Boutique Expertise: Certified Financial Planner Fortson, GA

  • M. Chad Holland, CFA, CFP®
  • Nov 05, 2024

Key Highlights

Holland Capital Management, LLC takes a different approach in Fortson, NC's commoditized financial planning landscape. We recognize that personalization is not just a luxury but a necessity, so we go far beyond the industry’s standard offerings. We provide a different experience by crafting individualized investment and financial planning solutions that address each client’s unique financial needs and aspirations in Fortson, North Carolina, and other areas of North Carolina. Our personalized investment advisory and financial planning services set us apart from the standardized offerings of large financial institutions, making Holland Capital Management the top choice for wealth management in the Fortson Region. As an independent Registered Investment Advisor, we are legally bound by our fiduciary duty to always act in our client's best interests.

Introduction

Managing finances and preparing for the future are essential tasks we counter in everyday life. Having a fiduciary financial advisor who provides excellent advice and assistance in navigating these decisions through comprehensive financial planning, which can often involve a great deal of emotion, stress, and frustration, may be worthwhile. Whether planning for retirement, making informed investing decisions, or seeking unbiased financial guidance, a fiduciary advisor with decades of experience working with entrepreneurs and business owners can help you make decisions aligned with your goals and values.

Fiduciary financial advisors distinguish themselves by prioritizing your interests, as they are mandated by law when providing financial advice or managing your investments. This commitment to fiduciary responsibility guarantees their allegiance to you, unlike advisors prioritizing earning commissions over your needs. Opting for an advisor who adheres to this fiduciary responsibility provides genuine reassurance as they are focused solely on your well-being and helping you achieve and maintain financial freedom and life goals by considering all relevant facts and circumstances. This is the highest standard in our industry, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less.

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Understanding Fiduciary Financial Advisors in Fortson

You have probably heard of firms like Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, Wells Fargo Advisors, Baird, UBS, Edward Jones, Raymond James, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and JP Morgan Chase. These firms all have in common that they operate as "broker-dealers," are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), and are regulated by FINRA. Like a home improvement retailer, their business model involves selling investment products, some of which may be white-labeled to carry their brand name. They are incentivized to promote more profitable products over others. Advisors registered with these brokerage firms are held to a laxer standard known as a "suitability standard."

Further muddying the waters, the banks and firms like Fidelity, which I mentioned, have multiple operating companies, some of which may employ fiduciaries and others that do not. Many so-called "broker-dealers" require that their "registered representatives" hold a Series 65 license to qualify them to sell fiduciary services. These organizations spend tremendous amounts on marketing each year designed to build trust with their customer base, so many have yet to learn if the conflict exists or how to sort it out.

What Makes a Financial Advisor a Fiduciary?

On the other hand, Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) must register and file a Form ADV with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state agencies and have a fiduciary duty to their clients. The fiduciary duty means they always have a legal and ethical obligation to put their client's best interests first. This means they work hard to ensure what they recommend is the best for you, not just something that benefits them. Unlike advisors registered with a broker-dealer, who may only be bound by a "suitability standard," fiduciaries such as Certified Financial Planners (CFP®s) steer clear of anything that could conflict with your goals and are all about being open with their advice. On the other hand, insurance agents are generally not fiduciaries and may prioritize their financial gain over their clients' best interests. By understanding the difference between fiduciaries and insurance agents, you can make an informed decision when seeking financial advice.

By working on a fee-for-service basis, fiduciary financial advisors can eliminate potential conflicts of interest and provide unbiased advice without relying on sales commissions. Whether they charge a percentage of assets managed or an hourly rate, fiduciaries prioritize their client's best interests and aim to help them succeed.

The Importance of Independent and Unbiased Financial Advice

Independent, unbiased advice is paramount when selecting a financial advisor. It ensures that recommendations are solely based on your financial needs and goals without conflicts of interest. By entrusting your financial planning to an independent advisor, you can have confidence that their guidance is focused on your best interests and helps you make smarter financial decisions. Unbiased advice allows for a transparent and ethical approach to managing your wealth, free from outside influences. This commitment to objectivity assures you that every decision is aligned with your financial well-being, reinforcing trust in your advisor and the recommendations provided.

Our Credentials: CFA Charterholder and Certified Financial Planner® Professionals

When selecting a financial advisor in North Carolina, it's crucial to understand the differences in their professional designations. With over 160 professional designations in the financial services industry, making an 'apples-to-apples' comparison can be challenging. However, it's important to note that some designations are more about marketing than substance, so proceed with caution when considering lesser-recognized marks. The most reputable and recognized designations for financial professionals in the United States are the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and CFP® (Certified Financial Planner).

This article discusses the stringent requirements for the CFA® and CFP® designations. These include rigorous study and the passing of difficult exams. In contrast, some other designations may only require attendance at a training session and passing a multiple-choice exam.

