FAQ
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How are you different from others?
In 1995, the founder decided to build an independent firm from the ground-up as if he was only going to manage his father’s assets. How he managed his family’s assets is how he wanted to manage his client’s assets, serving only their interests.
- "Fiduciary Standard” protects client interests As a Registered* Investment Advisor (RIA), we are bound to a “Fiduciary Standard” and thus bound ethically to always act in your best interest. We are legally mandated to put YOUR needs above our own, always acting fairly and honestly. The majority of financial professionals (e.g. stock brokers, insurance agents) do not follow this higher standard or only in selected situations.
- Independence preserves integrity Optima is an independent firm that has absolutely no affiliation to Wall Street or any other firm (e.g. insurance company, brokerage firm) that could interfere with our objectivity. We are not beholden to any company, their proprietary products or compensated to cross-sell other products/services.
- Independence reduces the costs Optima’s fee structure is lower than the national average. This is achieved by lower overhead by eliminating the costs/bureaucracy related to multiple layers of management.
- Specialization creates focus Optima’s business model is built to serve specific services (e.g. institutional investment management, tax mitigation) to a specific clientele (e.g. minimum investment size, analytical mindset, knows the value of a dollar - desires a proven, prudent approach).
- Fee-only structure ensures mitigates conflicts We are advising our clients, not selling products. See “What are your fees?” for additional information.
- Access to restricted fund family broadens investment choices Optima has access to institutional funds only available through a select group of advisors. Dimensional Fund Advisors is considered the premier provider of no-load, low-cost, institutional asset class funds.
- 100% employee ownership ensures a stronger sense of accountability to our clients
- Quantitative investment philosophy increases the probability of success Investment approach is focused on controlling the controllable in an unpredictable environment. No crystal ball approach.
*Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training
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Are you affiliated with any broker-dealer, insurance company, ETF/mutual fund company?
Optima is independent and 100% employee owned which ensures our allegiance is solely to our clients. We are not beholden to any company, have no shareholders, no affiliation to any Wall Street firm, or any other party that could interfere with our objectivity.
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Do you have a minimum portfolio size?
Optima has a minimum portfolio size of $1,000,000. Clients with significant assets have additional complexities that merit specific services and experience. By establishing a minimum, we are able to provide the necessary level of service to all of our clients, which they deserve.
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Where will my money be held?
All of your account assets are held in your name at Charles Schwab. Optima does not take custody of your funds. Optima, the custodian firm, or any other parties cannot access or distribute funds from your accounts without your knowledge and expressed permission. Charles Schwab is insured by SIPC.
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Who Is your typical client?
Optima has evolved over the years in what we do and who we serve as the needs of our clients have changed.
Millionaire Next Door
Initially, we served successful individuals who have accumulated a significant amount of assets.
Emerging Wealth
As their families grew, we began serving their children as they advanced in their own careers.
Suddenly Single
We found a need to serve those who found themselves in transition (either through death of spouse or through divorce).
Inheritors
Finally, we began serving their heirs as the wealth transitioned to the next generation.
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What are your fees?
As a “Fee-Only” advisor, Optima’s fee model is simple, transparent and is based on the size of your portfolio. All the firm’s compensation comes exclusively from clients in the form of management fees. We do not accept any form of monetary or non-monetary compensation (e.g. commissions, gifts, prizes, referral fees, reciprocal arrangements) from any party, ensuring that we have no incentive to do anything that isn’t entirely for your benefit.
Our comprehensive wealth management services include the ongoing management of client investments as well as a complete suite of financial planning services that support them in every aspect of managing their finances. This integrated service is covered by a single fee, calculated as a percentage of assets under management.
Portfolio Size Fee Rate (Annualized)
Under $3 million .75%
$3 million - $10 million .65%
Over $10 million .50%