Commonly Asked Questions – Money Management and Wealth Planning Services
Given the complexities of money management and wealth planning, questions are bound to arise. Below is a list of commonly asked questions we receive at Ken Stern & Associates regarding our wealth planning services. If you have any additional questions about asset protection, tax planning, retirement planning, and estate planning, we urge you to contact our offices for more information.
- What can Ken Stern & Associates do for me?
- Where is the money held and am I protected?
- Is my money pooled with others?
- Are your specialists on commission?
- How do you choose where my money is invested?
- What is your investment philosophy?
- How often will I be notified of changes to my account?
- Who is my contact?
- What is the Ken Stern & Associates fee?
- Are taxes considered in your money management?
What can Ken Stern & Associates do for me?
At Ken Stern & Associates, we strive to provide structure, peace of mind, and an in-depth portfolio strategy.
Estates do not continue building and protecting wealth without structure. Without integration of all investment classes to estate and tax plans, errors may occur. Further, to simply invest without a goal, the risk of an investment could be increased.
The strategy of Ken Stern & Associates is designed to provide the structure, integration, and discipline that your wealth plan deserves.
Where is the money held and am I protected?
Ken Stern & Associates is your money manager, not your custodian. You would choose where you would like assets to be held. First Allied Securities, Inc. uses the clearing services of J.P. Morgan Clearing Corp. and Pershing LLC.
Is my money pooled with others?
No. Each account is separate and distinct from one another. This is not a pooled fund, partnership, or any other form of consolidated fund.
Are your specialists on commission?
No. Ken Stern & Associates specialists are paid a salary. In fact, we are proud and pleased to share with you that part of their bonus is based on client performance and retention. We believe this model works toward a better system where our employees are highly focused on your success and experience with Ken Stern & Associates.
How do you choose where my money is invested?
Ken Stern & Associates will first determine where your money is invested after you complete your Investment Goals and Objectives and Risk Assessment Worksheet. Based on this, your account will be assigned a goal: Aggressive Growth, Growth, Growth and Income, or Balanced and Income. The major difference between each account is in regards to the percentage in fixed income to equity, the percentage of each individual holding, and the amount of trading. Once the model for your account is created, we will then refine it based on your personal objectives, such as certain stocks you wish to continue holding, areas you wish to avoid, tax consequences, and other related issues.
Finally, we will then assess which investments are currently in the Ken Stern & Associates “model portfolios” that will be acquired for your needs. This may be an advantage over other investment products. Private Investment Management allows you the ability to pick and choose specific holdings.
What is your investment philosophy?
Our investment philosophy is based on the premise that the markets are fluid, there is always an attractive investment, and value and growth investments may be more appropriate than reckless trading.
Our approach is to first determine where we believe our economy is headed and which sectors to consider based on this view. Using quantitative analysis, Ken Stern & Associates will screen out stocks that do not meet our strict criteria. We then subjectively determine which stocks to include in the model. Once per month we reallocate the model.
How often will I be notified of changes to my account?
A printed confirmation statement is mailed within 24 hours of a transaction to your account. A monthly report is mailed from your custodian summarizing transactions for the month. A detailed quarterly statement is mailed from Ken Stern & Associates.
Using your personal account access through out site, you can see account values and trades almost as they happen.
Who is my contact?
Every client works directly with a Portfolio Manager. They are your direct contact for a variety of activities, including creating a wealth plan, coordinating meetings between specialists and other professionals, as well as reviewing your Ken Stern & Associates holdings. Should you need checks, change of address, or other financial services, they would be your direct contact as well.
What is the Ken Stern & Associates fee?
It is our sincere hope and desire that the net affect of your portfolio be comparable to your other investments, net of the fees. If we are exceeding your performance expectations within the risk tolerance you have requested, this performance should be measured net of the fee.
Please refer to the fee schedule in the Ken Stern & Associates Platinum Asset Management (PAM) agreement.
Our agreement does not include an exit or transfer fee, nor a contract time period. Should we ever under-deliver, you may terminate our service and transfer with no fee owed to Ken Stern & Associates.
Are taxes considered in your money management?
The primary Ken Stern & Associates goal is to deliver strong, risk-adjusted returns. To this end, taxable gains may result. Toward the end of the year Ken Stern & Associates will review gains and losses to determine if gains are owed and if tax-loss selling is possible. In addition, Ken Stern & Associates is available to send to you a realized gains and loss report should you wish to direct us to make any trades as it may apply for your personal tax situation.
Contact Ken Stern & Associates for Your Wealth Planning Needs
Did you have a wealth planning or money management question not answered on this website? If so, we encourage you to get in touch with Ken Stern & Associates directly. We will be happy to answer your questions and address any of your concerns. To learn more about our money management and wealth planning services, contact our headquarters in San Diego today.