Frequently asked Questions

What types of services do you offer?

By integrating financial/tax planning/preparation with investment management and ongoing advisory counsel, our wealth management program aims to help ensure our clients have the freedom to enjoy their success without concern about where they stand financially, no matter what the future brings.

Does your wealth management program have an investment minimum?

Typically, our wealth management clients will have a portfolio of at least $100,000 in investable assets. Investable assets most commonly include current retirement plans, retirement accounts from previous employers, IRAs (traditional, rollover, Roth, SEP, inherited, SIMPLE), brokerage accounts, trusts, and cash you wish to invest.

How is my money invested?

At HighPointe Wealth, we believe in Passive Investing. This means we invest in the stock market using low cost index mutual funds and Exchange Trades Funds (ETFs). Your money will be diversified in different market sectors according to your risk.

How is my money managed?

Your invested money is held at either Betterment or Shareholders Service Group and on an ongoing basis our professional money managers monitor and rebalance your Investments.

Where are your clients located?

In addition to our local client base, we also work with individuals around the country. Technology enables us to leverage a number of tools which helps us seamlessly bridge the gap. We maintain our office in Oceanside, CA for the convenience of our clients who live or work in the San Diego area and surrounding communities.

How can I view my investment performance and holdings?

You may view your accounts and performance via our third party custodian’s website.

What is included in your fees?

Our wealth management fees are all-inclusive (with the exception of tax preparation). We do not bill for additional advice or services within the standard scope of private wealth management. Tax preparation is an additional fee.

What is a fiduciary duty?

As a registered investment advisor, HighPointe Wealth has a fiduciary obligation to act at all times for the sole benefit and interest of our clients. This is the highest act of loyalty, trust and care as established by law.

In contrast, “fee-based” or “commission-only” advisors may only be required to act in the best interest of their employer and recommendations only need to be “suitable” for your situation, not necessarily what’s best for you. Unfortunately, many advisors aren’t held to a fiduciary duty at all, or perhaps only in certain situations. If your advisor is only a part-time fiduciary, how do you know when they stop acting in your best interest?

What is your investment approach?

We believe in Passive Investing. This means we invest in the stock market using low cost index mutual funds and Exchange Trades Funds (ETFs). Your money will be diversified in different market sectors according to your risk.

Does your firm pick stocks and bonds?

No. We employ a mix of passive investments such as ETFs and actively managed mutual funds to build a broadly diversified portfolio designed to withstand market volatility.

Do you use index funds or ETFs?

Yes. We incorporate them when they are the best available option.

What will happen to my existing portfolio if I transition to HighPointe Wealth?

HighPointe Wealth takes care of all the paperwork to move over existing accounts and tie up loose ends. We have the ability to invest in almost any type of investment and we work with your existing custodians to ensure a smooth transition. While we are likely to recommend changes to your portfolio to improve its risk/return characteristics, we try to incorporate existing managers and positions where appropriate and are likely to implement the changes over time so as to minimize any disruption and tax consequences to the portfolio.