Creating and Preserving Wealth for Generations
Frequently Asked Questions
At Strauss Financial Group, we do our best to answer any and all questions our clients may have. We work to give them a sense of empowerment and alleviate anxiety they may have about their finances and the future. For those of you who like to "know before you go", this section is for you.
Who?
Who would my advisor be if I became an SFG client?
Arthur Strauss, our CEO, is a licensed financial advisor, CFP(R), and responsible for maintaining fiduciary standards. He has helped countless clients achieve their most important financial goals. All SFG clients have Arthur as their primary advisor.
Who do I call with questions about my account?
Our direct line (205) 967-9595 leads you to Lauren Serrano, our Chief Administrative Officer, or Kate Wagstaff, our Client Services Manager. Both will be happy to help with any questions regarding viewing your account online, account maintenance, or funds movement within your accounts. If you have questions related to securities, the stock market, asset allocation or your financial plan, Arthur will be glad to discuss these with you. We also offer a secure texting line to the same direct number and online scheduling tools.
Does SFG offer tax services?
SFG partners with our in-house sister company, Lakeview Tax Advisors, LLC, for our clients' tax needs.
What?
What can SFG do for me?
SFG will partner with you to make sense of complex financial situations, simplify decision-making, and provide actionable solutions along your journey of growing and protecting your wealth. We specialize in financial planning, asset management, and retirement services.
SFG operates under a fiduciary standard. What is a Fiduciary?
A fiduciary is someone who manages money or property for someone else. When you’re named a fiduciary and accept the role, you must – by law – manage the person’s money and property for their benefit, not yours. (Consumerfinance.gov)
What are SFG's fees and how are they calculated?
Advisory fees are based upon several factors including but not limited to the type of account, the size, the projected nature of trading, and the range and number of supplemental advisory and client-related services to be provided. The fee is billed at an annualized rate that is deducted from your account each quarter.
When & Where?
Where is Arthur willing to meet with me?
SFG's office is located in Hoover, AL off of I-459. We are available to meet at our office, at a third party location convenient to you, or at your home. For out-of-state clients, we have video capabilities for virtual calls.
Some financial institutions close during the day for lunch. What time is most convenient for me to call your office?
SFG does not close midday during a regular work week. We have our phones staffed from 8:00AM - 4:00PM on Monday through Thursday, and 8:00AM to 3:00PM on Fridays.
If I become an SFG client, how often will I meet with Arthur during the year?
At the beginning of our relationship, there may be a need for more frequent meetings as we get to know each other and build your financial picture. Often, our clients meet at regular intervals of either once a quarter, twice a year, or once a year, depending on the need/ preference of the client.
Why?
SFG is an independent RIA. Why can this benefit me?
As an independent RIA, SFG is not bound to any particular company's products. We are able to search for the solutions that best suit our clients, without conflicting interests or sales goals of a parent company.
Why is the introductory meeting important?
In the introductory meeting, Arthur will review our process, our fee structure, and our expertise with you. He will also attempt to get to know you, your desires and your goals. It is SFG's belief that both our clients and our team should be the right fit for each other prior to entering into a professional relationship.
Why does SFG believe so strongly in what they do?
To put it simply, we want to help others. Finances are one of the most critical areas of a person's life and can be complicated and overwhelming. Our duty is to guide and counsel you through your journey while being your trusted partner and resource. We can’t think of a higher professional honor.