FAQ

What do you offer that other advisors don’t?

Availability.  When clients call, if I’m available, I take the call right then and there.  If we’re working together, I need to be there for you when you have questions and need help.  I take that high level of response and communication very seriously so that you’re not left wondering.

 

Is there a minimum to work with you?

I believe that everyone could benefit from some form of financial planning, but I personally need to be able to make a significant and positive impact in your future path. I find what works for clients who have the ability to allocate at least $1,500/mo. towards their financial goals or have $500K in investable assets.  

I also find that big life transitions such as starting a new job, divorce, marriage, having a child, receiving a promotion, a relocation, or a financial windfall can be great opportunities to engage in professional financial advice. 

 

How long is my commitment?

We do our best work when it’s a long term engagement, so we’d love to work with you on an on-going basis.  A number of our clients have been with us for 10 years or more!  

You are under no obligation to stay.  It’s on me to provide a dynamic level of service to you so that you feel you’re getting value that covers well beyond  the management fee that you pay.  

 

Are you a fiduciary? 

Kemp Cunningham is a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner) and a fiduciary in advisory relationships. The fiduciary standard of care requires that a financial adviser act solely in the client’s best interest when offering personalized financial advice.

 

How does financial planning work?

You future is way too important to pencil whip with a simple investment analysis and generic plan.  We use an established process to identify your individual needs and goals.  Where needed, we have team members who specialize in specific areas to address what is important to you.  Our process follows a 6 step holistic approach:

The Start: Information gathering: Needs, wants, wishes and special considerations.
The Foundation: Documenting where you are at this moment.
The On Track/Off Track Analysis: This includes tax implications and cashflow analysis.
The Next Generation: Legacy planning - Generational planning and outlook.
The Documentation: Formalized strategies and a plan.
The Touchpoints: The schedule to reconvene and reconfirm our plans.


What are your management fees?

I’ll list below the standard table of fees for managed accounts.  Note that we don’t charge additional planning fees or enrollment fees like some other firms.  Your financial planning and access to Kemp are included in your managed account fee.

Below are our standard current tiers:

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AS MY CLIENT

How do I move my accounts to Emerald River Wealth Management?

Moving your money can feel overwhelming, but at Emerald River Wealth Management it’s our goal to make this easy for you.  Our team will review your current assets and determine the specific steps needed for the type of accounts that you have.  We’ll prepare the appropriate paperwork and will have you review and sign off on these documents during your In-Person Consultation.  

If you have existing brokerage accounts we’ll electronically transfer the investments “in-kind” to your new account at Emerald River Wealth Management.  

If we’re initiating a rollover from a previous employer we’ll navigate the plan administrator’s process and will hold your hand through completion.

Cash and stock into your accounts will be moved electronically or through a physical deposits.  (NOTE: We accept checks, but we do not accept physical cash.)

It’s as simple as that!

 

Can I work with you if I live out of state?

No!  We can meet you in our Granger office, but if you don’t live in the area or can’t make it into the office, we are happy to maintain our relationship over Zoom.

 

Where does my money go? 

Most of our accounts are held at LPL Financial.  LPL Financial has over 25,000 advisors and has home offices in San Diego, CA and Fort Mill, SC. Other accounts are held through the product companies directly like an insurance company, 529 providers, etc.  

 

How do I access my accounts? 

You will be given online access to all of your accounts through the LPL Financial app as well as through their online access website.  We use MoneyGuide Elite for financial planning.  You’ll have a separate login to see your updated plan.


How do I request a withdrawal? 

We require verbal confirmation when requesting money from your accounts and recommend that you request money as far in advance of the need as possible.  Orders for withdrawals cannot be taken by voice mail or email.

 

How do I get a hold of you? 

We look forward to hearing from you!  Our office # is 574-204-2851 or send us an email. Upon becoming a client, we also will connect with you through a secure texting program called RepChat.

 

What other areas can you help me with?  

I like to tell clients that I’m their resource for anything that touches them financially.  I enjoy giving the time needed to address a variety of financial concerns and queries.  Below are some examples:

 

Comprehensive Financial Analysis

Financial and Life Goal Prioritization

Net Worth Evaluation

Cash Flow Assessment

Employer Benefits Review

Personalized Savings Strategies

Protection Planning (Life, Disability and Long-term care insurance)

Tax Planning Diversification Advice

Holistic Portfolio Review

Financial Analysis of Career Transitions

Retirement Planning Projections

Education Funding Strategies

Client Review Meetings 

Ongoing Access to Kemp

Personalized Portfolio Recommendations

Account Consolidation Advice

Coordination with Contra Firms

Streamlined Deposits and Withdrawals

Recommendations on Liquidations and “In Kind” Transfers

Online Account Access

Medicare planning assistance

ACA Marketplace health insurance assistance