Questions & Answers
Questions for Brad ...
What is it that you do?
I help people be better stewards of their money and better providers for those they love.
How are you different from other financial advisors?
I help people potentially create more wealth and obtain more protection, ideally without any additional out-of-pocket outlay or risk. I also serve as a counselor and advisor to help people implement strategies. Much of my process is educational--teaching financial strategies that increase the efficiency of money. My financial "tool box" is full ... I'm able to use a variety of financial "tools" to solve problems or accomplish objectives.
What is your process?
I typically consider the first meeting an introductory meeting. It is a chance for us to determine if we want to work together. I call the second meeting a "Discovery Meeting." This is where we ask lots of questions and attempt to know you as best we can. In this meeting we discuss your values and financial goals and use that as the foundation for our recommendations. The next meeting is a "Present Position" meeting. On one page, I show you your financial life and we dialogue, together, about strengths and weaknesses. The next step is a "Solutions Meeting." This is where we take the ideas from the previous meeting and present practical steps to help improve your financial life and help make your money more efficient. My process doesn't necessarily end at that point. Additional meetings may follow to answer questions or tackle additional issues. But, if the process proceeds as usual, it takes 3-4 meetings to get to the place where practical financial strategies are suggested, evaluated and, if you choose, implemented. Our process is thorough. It is educational and seeks to keep you in control of your money and financial decisions.
How do you get paid?
If you find our ideas worthwhile and you choose to implement them, then we typically receive a commission for placing your business with a financial institution. A second step is that we ask you to help us meet other people. As you find our services helpful, we encourage you to help others by making an introduction to our firm. This allows us to focus our energies on our clients and their friends, family, and associates. It also gives you a good feeling for helping someone you respect and admire.
How do you work with clients from a distance?
Among my top 150 clients, 15% live outside of Indiana*. This is a growing part of my business. I use a secure web-based site to conduct meetings. Typically, a face-to-face meeting is initially necessary in the process. But once the relationship is established, it is easy to provide exceptional service through web-based meetings, emails, and phone calls. If you would like to read more about my security steps, and this process, click here: Security Issues. If you would like to read more about this topic, click here: Out of State Clients. *Based on January 2012 Client List.
What do the initials after your name mean?
Here are my certifications: Certified Life Underwriter (CLU®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), and Certified Long Term Care (CLTC). The first three are administered by the American College. You can surf the internet to find out more about these certifications. In case this helps, my investment registrations are: Series 6, 7, 24, and 63. I am also licensed for life and health insurance, and variable annuities.
In your reading list, I expected to see more financial books. Why are most of your books non-financial?
I've read a lot of books to obtain my licenses and certifications. Most of those books are not what the average person would want to read. My Top Book picks favor books that have made a difference in my life ... books I continue to think about. In addition, I've noted books that I thought could help others.
