THE FIDUCIARY ADVANTAGE TRUST IS PARAMOUNT when it comes to money matters, and one word makes working with Allegiant Private Advisors one of the safest-possible options for clients: fiduciary. What does this term mean? Simply stated, being a fiduciary is a legal obligation to do what’s in the client’s best interest, without regard to self-interest. There is a huge advantage working with a fiduciary advisor like Allegiant. “Part of the reason our industry sometimes gets a bad rap is because people think of financial advisors as salesmen who make commissions to sell you products. They’re incentivized to sell. Worse, they’re not legally required to recommend what’s best for you,” says Allegiant’s President, Ben Jones. “The best and only way we can be advocates for our clients is to act as their fiduciary.” Allegiant is a fully independent, fee-based firm of wealth advisors, financial analysts, portfolio managers and customer service professionals. Allegiant’s advisors are not salespeople; however, they are required to serve their clients financial planning needs. There is no incentive compensation, no product sales, and all employees are salaried. How they serve is based on the rules outlined in the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct. A CFP®
F I N D I N G YO U R S E L F, F U N D I N G YO U R F U T U R E PHILOSOPHICALLY SPEAKING, we all ask ourselves some big questions throughout our lives: What is our purpose? What will our legacy be? How will we leave the best possible mark on the world? Allegiant advisors are helping clients answer these questions every day, uncovering the personal stories behind the paperwork, and using financial investments to accomplish their important and meaningful goals. The team’s advisors become so much more than number crunchers to their clients; they are coaches, trusted advisors, independent problem solvers, and “thinking partners” who talk clients through everything from business decisions to overall life paths. “For example, we’ve seen too many times where money is passed onto the next generation and it’s not used in the way the parents would have liked, the results being far less than optimal. We feel like our goal is to offer that softer-side coaching and hand holding to make sure we best serve the client,” Jones says. “We’re all here to help in any way we can by combining our professional expertise and experience with the ability to really listen to each client and advise them appropriately.” The Allegiant team includes three Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholders (plus one more in process), six Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designees, two Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® designees, one Certified Public Accountant (CPA), one Chartered Market Technician (CMT), one Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®, and nine CFP®-certified professionals. Combined, these team members act as sounding boards during the most pivotal times in their clients’ lives— from college saving to retirement planning and every step in-between. The advisors offer broad perspectives, reality checks, and the ability to empower clients to make smart financial decisions (choices that could affect multiple generations). They help crystallize clients’ visions and then make those goals materialize. Throughout, they have every client’s back, always.
“ I T H I N K W E H AV E S O M E T H I N G R E A L LY S P E C I A L H E R E . W H AT W E DO IS NOT ABOUT US; I T I S A B O U T D O I N G W H AT ’ S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF O U R C L I E N T S , P E R I O D. ” — BENJAMIN (BEN) W. JONES
PRESIDENT, CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER, PRINCIPAL
professional has three duties: to put the clients’ interests first, to completely analyze the clients’ unique goals and circumstances, and to follow client instructions, complying with all policies, restrictions and lawful directions of the client. These are all the highest, legally-binding standards that exist in the profession, and every Allegiant advisor holds a CFP® certification and is therefore held to those standards. Allegiant team members have also earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF) designation, which also has its own set of practice standards. In all, it is a culture of professional excellence that is solely client focused.
HOW DOES ALLEGIANT HELP CLIENTS?
This example illustrates the experience of one Allegiant client throughout the stages of their financial life. The fiduciary difference is clear. The law demands it. Most importantly, Clients feel it.
1998
2000
2004
2005
2009
2011
2013
2015
2017
A couple moves to Sarasota in their late forties, with two children in grade school, and they establish a relationship with Allegiant to invest some funds for the future, college expenses and retirement being their priorities.
The couple purchases a home in the area while selling their home up north. Allegiant facilitates a mortgage and bridge loan strategy.
Allegiant serves as a thinking partner as their income grows and their savings increase. The firm guides them through the estate planning process, making sure their children are taken care of and their wishes carried out by qualified successor trustees.
Both college planning and retirement planning remain priorities, but an older parent now needs support and Allegiant develops a plan to divert resources to make that happen.
One child starts college and the college savings accounts are partially used to cover those expenses. The recession and market decline has them worried so Allegiant helps evaluate their longterm goals they had established together.The Allegiant team advises the couple in multiple ways to keep their financial plan intact.
Allegiant presents a typical (quarterly) account review that shows they were able to stick to their long-term investment plans. All their accounts have increased in value since the recession ended. Their retirement plans and college funding goals remain on track.
The second child starts college, and funds are ready as the first child gets ready to graduate.
Allegiant analyzes their ability to retire early. The decision is made that while early retirement is possible, they still quite enjoy their work, find it fulfilling, and realize that some of their life goals may change as they near retirement age.
Retirement planning demonstrates a high probability of a financially successful retirement, and the conversation shifts to charitable giving and more important life goals, such as traveling and using some extra time to pursue more creative work. Social security income strategies are analyzed; Medicare is applied for.
HAVING AN ADVISOR THAT PROACTIVELY COMMUNICATES, EDUCATES AND GUIDES YOU AND YOUR FINANCIAL WELL-BEING IS CRUCIAL.
LOOKING AHEAD Allegiant ensures that long-term care insurance is in place, if needed, and heirs are prepared in case of a sudden emergency. Having financial plans and estate documents in place can help with the couple’s confidence in their future so that they can focus on enjoying their most fulfilling life.
BRANDSTORY FEATURE | SRQ MAG A ZINE | MAY/JUNE 2020
The preceding case study is provided for illustrative purposes only and may not be representative of the experience of other clients. Every situation is different and actual performance and results will vary. This case study does not constitute a recommendation as to the suitability of any investment for any person or persons having circumstances similar to those portrayed. Please consult a financial advisor regarding your individual situation. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
