Frequently Asked Questions

How are we paid?

We keep fees as simple and transparent as possible by charging a set percentage fee based on your account balance. In these fee-based accounts, also known as advisory accounts, we are paid by our clients directly. We do not receive commissions or other financial incentives for the investment advisory services that we provide, and we do not have any proprietary or “in-house” products that can create conflicts of interest between an advisor and their clients. 

What if I want to call you with a question about a vehicle purchase, mortgage refinancing or something else in general - will I get a bill for your time? 

No, support and general questions are unlimited and included. Our goal is to help you avoid the common money mistakes that set people back - we encourage you to call or email us with questions at any time.  

What do you charge for the tax and estate planning? 

There is no extra fee - these services are all included. However, since we are not practicing attorneys, we do not provide legal drafting services. Once we work with you on general estate planning, we’re happy to work with your estate planning attorney of choice to finalize everything in writing. If you do not have an attorney, we’re happy to provide you with someone we trust. The same holds true for tax strategies – we will work with your accountant to implement strategies we’ve discussed or introduce you to an accountant.  

Is there any way to trial your services before committing?  

We understand that hiring a financial advisor is an extremely important decision. We provide a free introductory meeting where we can review your current financial situation and provide an overview of what we can do for you. There is no obligation - our goal is to mutually decide if it’s a good fit. If it is, then we can discuss moving forward when you’re ready. 

How long of a contract do I need to sign up for? 

There is no contract. There is a client agreement which can be ended at any time.  We pride ourselves on our long-term client relationships, but they are always voluntary.  

Do you have an account minimum?  

Each client relationship is distinct, and we evaluate our ability to provide value during our initial complimentary meeting. If you are actively working, saving, and building your nest egg, we can have a discussion regarding the minimum portfolio size.

Many of my decisions involve members of my family. How does that work if I hire you? 

We believe open communication is key, which is why we work with families to get everyone aligned on financial goals. Including your spouse or partner in the conversation is essential. We explain things clearly, so everyone stays informed and engaged in reaching your goals together. 

I have an accountant and an attorney that I work with. Will you work with them? 

We understand the value of your existing advisors. Think of us as the quarterback, coordinating everyone to achieve your goals. We will work seamlessly with your team to ensure your approved strategies are implemented efficiently, maximizing the power of your professional network. 

Can you help me with stock options and other executive compensation issues? 

Yes, we can help you address these types of situations to maximize your income and minimize your tax burden.  

Who will I work with at your firm?  

You will work directly with Ross and Doug – as well as long-standing client service managers Nicole and Eileen. Your team members will be easy to reach by phone or email. 

How often will we meet? 

We will be in touch regularly by email or phone to update your progress. We like to schedule in-person meetings or conference calls at least once a year. There are no additional charges either - it’s all covered in your one single fee. 

Do I have to be local to work with you? 

No, we can work with you if you reside in any of the states in which we are licensed. We have a physical office in Garden City, New York but are happy to travel within the New York metropolitan area or work with you virtually.  

Can you work with my children/heirs? 

Absolutely - we welcome the opportunity to work with your entire family. It is very common for our clients’ children or grandchildren to become clients. 

Can you walk me through your financial planning process for a new client? What type of information will I need to provide? 

First, we'll get to know you. We'll listen to your goals, understand your situation, and recommend personalized strategies. Then, we'll craft a clear plan and be your behind-the-scenes partner, constantly monitoring progress and adapting to surprises.  

Do you work with High-Net Worth clients?

Yes, we serve HNW and UHNW individuals and families whose significant wealth creates complexities, often calling for expertise specific to their particular backgrounds.

What is the firm’s investment philosophy? 

With decades years of experience, we've learned valuable lessons about investing. We know that perfectly timing the market is unrealistic. While a simple buy-and-hold strategy can work for young investors with a long-time horizon, it may not be ideal for everyone. That's why we combine passive investing with active elements, aiming for a balance. We go beyond just investing - our tax planning expertise helps you keep more of your earnings. We leverage this knowledge to find tax-saving opportunities that benefit you.  

Why do I need a comprehensive financial plan? 

From student loans to retirement, saving for your dreams can feel impossible with competing financial demands. That's where planning comes in. A clear roadmap helps you prioritize your goals, whether it's building an emergency fund, saving for a house, or securing your future retirement. We offer a variety of services to empower you to create the life you want. 

Will you sell all my current investments? 

No, we will evaluate each investment that you bring under our management and consider tax implications as well as the current valuation of those investments. Additionally, we take special care of clients that have concentrated stock positions. 

What types of investments do you typically recommend? 

We believe asset allocation is the most important driver of long-term returns and avoid picking individual stocks. Instead, we typically recommend low-cost index mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Your portfolio may consist of stocks, bonds, cash, and to a lesser extent may include alternative investments. 

Who holds my money if I invest with you? 

Our primary custodian is Pershing. Through their platform, you will have the benefit of institutional access to your investment accounts. We will work with you to establish retirement, non-retirement, trust, and charitable investment accounts, as well as implement retirement plan rollovers to our custodian’s platform. Our partnership with Pershing also offers: 24/7 online access to view your account(s) Regular statements (mailed or e-mailed) Institutional account reporting transparency on investment performance, fees, and when transactions occur. 

Will you help advise me on my retirement accounts like my 401(k) or 403(b), that are with my employer?  

Yes - even if the accounts are not held with us, this is still an important part of your financial picture. We’ll review those holdings and advise you accordingly so that everything in your financial world is coordinated appropriately. 

I just received an inheritance - can you help with that?

Yes, we work with individuals who have recently inherited money and need help planning their next steps. Receiving a large inheritance can feel like both a blessing and a burden. It’s a gift - offering financial flexibility and future opportunity. But it also brings responsibility: to honor the legacy, make informed choices, and avoid costly missteps. We will help you understand what you inherited, protect what you received, and create a clear, actionable plan to help you navigate the moment with confidence.

Can you help me with 401(k) rollovers?

Yes, there are a couple of options for 401(k)s at old companies. We will guide you to the best choice, and help with the transfer.

Are you a fiduciary? 

Yes – we will serve as your trusted advisor - we legally agree to always put your interests first.  

How do I know if I am a good fit for Steelview Wealth Management? 

You will be a good fit for us if you want a full-service partner who will provide you with comprehensive advice - whether that be managing the intricacies of stock market investing or something like whether or not you should pay off your mortgage.  

What should I look for in a financial advisor?  

First, we always recommend that you only consider advisors that act in a fiduciary capacity. Second, we recommend that you look for advisors that emphasize fee-based services. Experience matters! You may also want to check out your prospective advisor on the BrokerCheck by FINRA website. BrokerCheck helps you make informed choices about brokers and brokerage firms-and provides easy access to investment adviser information. 

Finance is not within my expertise, and I know little about investing. What kind of advisor is most appropriate for me? 

If you’re not in the finance industry, you probably don’t understand all the terminology. It is our responsibility to communicate with you in a way that’s digestible and easy to understand.  

Why Steelview Wealth Management versus other advisers? 

We feel very strongly that our emphasis on long-term relationships, our team’s extensive experience, and our comprehensive approach to wealth planning offers a personal approach that you’d be hard pressed to find at larger firms.