Private Wealth Management is strategically priced to offer an accessible and affordable solution for young wealth accumulators. Traditionally, individuals in the early stages of wealth accumulation, often with smaller portfolio sizes, may find themselves facing higher fees from financial advisors. AdvisorConnect® addresses this challenge head-on, making it an ideal choice for young professionals, particularly those with annual incomes exceeding $120K, who are committed to saving, investing, and proactively shaping a prosperous financial future.

Our service is specifically tailored to meet the needs of those who are in the crucial phase of building their wealth. It provides an opportunity to receive expert financial guidance without the burden of disproportionate fees often associated with traditional financial advisory services. Wealthstone’s AdvisorConnect® is more than just an advisory program; it's a partnership to help you navigate the complexities of financial growth and set a strong foundation for your ongoing financial journey.

$299 a month for DIY investors: At Wealthstone Private Wealth Management, we understand that DIY investors cherish the autonomy of crafting their own investment portfolios, making informed trading decisions, and managing risk levels. Simultaneously, we recognize that these investors also value the intricacies of comprehensive financial planning that extends beyond mere investment strategy. This includes understanding the complexities of tax, estate, retirement, insurance, and risk planning. AdvisorConnect® is our innovative solution designed to bridge this gap, offering respect for the DIY investor's preference for self-directed investment decisions.

For a monthly fee of $299, equivalent to about 0.04% annually on a $1 million portfolio, AdvisorConnect® clients gain access to a Certified Financial Planner professional. This service allows you to seek guidance on your unique financial situation, inquire about market trends, or receive a second opinion on investment choices, among other benefits.

Key features of AdvisorConnect® include:

• Semi-Annual Check-Ins: Through telephone or Zoom, allowing for a more personalized discussion of your financial queries.

• Communication Flexibility: Managed primarily via email and text, all interactions are personally reviewed and responded to by Zak Gardezy, CFP®.

• Asset Management: Wealthstone Private Wealth Management does not take custody of assets under AdvisorConnect®, nor are we responsible for managing or executing trades in these accounts.

• Discretionary Invitations: While most interactions occur digitally, we reserve the right to invite certain AdvisorConnect® clients to telephonic or virtual meetings for more in-depth consultations.

AdvisorConnect® by Wealthstone Private Wealth Management is dedicated to empowering the DIY investor with expert financial planning support while respecting their investment autonomy. This program epitomizes our commitment to providing flexible, client-centric financial solutions.

Why not just look up answers to my questions on Google or YouTube?

Reflect on this scenario: if you experienced a specific medical symptom, would you rely solely on Google searches or YouTube opinions for diagnosis and treatment? The same level of caution and expertise should be applied to your financial health. Entrusting it to random internet sources can be just as precarious. This is where the value of direct access to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) becomes evident. At Wealthstone, our CFP® professionals are not only deeply entrenched in the practice of financial planning but are also continuously abreast of the latest developments in tax, estate, insurance, investment and comprehensive financial planning strategies.

Our proficiency extends beyond knowledge; it includes access to a network of esteemed financial professionals. Through our AdvisorConnect® service, for instance, if you have inquiries about estate planning, we can facilitate introductions to vetted estate planning attorneys within our network. This level of personalized and professional guidance is a cornerstone of the service we offer at Wealthstone, ensuring that your financial questions are addressed with the same rigor and expertise as you would expect from any professional in their field.

What are the key advantages, or disadvantages of AdvisorConnect® compared to Full-Service Wealth Management?

AdvisorConnect® at Wealthstone Private Wealth Management represents a more focused engagement scope compared to our comprehensive Full-Service offerings.

Advantages of AdvisorConnect® include its cost-effectiveness and flexibility. This service is ideal for those who prefer managing their investment assets at a firm of their choice, offering a flat-rate monthly fee without minimum asset requirements. It empowers you to retain complete control over your daily trading and investment decisions. Particularly beneficial for young professionals with smaller account balances, AdvisorConnect® provides affordable access to experienced CFP® professionals. In addition, AdvisorConnect® clients will be on a pre-scheduled semi-annual meeting cadence, where we’ll review your progress, questions, investment strategies, and any other questions you may have.

Disadvantages involve: Since you’re managing your investments independently, you might not have access to advanced investment capabilities such as tax-loss harvesting, direct indexing, and alternative investment strategies, which are offered to our full-service wealth management relationships.

In sum, while AdvisorConnect® offers distinct advantages, especially in terms of affordability and control, it does have limitations compared to our Full-Service offerings. Clients initially engaging with Wealthstone through AdvisorConnect® have the opportunity to transition to our Full-Service engagement in the future, allowing for a seamless evolution of financial management as their needs and assets grow.