FAQ

Simply put, a "fiduciary" is someone in a position of trust and confidence that must place the interests of those he or she serves ahead of their own. PathWise is an SEC-registered investment adviser and complies with a host of government regulations designed to protect the consumer. This includes operating as fiduciaries to our clients.

We are able to serve clients across a wide range of asset levels. Our standard comprehensive wealth advisory services generally require $1 million in invested assets, though we make exceptions depending on the situation.

It is important to note that we do not accept sales commissions because we are “Fee-Only” financial planners. We work solely for our clients. Because we do not sell financial products such as investments and insurance, there are no third-party relationships or outside influences to color our thinking and financial recommendations.

Mostly, this is up to you. We like to maintain regular meetings approximately 2-4 times a year to review your situation. In cases where you desire less frequent meetings, we will accommodate your request but ask that we meet no less frequently than annually. If more frequent meetings are wanted, that is never a problem. We are always available when you need us.

The core of our investment philosophy is based on overwhelming evidence and empirical data in the field of Investment Science and Modern Portfolio Theory. Our clients benefit from the knowledge that many noble laureates share our strategies in economics and top business schools throughout the United States. A typical client portfolio will be diversified across stocks and bonds from the USA and throughout the world, including emerging markets. Ultimately, we believe that investors can have a successful investment experience without try to outguess the market.

For clients who are considered “qualified purchasers” based on government regulations, we also provide access to a variety of top-quality private equity funds run by firms such as Silverlake Partners and Carlyle. 

Well, we would like to say everything! But we do think there are a few distinguishing features of PathWise that you should consider when thinking about which advisor you select for your financial future:

1. We have a significant tax planning focus as part of our service. In fact, one of our partners is an active CPA and teaches at a local college.
2. We are fiduciaries and are required to work for you and do what is in your best interest. Additionally, we are not beholden to any managers, outside owners, or outside firms.
3. We minimize conflict of interest by structuring our fees and approach to align with your success.
4. We look at the entire investing universe: publicly traded investments, private equity, real estate, etc.
5. We are not employees of larger firms, and we are here for the long run. We plan on working with you for decades.
6. We limit the number of clients our firm has at any one time so that our relationship is deep, comprehensive, and genuine.