FAQs

• How do I know which department to ask for?
  Our receptionist is a terrific resource. She will always ask how she may be of service so she can direct your call efficiently; if you aren't sure whom to ask for, rely on her for help., To schedule appointments for account reviews, retirement meetings, or rollover meetings, ask to speak to the Client Services Department.
  
  If you have a question for one of the financial advisors, the Client Services Department is always a good place to start. Our Client Services department acts rapidly to relay your questions to your advisor and he or she will usually get back to you very quickly with the answers you need. And, as always, the financial advisor who handles your business always welcomes an opportunity to speak with you and will be happy to return your request for a call.

• How do I start working with Compass Point?
  The introductory process has four steps. You should feel comfortable at each one and eager to see what the next step will reveal. At the end, you will decide if the Compass Point relationship is right for you.
  
  1. The one-to-one meeting. , At an individual meeting between you and one of the Compass Point professional financial advisors, you'll discuss your current investment situation and your goals for the future. If we think-and if you agree-that we can implement strategies to improve your situation, we'll move on to the next step.
  
  2. Review and recommendation. , We'll review your present situation and weigh it against standards like asset allocation and tax efficiency. This helps us determine how realistic your goals are. Next we'll write a Financial Plan that makes a series of conservative assumptions about interest rates, rates of return, income needs, and inflation; we'll also show you a short-term and a long-term "picture" of your situation. Then we write a Summary & Action Plan, where we outline our recommendations based on the Financial Plan.
  
  3. One-to-one again., Now we meet with you a second time to discuss in detail, the recommendations of the two plans and to explain how to implement the recommendations. , The Compass Point partnership . . . your decision., At this point, you decide if you want to move forward with Compass Point and with the plan we've outlined. You may also be delighted to know that we take the responsibility for arranging all ensuing paperwork.

• How is Compass Point organized?
  Compass Point has two client components: Financial Management and Client Services. All Compass Point clients work with both. As we greet you when you call, we will ask how we may help you. Your answer allows us to connect you with the department and the person you most need to speak with.
  
  Client Services is usually the first point of contact. This department handles all non-financial matters (e.g. paperwork, account statements, checks. The Client Services Department provides valuable support to our financial advisors as well as to our clients. The service representatives help financial advisors prepare for and document client meetings; they compile and maintain required forms and handle client files and databases. The representatives get to know our clients well and are pleased to provide first-line response and timely assistance.
  
  Financial Advisors are Mike LaBrie, Tom Nee and Martin Plecinoga. One-to-one meetings and personal client contact occupy about half of each advisor's day. Each is careful to allocate time, as well, for the professional tasks of asset management, research, and the study of current market conditions.

• What can I expect from the long-term relationship with Compass Point?
  Communication, We understand that the issues of retirement and investing carry various emotions and concerns. Keeping communications open can keep concerns at a minimum and can help solve problems before they occur. We always welcome your calls and your questions. Communication, we believe, is the first step to solution.Semi-annual appointments.
  
  We schedule personal appointments twice each year and we feel these are very important. First, they keep you up to date on the market and on your portfolio. The frequency allows us to suggest timely changes and to offer you early options such as "active re-balancing". This is advice on possible strategic portfolio changes that may help the rate of return or may help reduce a drop in a market correction.Staying in touch.
  
  These regular appointments keep our relationship fresh. We like to know what is happening in your life and to keep aware of your interests and activities as well as your financial business.Education, This is key to a successful retirement. Changes happen. Always. And when they do, we're there to guide you toward making the best choices possible. We'll help you act while there is still time to make intelligent decisions instead of costly mistakes. We always look for creative ways to offer educational opportunities, for example:The Saturday Morning Series.
  
  Every few months, we invite our clients to come together as a group to hear several experts speak on investments and current market conditions.Market Correction Strategy Meetings.
  
  When the market has a major correction (these are very infrequent) we call a group meeting in a local hotel and encourage all our clients to attend. We discuss the current situation and review a broad strategy which includes the options open to you. In the days following this large, informational meeting, we make a point of meeting with our clients one-on-one to discuss personal situations and to take any actions indicated.Appreciation, At Compass Point we are always mindful of your satisfaction. Our clients keep us in business, and we feel especially grateful when a client recommends us to a friend.Client Appreciation Day.
  
  On the first Saturday in August, we throw a party to thank our clients. Lots of food, fun and interesting activities. We like this event because it allows you to see that there are many families entrusting us to help guide their retirement journey. You may be surprised when you see some of your friends there and pleased with the people you will meet..

• What happens to my money when I decide to work with Compass Point?
  It is important to understand two things:
  ·We do not hold your money. When you work with us, your investment dollars are always held at large, well-established investment companies.
  
  ·We do not want you to give us control of your money. Our job is to advise you on all of the options available to you. We tell you what we think you should do, then we let you make the final decision. Once you have made that decision, we carry out the plan.