Q - If I use Sequoia Financial Group to develop a financial plan, am I obligated to purchase the recommended products?
A - Absolutely not. We offer recommendations which in our professional opinion may assist you in meeting your needs and objectives, but you are under no obligation to purchase them.

Q - Will Sequoia work with just a portion of my investment portfolio?
A - Yes, Sequoia is comfortable working with all or a portion of your assets. However, we feel we do our best work when given the opportunity to manage the entire portfolio.

Q - How does Sequoia determine what securities to purchase?
A - Sequoia obtains research from a number of sources, including CS First Boston, Ibbotson, Morningstar and other databases. Using that information, we develop a focused list of securities and build a specific portfolio based on your needs.

Q - Are asset management accounts managed in-house or does Sequoia use outside managers?
A - Sequoia acts as your independent investment consultant and is responsible for designing an appropriate strategy for you. Once an agreed upon plan is in place, Sequoia recommends outside (non-Sequoia) investment managers to implement the desired asset allocation strategy.

Q - Why does Sequoia purchase mutual funds instead of just equities (stocks)?
A - Although the general perception is to buy individual stocks, most investors may not get enough diversity in their portfolios by purchasing individual equity positions. Sequoia also believes that by utilizing a thorough due diligence process, clients are better served by accessing “experienced” institutional level money managers from across the globe.

Q - What is the minimum amount Sequoia will invest?
A - Our approach brings the most value to the client when total investible assets are at least $200,000.

Q - What management fee does Sequoia charge?
A - We offer a sliding fee scale based on total assets under management that starts at 1.5% annually.

Q - How often do I need to review my estate plan?
A - Any significant major life event would necessitate a review. However other factors, such as laws and the economy, may also impact whether your plan still meets your goals.

Q - Can I protect property that I gift or bequest to my children from divorce or creditors?
A - Yes. Gifts or inherited assets that are segregated from the marital property of your married children are generally not considered divisible in the event of divorce. A good way to do this is to make gifts or bequests in trust, as the trust provides clear distinction as to the ownership and intended beneficiary. Additionally, property held in trust generally provides a layer of protection from creditors.

Q - If I complete an application for coverage, am I obligated to purchase?
A - No. You are never obligated to purchase a policy at any point in the process. Of course, our goal is to help you identify a need and match it with the appropriate coverage so that you are comfortable with moving through the process as necessary.

Q - Can I get a policy if I have a known health issue?
A - Often times, yes. Insurance carriers frequently change what conditions they are willing to underwrite. In addition, our unique Medical Advocacy Process utilizes proactive underwriting recommendations using different carriers’ own underwriting materials to maximize offers.

Q - Are you familiar with Life Settlements?
A - Yes. Life Settlements is the sale of an unneeded life insurance policy on the secondary market, particularly for policy holders with life expectancies of less than 15 years. We treat any such sale as a security transaction subject to certain securities regulations.

Q - What are the fees involved with the service?
A - Plan fees vary based on the size and platform provider. However, Sequoia offers complete fee transparency and fully discloses all fees as part of our process.

Q - Which plan providers does Sequoia work with?
A - As an independent advisor, Sequoia works for the plan sponsor.  As such, we can work with any investment plan provider. 

Q - Why use Eagle Nationwide Mortgage Company instead of my local bank?
A - Eagle Nationwide Mortgage Company provides personalized service with the goal to deliver the right product with the best service possible. Additionally, we work with numerous lenders and programs in order to find the most competitive rates possible.

Q - What are points?
A - Points are costs used to buy the interest rate down from the lender. One point equals one percent of the loan amount. At the closing of your home loan, you can purchase points to lower the rate, and in turn pay more for the closing costs. The additional points used to negotiate will add substantial costs to your closing fees. Your planner can help you weigh your options as you make this important decision.

Q - What are the fees associated with obtaining a mortgage?
A - There are three categories for fees accrued during the loan process: Lender, Title, and Pre-pay. Fees can vary greatly by lender and loan program, so be sure to have a clear understanding prior to securing a loan.