Frequently Asked Questions
Why work with a Financial Advisor?
A Vanguard Group, Inc. study from 2019 revealed that investors benefit from a financial advisor both financially and emotionally. Advisors build healthier portfolios with more diverse holdings on average, and investors working with an advisor have an 80% or better chance of achieving their retirement goals and gaining significantly more in earnings. The steady hand of an advisor can guide you through volatile markets, helping you avoid the behavioral mistakes that can knock you off course.
Who do you work with? How many households do you serve?
We work with individuals and families across the country, in or nearing retirement, with over $500,000 in investable assets. We serve approximately 250 unique households and our approach is customized to each household’s individual goals.
How are you compensated? How are your fees structured?
Just like one financial plan wouldn’t fit everyone’s needs, a single compensation model would not be in everyone’s best interest. We believe in fair and flexible compensation that is based upon the bigger picture of your financial plan. In addition to traditional brokerage services, we provide a variety of portfolio management services with fee-based compensation arrangements so you can have the most cost-effective program to help you achieve your unique financial goals. We will work with you to explain your options and help you select the best fee structure to benefit you. If at any time a different fee structure should make more sense, you retain the ability to switch.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. When clients engage us for our fee-based advisory services, we serve as a fiduciary and are committed to acting in their best interests at all times. As fiduciaries, we are held to a high standard of care and are required to place our clients' interests ahead of our own when providing investment advice and recommendations. Our focus is on delivering objective, personalized guidance that aligns with each client's financial goals and overall financial plan.
What type of experience do you have? What types of services do you provide?
With more than 50 years of collective experience, Howell Wealth Advisors helps individuals and families build, manage, and protect their wealth through comprehensive financial planning. Our services include wealth management, retirement income planning, risk management, and estate planning. We specialize in creating tax-efficient retirement strategies and designing investment portfolios that are intentionally aligned with the personalized financial plan we develop alongside each client. Our goal is to help clients pursue strong long-term returns while managing risk and staying on track toward their financial objectives.
Where do you keep my money and how do I see it?
Helping protect our customers’ assets is an important part of our commitment to providing the best service possible. We therefore use a major third-party custodian, First Clearing, an affiliate of Wells Fargo. A third-party custodian provides you, the investor, with FDIC and SIPC insurance and peace of mind about the security of your assets. While working with us, you will have online access to your accounts through the client portal, as well as through the budgeting and planning tool, Right Capital.
What is your investment philosophy and how do you manage investments?
Our investment philosophy is rooted in long-term wealth building and preservation of assets through disciplined, diversified investing. We focus on high-quality dividend-paying companies and broad-market index funds to create portfolios designed for growth, income, and stability.
Rather than attempting to time the market, we make investment decisions based on fundamental analysis and long-term objectives. Risk is managed through diversification and, when appropriate, strategic hedging techniques to help navigate changing market conditions. Our goal is to help clients stay focused on their financial goals while avoiding short-term market distractions.