FAQs

Yes! We work with clients throughout the United States. We are able to effectively deliver our services both in-person and remotely, depending on what works best for you.

Choosing to work with a wealth management adviser is a highly personal choice, and one that should not be taken lightly. An experienced wealth management adviser, such as our team at GDS Wealth Management, works to provide clients with peace of mind. At GDS Wealth Management, we prioritize personal relationships with our clients, so we truly take the time to get to know you and your financial wants and needs before constructing a comprehensive financial plan that fully encompasses your financial goals.

Although financial plans are specific to each individual, a solid financial plan typically consists of the following features:

• It is comprehensive.
• It is updated for average inflation.
• It has updated goals specific to you and your family.
• It considers estimated healthcare premiums and expenses.
• It estimates returns based on your risk tolerance and a reflection of your goals.
• It calculates the best time to take social security.
• It accounts for long-term care gaps.
• It considers assets used and not used in the plan.
• It plans for life events and extended longevity.
• It runs Monte Carlo simulations.
• It factors in tax considerations.

Here at GDS Wealth Management, the client always comes first. We are committed to delivering the highest degree of personalized service. We work closely with our clients to ensure that their financial plan addresses their individual financial needs and goals, and we maintain active, involved relationships with our clients. We are here to serve you in any way necessary!

We believe in an actively managed and diversified portfolio that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Because financial goals are personal and specific to each client, we create an investment plan that will serve your individual financial plan. When we create portfolios for our clients, we use a variety of assets, including exchange traded funds (ETFs), individual stocks, derivative based products, and cash and cash equivalents. We will work with you to ensure that your portfolio is comprised of assets that meet your individual strategy and needs.

Yes! A fiduciary must place their clients’ best interests ahead of his or her own. Fiduciaries must disclose what their fees are, how they are compensated, and any potential conflicts of interest that might influence a client to use their services. There is a big difference in the standard of care that fiduciary and non-fiduciary investors are held to. Non-fiduciary investors are only required to recommend investments that are suitable – they are not required to recommend investments that are in your best interest. In other words, although an investment may be suitable, it may not be the best choice for you, and non-fiduciary investors are not legally required to disclose that.

Yes – in order to ensure that our clients receive the 5-star service we are known for, our clients have a minimum of $1,000,000 investable assets.

As you explore different options for your financial future, you may hear the terms “fee-only” and “fee-based” mentioned by different wealth management firms. A fee-only firm has no other fees other than the annual percentage you pay directly for assets under management. With fee-only management, there are no commissions and no kickbacks.  Your exact fee is determined by the size and complexity of your situation and generally ranges from 0.50% to 1.50% of assets under management.  A fee-based firm may earn commission, fees, and/or kickbacks on products they recommend and sell in addition to the assets under management fee. Here at GDS Wealth Management, we are a fee-only firm, meaning we are paid an annual percentage for the assets you have under our management. You will never have to pay any surprise fees or commissions with us!

Our team members at GDS Wealth Management hold the following designations:

• AAMS®
  - The Accredited Asset Management Specialist^SM, or AAMS^® program, is a designation program for financial professionals. The program provides advisors with strong fundamental financial knowledge with a specific focus on asset management and investments.
• CFP®
  - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification is the standard of excellence in financial planning. CFP® professionals meet rigorous education, training, and ethical standards, and are committed to serving their clients' best interests today to prepare them for a more secure tomorrow.
• CPFA®
  - The Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA®) credential – developed by some of the nation's leading advisors and retirement plan experts – demonstrates your knowledge, expertise, and commitment to working with retirement plans.
• CPWA®
  - Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) certification is an advanced professional certification for advisors who serve high-net-worth clients. It’s designed for seasoned professionals who seek the latest, most advanced knowledge and techniques to address the sophisticated needs of clients with a minimum net worth of $5 million. Unlike credentials that focus specifically on investing or financial planning, the CPWA® certification program takes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach.
• CRPC®
  -  Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®) is someone with a professional financial planning designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning. Individuals may earn the CRPC® designation by completing a study program and passing a final multiple-choice examination.

There is no cost and no obligation associated with your visit with a GDS Wealth Management financial planner. Contact us today to set up an appointment.