FAS Wealth Partners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions & Answers

Explore this page for quick and helpful answers to commonly asked questions and contact us to learn more

FAS is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and is held to the Fiduciary Standard of care. This is a legal and ethical obligation that requires us to act in the best interests of our clients, ahead of our own. This duty is a fundamental principle that underpins the relationship between us and our clients and includes several key elements: 

  • Duty of Loyalty: We must put the client’s interests ahead of our own or the firm’s interests.  
  • Duty of Care: We must provide diligent and prudent advice, taking into account the client’s specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. This involves conducting thorough research and analysis to ensure that recommendations are well-informed. 
  • Duty to Disclose: We must be transparent about all relevant information, including fees, potential conflicts of interest, and the risks associated with investment choices.  
  • Duty to Monitor: We have an ongoing responsibility to regularly monitor and, if necessary, adjust the client’s investments and financial plan to ensure they remain aligned with the client’s goals and circumstances. 

  

Fiduciary Duty is a higher standard of care compared to the suitability standard that some other financial professionals follow. Under the suitability standard, an Advisor’s recommendations must only be suitable for the client, but they may not necessarily be in the client’s best interest. RIAs, on the other hand, are legally bound to act in a manner that prioritizes the client’s well-being above all else. 

  

Fiduciary Duty is designed to build trust and confidence in the advisor-client relationship and to ensure that clients receive advice that is genuinely in their best interests, helping to protect their financial security and prosperity. 

Our typical clients vary widely, ranging from high and ultra-high net worth individuals and families at different life stages, to business owners and professionals. Our services are tailored to meet the unique financial goals and circumstances of each client. 

Yes, we have extensive experience in serving clients remotely. In fact, nearly half of our client base resides outside the Kansas City metro area. Our commitment to delivering exceptional service extends to remote access to our team and our firm is well-equipped to conduct virtual meetings, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all our clients. 

Collaborating with a Wealth Advisor offers numerous advantages for individuals and families seeking to secure their financial well-being and optimize their wealth. Our Advisors bring expertise and a deep understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and wealth management, which can enhance your financial portfolio. They provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial goals and risk tolerance, ensuring that your investments align with your long-term aspirations.  

  

Importantly, our Advisors helps you navigate complex financial decisions, such as estate planning and tax optimization, while also providing a holistic view of your financial situation. Their objective perspective can be a vital asset in times of market volatility or major life transitions, offering informed guidance and helping to instill confidence in your financial future.  

  

Working with an Advisor provides not only financial acumen, but also a sense of security, peace of mind, and empowerment in achieving your long-term financial aspirations. 

Certainly. Our team of advisors is not only experienced and qualified, but also credentialed. In fact, over 90% of our advisors hold the prestigious Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, which is widely recognized as the gold standard in financial planning. 

  

To maintain their expertise, our Advisors are committed to ongoing professional development. They regularly engage in continuing education, attend industry conferences, and stay updated with the latest trends and regulations in the financial world. This dedication ensures that our clients receive advice that is not only sound, but also aligned with the most current practices in the field. 

The frequency of meetings with your Advisor can vary and is typically determined by your specific needs and the nature of your financial plan. Initially, you may meet with your Advisor more frequently as you set up your financial plan or make significant changes. Afterward, ongoing meetings may be less frequent and could occur quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. The goal is to ensure that your financial plan remains on track, that any necessary adjustments are made, and that your advisor is available to address your questions or concerns. Your Advisor will work with you to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial objectives and preferences. 

Our fee structure is straightforward, transparent, and aims to ensure our mutual interests are aligned. We operate independently, without affiliations to any particular investment company or a predefined range of products, ensuring that our recommendations remain unbiased. In line with our dedication to transparency, we do not accept referral fees or incentives from external parties, we do not sell proprietary investment vehicles, and there are no hidden fees or commissions. 

  

This fee structure is put in place to ensure that your financial objectives are fully in sync with our compensation model, promoting a relationship based on trust and your best interests. 

  

For stand-alone financial planning projects, we provide quotes based on a fixed fee. Given the unique nature of each plan, the scope and complexity will naturally vary. Investment Management services (which may include financial planning) are based upon the size of the investment portfolio and are quoted on a fixed or tiered fee schedule. 

The minimum investment requirement is subject to variation, contingent on the precise services and investment strategies tailored to your needs. As a general guideline, we typically request a minimum investment account size of $500,000 or more. This criterion ensures that we can effectively implement the strategies and services best suited to your financial objectives and circumstances. 

Our core differentiators lie in these 3 key areas: 

  • Holistic Wealth Management 
    • We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive wealth management services that extend far beyond mere investment advice. We recognize that your financial well-being encompasses a broad spectrum of concerns, including financial planning, estate planning, tax optimization, and more. Our approach is all-encompassing, ensuring that your entire financial landscape is carefully considered and managed. 
  • Fiduciary Duty 
    • Our unwavering commitment to acting in your best interests is at the heart of everything we do. As fiduciaries, we are bound by a legal and ethical duty to prioritize your financial security and success above all else.  
  • Personalized Service 
    • We understand that your financial journey is as unique as you are. Our approach is deeply personalized, tailored to your individual financial goals, circumstances, and aspirations. Whether you are planning for retirement, wealth preservation, or investment growth, we take the time to get to know you and offer guidance that aligns precisely with your goals. 

To get started, simply reach out to us via phone, email, or our contact form to schedule an initial consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss your financial goals and determine how we can best assist you.