Frequently Asked Questions

The decision to retain a new Financial Planner is serious, and the team at Jarvis Financial wants to assist prospective clients in any way they can.  This list of questions and answers was developed to provide additional insight into their business and their point of view.  If your question is not addressed here, please phone or email the team and they'd be happy to talk with you.

Why does someone hire a financial planner?

    When asked this question, Jarvis Financial clients offer answers including, "I wanted a third party to 'check my work' and make sure all the accounts were optimized," and, "Having a Financial Planner make the recommendation took the emotion out of many of the decisions."  In the role of Financial Planner, it is Matthew Jarvis's job to ask the more challenging questions and look objectively at your position because this will, in the long run, give you a better result.

What does a financial planner do?

Different financial planners take different approaches.  The team at Jarvis Financial leverages their training and experience to provide comprehensive financial planning.  This means they look at more than your 401K or IRA; they learn about your personal goals and then craft a plan that considers:  equities and other investments such as retirement plans and real estate, retirement income planning, possible long term care expenses, estate planning, financial risk management and tax minimization strategies.  

What does it mean to be an independent financial planner?

As an independent financial planner, Jarvis Financial is not restricted to offering you a specific line of products or tools; they can recommend funds or investments offered by a range of firms. Additionally, as an independent, Jarvis Financial has no incentive to promote or encourage their clients to buy one particular product vs. another.  This freedom enables them to develop an investment portfolio that is most in line with your particular goals.

What do your certifications mean?

Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) is a designation awarded by The American College after a candidate has completed their nine-course education program, met experience requirements and agreed to uphold a code of ethics. 

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certificants are individuals who have met CFP Board's education, examination and experience requirements, have agreed to adhere to high standards of ethical conduct and who complete CFP Board's biennial certification requirements, including continuing education. All CFP® certificants have voluntarily submitted to the regulatory authority of CFP Board.

The ChFC and CFP® are widely regarded as two of the top three credentials in the financial planning field; the PFS, which is granted only to CPAs, is the third.

Are you a stock broker?

Matthew Jarvis is licensed to trade securities and can do that on behalf of his clients; however he is not a stock broker.  A stock broker trades stocks, but doesn't necessarily consider a client's comprehensive financial plan and whether one security vs. another better suits the client's specific goals.  Investing in stocks should be just one piece of a comprehensive financial plan.

Who will I work with?

Jarvis Financial works with a select group of families to meet their financial goals and dreams.  All clients meet with and have direct and regular access to Matthew Jarvis, who often receives comments from clients about how great it is to always have their calls returned promptly, quick appointment scheduling, personal attention, etc.

What are your fees?

Generally speaking, Jarvis Financial's fee is 1% of investable assets.  The firm is also available to work on an hourly fee basis in certain situations.  In either case, all fees will be fully disclosed and mutually agreed upon before starting any work. 

For individuals interested in a comprehensive financial plan, but who don't want to fully engage the firm, the firm will develop a comprehensive financial plan for $1,500.   And for individuals seeking information or advice, the first 20 minutes of conversation are free, and then the rate is $150 per every hour thereafter.

What do I get for my fee?

In addition to the excellent customer service afforded all Jarvis Financial's clients, the only logical reason to hire a financial advisor would be if it seems probable to you that their counsel will (A) increase your return by more than 1% a year (i.e. the amount of their annual fee), and/or (B) save you more than 1% a year in mistakes and/or (C) save you time, effort and worry that is worth more than 1% a year, and/or (D) all of the above.

Do you provide references?

Yes, if you'd like to talk with someone about their experience working with Jarvis Financial, the firm can put you in contact with a select number of clients or provide professional references.  Please contact cindy@jarvisfinancial.com to start this process; Federal privacy regulations as well as securities laws restrict the firm from putting any of that information on the website.

Do I have to schedule a meeting or can we just talk on the phone?

With advanced scheduling, Matthew Jarvis will speak for up to 20 minutes via phone with any prospective client.  However, the type of input or insight he can provide may be limited until he understands the prospective client's specific situation.

Have you ever been cited or disciplined by a professional or regulatory organization?

No, but you are welcome to verify that for yourself.  Finra.org has a program called "broker check" through which you can verify Jarvis Financial's clean compliance history.

While it's possible to search by last name, it is easier by "CRD" numbers.  Matthew Jarvis's CRD # is 4703256 and Nathaniel's is 2295380.

FINRA broker check http://www.finra.org/Investors/ToolsCalculators/BrokerCheck/index.htm