Common Questions
Transparency is our policy. Here is how we work, how we are compensated, and how we help you build a legacy.
Our Philosophy & Approach
What is your core investment philosophy?
We believe in Counter-Cyclical Investing. Many of our clients—whether they are mining executives or business owners—already have significant wealth tied to a single, volatile source (their career, their company stock, or their business).
Therefore, we do not treat your investment portfolio as a place to take excessive risks. We view it as your "Safe Harbor." Our primary goal is to build a diversified, liquid portfolio that acts as a counterbalance to your career, protecting your purchasing power regardless of what the economy is doing.
Therefore, we do not treat your investment portfolio as a place to take excessive risks. We view it as your "Safe Harbor." Our primary goal is to build a diversified, liquid portfolio that acts as a counterbalance to your career, protecting your purchasing power regardless of what the economy is doing.
Do you use "Passive" funds or "Active" management?
We utilize a hybrid approach.
- Core Markets: For efficient markets (like large U.S. companies), we often use low-cost, passive vehicles (ETFs) to keep expenses low and capture market returns.
- Strategic Satellite: In areas where special expertise is required (such as tax-free municipal bonds or specific defensive sectors), we may utilize active management to manage risk or seek enhanced returns.
Fees, Fiduciary & Compensation
Are you a "Fee-Only" firm?
We operate as a Fee-Based firm. This distinction is important for transparency.
While the core of our business is advisory fees (managing your portfolio and financial plan), we maintain insurance licenses to service our clients' broader needs. This allows us to handle complex estate planning tools or maintain "legacy" annuity/insurance contracts you may have purchased earlier in your career, without forcing you to surrender them.
While the core of our business is advisory fees (managing your portfolio and financial plan), we maintain insurance licenses to service our clients' broader needs. This allows us to handle complex estate planning tools or maintain "legacy" annuity/insurance contracts you may have purchased earlier in your career, without forcing you to surrender them.
Do you act as a Fiduciary?
Yes. When providing advisory services, we are fiduciaries. This means we are legally required to act in your best interest, putting your financial health ahead of our own—whether we are advising on your stock options, your 401(k), or your diversified portfolio.
I have old insurance or annuity policies. Do I need to sell them?
Not necessarily. Many clients come to us with "legacy" products purchased years ago. Sometimes, these policies have valuable guarantees that shouldn't be discarded. Because we maintain the necessary licenses, we can audit these policies, act as the agent of record to service them, and incorporate them into your holistic plan.
For Mining & Resource Executives
I work in mining. Will you put my portfolio into gold and resource stocks?
Generally, no. If you are a resource executive, your paycheck, your bonus, and your unvested equity are already highly leveraged to the resource sector. Adding more mining stocks to your personal portfolio creates dangerous "Concentration Risk."
Our job is to be your diversifier. We allocate your capital into the broader global economy—technology, healthcare, consumer staples, and fixed income—ensuring that your financial security is not solely dependent on spot prices.
Our job is to be your diversifier. We allocate your capital into the broader global economy—technology, healthcare, consumer staples, and fixed income—ensuring that your financial security is not solely dependent on spot prices.
How do you help with Equity Compensation (RSUs, Options)?
We specialize in untangling complex compensation packages. We don't just look at the stock price; we look at the tax implications and vesting schedules to help you:
- Optimize Taxes: Deciding when to exercise options to manage your tax bracket.
- Plan for Vesting: Creating a strategy for RSUs and PSUs.
- Diversify: Systematically reducing exposure to your employer’s stock to secure your gains (including 10b5-1 plans for executives).
For Business Owners & Professionals
I don't work in the mining industry. Is this firm right for me?
Absolutely. While we have a deep specialization in the resource sector, the core of what we do is Managing Complexity.
The strategies we use for executives—tax-efficient withdrawal planning, managing lumpy income streams, and protecting wealth against volatility—are universally applicable. We successfully serve business owners, medical professionals, and retirees who want the same level of rigorous, "counter-cyclical" planning.
The strategies we use for executives—tax-efficient withdrawal planning, managing lumpy income streams, and protecting wealth against volatility—are universally applicable. We successfully serve business owners, medical professionals, and retirees who want the same level of rigorous, "counter-cyclical" planning.
Logistics & Service
I work in a remote location. How do we communicate?
We are accustomed to the lifestyle of resource executives. We utilize secure digital vaults for document sharing and flexible video conferencing to accommodate site visits, travel schedules, and remote work. You do not need to be in our local office to receive high-touch service.
Can you coordinate with my CPA or Estate Attorney?
Absolutely. In fact, we prefer it. Executive planning requires a team approach. We act as your "Personal CFO," coordinating directly with your tax and legal professionals to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your tax filings and estate goals.
Still have questions?
Let's discuss your specific situation in a no-obligation introductory call.
