Broker Check

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect as a client of Stonegate Financial?

The Stonegate team can provide you with advice and expertise in virtually all aspects of your financial life. Our team of professionals works for you to develop and implement strategies that help give you the opportunity to reach your unique goals.

With whom does Stonegate Financial work best?

The team at Stonegate Financial prioritizes clients with strong values and a passion for the important things in life. We work primarily with retirees and pre-retirees who have investable assets of greater than $500,000 and know there is more to life than money. Our clients: 

  • Embrace simplicity. They appreciate the value of simplifying all aspects of planning for their retirement. 
  • Are goal driven. They are passionate about their goals and have a desire to accomplish them. 
  • Focus on what’s important. They have the freedom to focus on the things that make life truly meaningful and enjoyable.
  • Are financial delegators. They value and are willing to follow the advice of experienced professionals. 
  • Value our work together. They are comfortable with our team and invest in building a relationship that flourishes over time.

How do I get started?

Call our office at 919-460-4688 or email info@sgfnc.com to set up an initial, complimentary phone call. During this conversation, we will learn more about you and your needs and which of our services may most benefit you. You may also find completing our questionnaire to be helpful to organize your thoughts and to identify concerns you may not have otherwise considered.

Why should I work with an advisor?

Personal finance can be complex and met with frustration because you may be overwhelmed by all the options and opinions available. A simple search on any financial question will present a myriad of potential solutions. That said, just as you should set an appointment with a doctor for health concerns or retain an attorney for legal matters, you should also consult with an advisor when it comes to your personal finances.

We will be your financial quarterback to help coordinate your personal finances. We also have a fiduciary obligation when providing advisory services to remain objective and to align recommendations to meet each client’s goals and objectives.

Your financial situation is as unique as you are, and this requires a customized approach to alleviate your concerns and put a plan in place for your goals. Sure, you may contribute to your retirement plan, save for your child’s college education, but do you know how much you need to save or the investments that may help you reach your objectives? We will answer these questions, put a plan in place, monitor your ongoing progress, and be there for any questions along the way.

I don’t live in North Carolina. Can I still work with you?

Most likely! We have clients throughout the United States and in some countries outside the U.S as well. Improvements in technology make it even easier than ever to stay connected with our clients who do not live in the area.

Do you provide second opinions?

At Stonegate, we are always happy to open our door to provide you with a second opinion on your portfolio and financial plan, even if you are currently working with another financial advisor. Our hope is to achieve one of two possible outcomes: 

  • We review your plan and portfolios to find you have great strategies in place and give confirmation that you are on the right track. 
  • We review your situation and find gaps or blind spots that may need to be addressed. We can share insights that may help you move forward and discuss how the team at Stonegate can partner with you to address these needs.

With either outcome, our hope is that you walk away with a new level of confidence.

What are your fees?

A majority of our clients pay a percentage of the total account value that we manage, but in some unique situations a flat annual consulting fee may be more appropriate. This topic is a part of our initial consultations, for which we absorb the fee.

In a fee-based account clients pay a quarterly fee, based on the level of assets in the account, for the service of a financial advisor as part of an advisory relationship. In deciding to pay a fee rather than commissions, clients should understand that the fee may be higher than a commission alternative during periods of lower trading. Advisory fees are in addition to the internal expenses charged by mutual funds and other investment company securities. To the extent that clients intend to hold these securities, the internal expenses should be included when evaluating the cost of a fee-based account. Clients should periodically re-evaluate whether the use if ab asset-based fee continues to be appropriate in servicing their needs. a list of additional considerations, as well as the fee schedule, is available in the firm's Form ADV Part II as well as the client agreement.

Where are my assets held?

We partner with Raymond James to custody and oversee client accounts. They provide compliance guidance and regulatory oversight to protect your interests in conjunction with our fiduciary responsibilities when providing advisory services.