The nonprofit CFA® Institute administers the CFA® certification. Many consider this the most complex financial services credential to attain, so you can expect more in-depth analysis and risk management with less guesswork when working with a CFA® Charterholder.

To earn the CFA® designation, there are many steps a candidate must complete:

  • Every candidate must demonstrate prior work experience involving over 4,000 hours of hands-on experience with investment decision-making or adding value to the process (or equivalent education).
  • To attain the credential, a candidate must pass Levels I, II, and III of the CFA® exam.
  • The average study time required to complete each exam level successfully is estimated at 300 hours.
  • Passing rates on the three exams are low; most people who attempt this process fail to complete it.
  • Those who do go on to become CFA® Charterholders are also subject to ongoing continuing education requirements.

The CFP®, or CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER designation, is also well regarded for its emphasis on professionalism. Managed by the CFP® Board of Standards, this mark focuses less on investment management. Instead, CFP®s are focused on the financial planning process, including retirement, estate, social security planning, and investment selection, as well as other financial consulting services such as a five-year income tax, cash flow, and investment plan, and economic independence, business, or capital needs analysis. Our team includes CFA Charterholders and Certified Financial Planner professionals, who must operate with complete transparency and no bias to sell a particular product line or company.

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards creates and maintains the requirements for becoming a CFP®. The CFP® program requires significant study covering the following wealth management topics: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, and Philanthropic Planning.

Attainment of the CFP® designation requires one to meet education and experience requirements set by the CFP Board, proving prior hands-on experience with financial planning. Certified Financial Planners® are also subject to continuing education requirements to keep their knowledge current. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards also maintains a strict code of ethics to help ensure CFP®s live up to the highest ethical standards.

A Boutique Wealth Management Experience for High Net Worth Investors

As a client of Holland Capital Management, you will receive comprehensive wealth management services in a personalized boutique setting, ensuring you receive the attentive service you deserve. Benefit from the expertise of a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) who will assist with your financial and retirement planning needs, including executive compensation, and understand how crucial it is to have trustworthy investment advice for managing your wealth.

The investment management process is tailored to generate higher after-tax, risk-adjusted returns for private clients. Care is taken to avoid mutual funds in favor of individual stocks, bonds, cash instruments, and ETFs, enhancing our ability to manage risk at the security level. Trust advisory services are available to help you optimize tax, estate planning, and asset protection opportunities, working closely with your existing CPA and legal counsel or recommended professionals. Life insurance options are also provided for protection and advanced financial planning strategies. Additionally, we assist in developing a comprehensive financial plan. Flexible lending options allow you to access your wealth when needed without complications. Regular portfolio and financial goal reviews are also offered to ensure your wealth is managed effectively and aligned with your values and objectives for our private clients, including both long-term and short-term investments. With a focus on the long term, Holland Capital Management provides a boutique wealth management experience for high-net-worth investors, offering personalized financial strategies designed to maintain, grow, and transfer their wealth for future generations.

All services are conveniently managed through a single point of contact, saving you time and simplifying communication. Your assets are safeguarded by a leading independent custodian, ensuring security, safekeeping, and independent reporting.

As fiduciaries, we are legally required always to put our clients' needs first. That entails providing direct investment advice without any concealed motives. We guarantee our independence to ensure that the advice you receive aligns with your best interests, as a corporate entity does not control us.

Tax Optimization and Efficiency

At Holland Capital Management, we help you keep more money by reducing taxes through tax planning. Our team of independent strategic advisors understands tax rules well and provides tips to manage your finances efficiently without high tax bills. We assess your financial situation and goals to create personalized plans emphasizing smart investments and tax-efficient accounts. Our goal is to promote economic success while minimizing the impact of taxes. By focusing on tax optimization and efficiency, we aim to increase your post-tax income, allowing your wealth to grow and be passed on seamlessly to future generations. Rely on us for comprehensive investment guidance within legal limits.

Holistic Wealth Management

Holland Capital Management offers comprehensive wealth management services to help wealthy individuals manage their money effectively. We assist with retirement planning, estate plans, employee benefits, and investments for the next generation. Our holistic approach includes family governance, wealth transfer, philanthropy, asset protection, and business succession planning to ensure unity and success across generations. Every person has unique financial circumstances, so we tailor plans to their needs. The investment management process is designed to generate higher after-tax, risk-adjusted returns. Trust advisory services are available to help you optimize tax, estate planning, and asset protection opportunities, working closely with your existing CPA and private legal counsel or our vetted recommended professionals. Insurance products are also provided for protection and advanced financial planning strategies, while flexible lending options allow you to access your wealth when needed without complications.

