At Trust Point, we take great pride in our ability to develop meaningful, lasting relationships with clients. Similar to a doctor/patient relationship, a strong partnership is based on mutual respect, honesty, and above all, trust. We offer some advice to help you get the most value from our interactions.
Ask Practical Questions
Whether you have been a client for years or have just recently opened your account, don’t be shy about asking questions. We are here to help and we strive to be transparent with clients. Remember, as a fiduciary, we work in your best interest. There is usually a number of topics to cover during our meetings and we want to respect your time. If we haven’t covered a topic or if it has been some time since we have, please feel free to ask. Some sample questions could include:
- What services do you provide?
- What can I expect from you?
- How often will we meet?
- How are you compensated?
- When will you contact me?
- How often do we review my portfolio and its performance?
- How often do we review progress toward my goals?
When to Contact Us
We want to hear from you as often as you would like! But, there are certain situations when it is more essential.
We work very hard to build long-lasting relationships with our clients which provides the comfort in knowing we will provide them the guidance to make sure their goals stay on track. You’d be surprised how often clients experience a financial, personal, or life change and don’t think to contact their financial professional. It’s a good idea to get in touch during these times, especially in the following instances:
Personal or life changes, including:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Birth or death in the family
- Lawsuit
Financial changes, including:
- Inheritance
- Significant debt repayment that may free up cash
- Work-related bonus or stock options
- Buying or selling a primary residence,or vacation or rental property
Business changes, such as:
- Purchase or sale of a business
- Other business-related orlarge-flow expense
Estate planning issues, including:
- Long-term care
- Asset transfer
- Generational planning
- Estate taxes
- Charitable giving
- Business succession
- Trust formation
Be Prepared
Before meeting with us, think about the nature of the discussion and what you wish to accomplish. Prepare any questions you have in advance. During the meeting, take notes and ask questions until you are comfortable with a concept or suggestion. However, don’t feel compelled to reach a decision right away. Discuss your questions and concerns before making a decision. That’s what we are here for.
Remember, as fiduciaries, we look out for your best interests with the goal of helping you achieve your financial goals. Establishing a mutually open, honest relationship is an important step in realizing that goal.
