FAQ

What does a financial advisor do?

A financial advisor helps you create and manage a personalized plan for your money, including investments, retirement, taxes, and estate planning.

How is Element Wealth Advisors different from other firms?

We focus on delivering personalized financial planning to individuals at, near, or in retirement, accomplished women, and members of the affluent LGBTQ+ community. Our approach is holistic, advice-driven, and relationship-based.

What services do you offer?

We offer investment management, retirement income planning, tax strategies, estate planning coordination, risk management, and more.

Who do you typically work with?

Our clients usually have $500,000 to $10 million in investable assets and value personalized advice and a long-term financial relationship.

How do I know if I need a financial advisor?

If you’re making important financial decisions — about retirement, inheritance, taxes, or investments — working with a trusted advisor can help you make more confident and informed choices.

What should I bring to my first meeting with you?

You can bring recent account statements, tax returns, a list of goals, and any financial documents you think are important. We’ll guide you through everything.

Are you a fiduciary?

Yes. We act as fiduciaries for our clients, which means we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest.

How are you compensated?

We are a fee-based firm. Most of our compensation comes from a percentage of the assets we manage for you. In some cases, we may earn flat planning fees or insurance commissions where appropriate.

How do you choose investments for clients?

We start by understanding your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Then we build a diversified portfolio tailored to your financial plan.

What is your investment philosophy?

We believe in long-term, diversified investing aligned with your goals, not market timing. We emphasize risk management and tax efficiency.

Do you offer ESG or socially responsible investment options?

Yes. We can build portfolios that reflect your environmental, social, and governance (ESG) preferences.

What are your fees for investment management?

Fees typically range from 0.75% to 1.00% of assets under management, depending on account size. We'll provide a full breakdown during your visit.

Can I keep my current investments if I work with you?

In many cases, yes. We’ll evaluate your existing holdings to determine if they still fit your overall financial plan.

What is included in a financial plan?

A financial plan includes goal setting, retirement income projections, tax analysis, estate planning guidance, insurance reviews, and more.

How often will my plan be reviewed?

We review your plan regularly and update it when your life or financial situation changes. Most clients meet with us 2–4 times per year.

Do you help with tax planning?

Yes. While we don’t prepare tax returns, we provide tax strategies that aim to reduce your long-term tax burden.

Do you prepare tax returns?

We do not, but we collaborate closely with your CPA or refer you to one of our tax partners.

Do you offer estate planning services?

We provide estate planning guidance and coordinate with your attorney to make sure your financial and legal plans are aligned.

Can you help with retirement income strategies?

Absolutely. We help you design a plan to turn your savings into sustainable income throughout retirement.

How do I become a client?

Start by scheduling a discovery meeting. We’ll learn more about your goals and determine if we’re a good fit.

What is your minimum asset requirement?

Our typical client has $500,000 or more in investable assets, but we do make exceptions based on the complexity of your situation.

How often will I hear from my advisor?

You’ll hear from us regularly — through meetings, email check-ins, and updates — and we’re always available when you need us.

How do you work with clients outside of Georgia?

We work with clients across the U.S. using virtual meetings and secure digital tools.

What happens if my advisor is unavailable or leaves the firm?

Our team-based approach ensures continuity and support. You’ll always have a point of contact and a trusted advisor who knows your plan.

Can you work with my CPA and attorney?

Yes. We believe in a collaborative approach and are happy to coordinate with your other professionals.

Do you have a client portal?

Yes. Our portal gives you access to your accounts, financial plan, and secure document vault.

Is my information secure?

We use advanced encryption and security protocols to protect your personal and financial information.

How do I upload documents securely?

You can upload documents securely through your client portal or encrypted email links we provide.

Can I meet with my advisor virtually?

Yes. We offer both in-person and virtual meetings for your convenience.

What communication can I expect between meetings?

We’ll reach out with check-ins, planning reminders, market updates, and personalized messages throughout the year.

I just inherited money — can you help?

Yes. We help you understand your options, plan for taxes, and align the inheritance with your long-term goals.

I'm going through a divorce — what should I do financially?

We’ll help you navigate financial transitions and protect your future during major life changes.

I lost my job — can you help me with a plan?

Yes. We’ll help you assess your cash flow, benefits, severance, and financial options during uncertain times.

We’re planning to sell our business — what are the steps?

We help business owners prepare for a sale, including valuation, tax strategy, and planning for life after the sale

I received a large bonus or stock grant — how should I handle it?

We’ll help you evaluate your options, manage taxes, and align the proceeds with your financial plan.

When should I start taking Social Security?

We analyze your options to help you choose a claiming strategy that maximizes your benefits.

How do I know if I can afford to retire?

We create retirement income projections that consider your savings, expenses, and future goals.

What are Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?

RMDs are mandatory withdrawals from retirement accounts starting at age 73 (for most people). We help you calculate and plan for them.

Should I pay off my mortgage before retirement?

It depends. We’ll evaluate the pros and cons based on your cash flow, tax situation, and financial goals.

Is the first meeting free?

Yes. Our discovery meeting is complimentary.

What happens in a discovery meeting?

We’ll talk about your financial goals, ask questions, and see if our services are a good fit for you.

What if I’m not ready to invest yet?

That’s okay. We’re here to educate and guide you at your own pace.

How long does it take to become a client?

Once we agree to move forward, onboarding typically takes 1–2 weeks.

What are the next steps if I want to work with you?

Schedule your discovery meeting — we’ll guide you from there.