Q1. What does Arbor do?
Arbor helps people and organizations manage their finances to get the most out of their money. We meet each of them where they are and engage with them at their pace and comfort level, tailoring our approach to their specific situation and needs.
Q2. Who is a typical Arbor client?
We typically serve three types of clients—individuals, businesses (401k’s and more) and native corporations. Most of our clients are individuals and families looking for portfolio design and management.
Q3. Why would I hire Arbor?
Arbor doesn’t offer cookie cutter portfolio management and we take great care in selecting your investments. We begin work on portfolio construction only after a path of management and risk is agreed upon. Because of our approach, your portfolio will have more thought and design than the typical allocation we see in the industry.
Q4. How does Arbor get paid?
We charge a fee for assets managed by us that scales according to a level of risk and is dependent for each client. We don’t get paid in commissions. For an average level of risk, the typical fee is around 1% annually. Additionally, we can be hired as financial consultants on an hourly basis. We have two rates: $175 is our standard rate, and $250 for a Certified Financial Planner.
Q5. I’m a small business or entrepreneur, how can you help me?
Entrepreneurs and small business owners have cash variability, especially at startup. We work with you and your accountant to address tax issues, income variability to address savings and compensation. As a small locally owned business we know these issues and can help resolve them by teaming up with your CPA.
Q6. If you are not a bank where is my money?
Good question. All of our accounts are held with a qualified custodian (a broker-dealer for example) in an individual account in your name. Other than being able to deduct your advisory fees directly through a written agreement with the custodian holding your assets, we do not have access to the securities or cash held in your account. Pursuant to an advisory agreement, you will give us discretionary authority to manage the account whereby we will place transactions in your account without needing your prior approval. We stay in contact with you through monthly or quarterly statements and activity confirmations. We also provide a private, secure website and app where you can review investment returns, trades, fees, cost basis, and any detail pertaining to the dollars and cents of your money.
Q7. How is Arbor different from a broker-dealer?
We’re proactive in being open and transparent in everything we do, making sure you understand what’s happening with your money. We give you straightforward answers, help you weigh different options and since we have no hidden fees, you always know what you are being charged. We’re here to make the financial and investment world as accessible and clear as it can possibly be.