Frequently Asked Questions
About Innovator wealth Advisor
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. Innovator Wealth Advisor is a fee-only fiduciary advisory firm. As fiduciaries, we are legally obligated to act in our clients' best interests. Every recommendation is made with your financial goals and objectives in mind. We are compensated only by our clients and do not receive commissions, referral fees, or compensation from investment products.
Who regulates your firm?
Innovator Wealth Advisor LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) registered with the State of Texas and Oregon. We operate as an independent wealth management firm committed to providing objective financial advice.
Who do you serve?
We primarily serve successful business owners, professionals, executives, pre-retirees, retirees, and investors seeking comprehensive financial guidance. We also work with individuals and families looking for long-term financial planning and investment management.
What makes Innovator Wealth Advisor different?
Innovator Wealth Advisor combines comprehensive financial planning with deep tax expertise. Our founder is both a CFP® professional and CPA, allowing us to integrate investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning coordination, and wealth preservation strategies into a unified approach.
What is a CFP® professional?
A CFP® professional has completed extensive education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements. CFP® professionals are trained in retirement planning, investment planning, tax planning, estate planning, insurance planning, and education planning and are required to act as fiduciaries when providing financial advice.
Why does having a CPA matter in financial planning?
Taxes can significantly affect long-term financial success. As both a CFP® professional and CPA, we evaluate financial decisions from both planning and tax perspectives, helping clients make more informed decisions regarding tax-efficient investing, retirement withdrawals, Roth conversions, Social Security timing, business owner planning, charitable giving, and estate planning.
What We Do
What services do you provide?
We provide comprehensive wealth management services, including investment management, retirement planning, tax planning, estate and legacy planning coordination, education planning, Social Security planning, insurance planning, equity compensation planning, and business owner planning.
Do you manage investments?
Yes. We manage client portfolios and provide ongoing investment guidance as part of a comprehensive wealth management relationship.
Do I have to move my investments to work with you?
No. Many clients engage us solely for financial planning and advice. If investment management later becomes appropriate, we can discuss whether it makes sense for your situation.
Can you help with Social Security and Medicare decisions?
Yes. We help clients evaluate Social Security claiming strategies, Medicare enrollment options, and retirement income planning decisions.
Can financial planning help during major life transitions?
Absolutely. Retirement, divorce, loss of a spouse, receiving an inheritance, or selling a business can create significant financial challenges. We provide guidance and clarity during these important life events.
How to Start
What is your process for new clients?
Our process begins with an introductory conversation to understand your goals, priorities, and financial situation. We gather information, analyze opportunities, develop recommendations, implement agreed-upon strategies, and provide ongoing guidance.
Do you have account minimums?
Our wealth management services are generally best suited for individuals and families with more complex financial planning needs. For investment management accounts, our current minimum is generally $25,000.
Do you hold my investments directly?
No. Client assets are held by independent third-party custodians, primarily Altruist and Shareholders Service Group (SSG). Accounts remain in your name.
How do I get started?
You may schedule a consultation through our website, contact us by email, or call our office directly. We offer a complimentary 20-minute introductory consultation.
Can I schedule an in-person or virtual meeting?
Yes. We offer both virtual and in-person meetings. Virtual meetings are conducted through Zoom and can be scheduled at a convenient time.
Do you collaborate with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals?
Yes. We regularly coordinate with attorneys, accountants, insurance professionals, and other trusted advisors to help ensure clients receive comprehensive and coordinated financial guidance.