Customized Portfolio Construction

At Holland Capital Management, our investment management services include a holistic, goals-based approach to wealth management that is personalized for each client, ensuring we meet client objectives. Our strategic partners at Tannin Capital provide custom-built investment portfolio solutions to our clients with a focus on preservation during periods of volatility as a priority. Utilizing proprietary technology and focusing on managing risk at the individual security level, we build portfolios around your existing assets and other non-liquid assets you may hold on your balance sheet, such as an interest in a privately held operating company, real estate, or other non-traditional investments. By taking a holistic approach and understanding your unique financial goals and situation, we tailor our investment management strategies to meet your specific needs and maximize returns on an after-tax, risk-adjusted basis.

Retirement and Estate Planning

Holland Capital Management specializes in assisting individuals in managing their finances effectively, particularly in preparation for retirement and ensuring a seamless transfer of wealth. We excel at creating personalized plans to facilitate a comfortable lifestyle for retirees and secure the desired allocation of assets for the future. Holland Capital Management tailors bespoke retirement plans by considering retirement timelines, lifestyle aspirations, income sources, and optimal investment strategies to provide clients with a stress-free retirement experience. Furthermore, we provide estate planning services to help clients devise innovative strategies for preserving and passing on their wealth efficiently while minimizing tax implications. Through close collaboration and a focus on crucial aspects such as wills, trusts, and charitable contributions, Holland Capital Management safeguards assets and ensures their intended distribution.

A Single Point of Contact

At Holland Capital Management, your primary contact, M. Chad Holland, is a CFA® Charterholder and a Certified Financial Planner® and earned an MBA at the prestigious Babcock Graduate School of Management at Wake Forest University, ensuring you take advantage of the full range of expertise. With over 25 years of experience serving high and ultra-high-net-worth clients throughout the Southeast, Chad leads a team of specialized independent strategic partners who coalesce around each client relationship to provide exceptional client service.

Customized Life Insurance & Lending Solutions

Life insurance plays a significant role in managing wealth and planning for the future. Through our strategic partnership with Vanbridge, Holland Capital Management offers life insurance options designed to fit your individual needs. They strive to tailor their services to meet your needs, whether securing your family's financial stability in the future, supporting a buy-sell agreement, or addressing estate tax obligations.

We understand that getting a loan can be crucial to optimizing your financial outcomes, whether in the form of a mortgage, portfolio lending solutions, or business financing needs. We have partnered with several banks and independent lenders that provide many different loan options for our clients. Whether you need money to buy property, grow your business, or jump on other chances to invest, we will do our best to help you get the funds you're after.

Conclusion

In the commoditized world of financial services in Fort Myers, Florida, Holland Capital Management sets itself apart with its independent, straightforward advice and exceptional client service, primarily serving high and ultra-high-net-worth clients. We provide holistic wealth management solutions designed to address a wide range of needs, including investment management, financial planning, retirement preparation, estate planning, life insurance decisions, and loan sourcing through their connections in the industry. With a team of independent, specialized, strategic partners in areas like portfolio management, trust administration, and lending led by an industry veteran and the resources of one of the largest independent custodians in the world, you can rest assured that your priorities are well looked after. You are served by a single point of contact rather than an 800 number or generic email address, adding further peace of mind. Selecting Holland Capital Management means opting for a high-quality service dedicated to helping you achieve financial success.

Getting Started with Holland Capital Management

Take charge of your financial future! Schedule a free consultation with Holland Capital Management now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all financial advisers and financial planners are fiduciaries. Fiduciaries are legally bound to always act in their client's best interests. Choosing a certified financial planner who operates as a fiduciary is essential to ensure your financial well-being, which is your top priority.

A certified financial planner (CFP) is a financial professional who has obtained certification through rigorous training and examination, demonstrating expertise in various aspects of financial planning. On the other hand, a financial advisor is a broader term that encompasses professionals who provide financial guidance and services but may not necessarily hold the CFP® designation. While both can offer valuable insights, working with a CFP® ensures a higher level of competency and adherence to fiduciary standards, putting your best interests first in all recommendations and decisions.

Hiring a certified financial planner in Fortson offers numerous benefits, including personalized financial guidance tailored to your goals and circumstances. A CFP® can help you create a comprehensive financial plan, navigate complex investment strategies, optimize tax efficiency, plan for retirement, and ensure your financial well-being for the long term. With a CFP® by your side, you gain access to expertise, objectivity, and a commitment to always acting in your best interests. Make an informed decision today by choosing Holland Capital Management as your trusted partner in financial success.

When choosing a certified financial planner in Fortson, several factors should be considered to ensure you find the right fit for your financial needs. Look for a planner with experience and expertise in areas relevant to your situation, such as retirement planning or investment management. Consider their fee structure, ensuring transparency and alignment with your budget. Evaluate their communication style and approach to client relationships to ensure compatibility. Verify their credentials and certifications to guarantee professionalism and competency in handling your finances. Considering these factors, you can select a CFP® in Charlotte who will prioritize your well-being and financial success.