We Believe In Three Core Principles:
ACTIVE MANAGEMENT
With "advance-and-protect," our goal is to maximize your participation in rising capital markets (advance) and minimize your exposure to declining capital markets (protect). Rather than a static buy-and-hold approach, we believe that it's important to provide clients with a coherent, nimble, and easy-to-explain tactical approach that has the potential to succeed in both bull and bear markets.
LOW INVESTMENT FEES
With the majority of high-cost mutual funds underperforming their relative indexes over long periods of time, we believe that clients should pay as little as possible for their investments. In fact, we use mostly low cost index funds and ETFs, most costing a tenth of their mutual fund equivalents. The result? More money when clients need it the most.
TOTAL INDEPENDENCE
Clients are tired of the same brokers and advisors who try to "sell" them on high cost products and services. We believe that a client should own an investment because it makes sense, not because their advisor makes more money. We are totally independent and paid by our clients, not by an investment company. Our clients know exactly how much their investments cost.
“I believe the fiduciary standard is the only way to work with clients. ”
WHAT IS A FIDUCIARY?
Fiduciary is the relationship standard that fee-only financial advisers accept in their client engagements. A fiduciary is legally and ethically required to act solely in his client's best interest, without regard to other parties.
Fiduciary vs Suitability: What’s The Difference?
Imagine you need a new car, but you don’t know much about different options. You head to the closest car dealer, which happens to be a Ford dealership. The dealer asks you to describe what kind of car you need, and you begin listing features and attributes that are best described as a Toyota Highlander.
Under the suitability standard, the dealer could say, “A Ford Explorer would meet all of your needs and we have some of those right over here.” The dealer makes the sale and gets the commission. You have a car that is suitable for your needs, but it isn’t necessarily what’s best for you. Since you don’t have a great deal of knowledge about the auto market, you are in the dark.
Under the fiduciary standard, the dealer would be obligated to say, “It sounds like you are describing a Toyota Highlander. We don’t sell those. In order to get exactly what you described, you would have to go down the street to Toyota and ask for a Highlander. I can sell you a similar model called a Ford Explorer, it’s more expensive and it isn’t exactly what you described.” In this scenario, you have more information about your options and the conflicts driving the dealer.
The Ford dealer has a clear conflict of interest in this situation. He can only sell Fords and will lose the opportunity to earn a commission if the client buys a Toyota Highlander. Under the suitability standard, the client ends up with a product (Ford Explorer) that isn’t the best fit given their situation and it costs more than the better-fitting product (Toyota Highlander). Worst of all, the client probably has no idea that they weren’t given advice that put their own interests first.
Ask yourself this: "Do I want the highest standard of care regarding my investment advice or retirement plan?" If so, you want the Fiduciary Standard
How is Bentley Wealth Management different?
We allow you to determine your comfort level with risk before you invest.
We use an "advance and protect" strategy versus the traditional "buy and hold" approach.
We actively manage client accounts instead of relying on a passive strategy.
We utilize low-cost, tax-efficient investment vehicles versus traditional, high-fee mutual funds.
We give you the choice for comprehensive planning or hourly advice.
We are an independent Registered Investment Advisor. We have a fiduciary duty to place your best interests before ours.
"My clients know their money is safe. By having a professional, personalized relationship with my clients, I offer unbiased information to help them grow and protect their assets. You deserve complete control of your financial future."
Jac has earned the Five Star Wealth Manager award, featured in Boston magazine, for 2016. The award is based on 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria, including a minimum of five years as an active accredited financial professional, favorable regulatory and complaint history, accepting new clients, client retention rates, client assets administered, education, and professional designations. These awards are not indicative of future performance and your experiences may vary. For more information, please visit www.fivestarprofessional.com
Jac currently lives and works in the seaside town of Marblehead, MA. He enjoys playing golf, tennis, softball, and spending time with his wife and two children.
Questions? Just call!
