Frequently Asked Questions

Financial advisors that calls themselves a fiduciary are obligated to act in their client's best interest and put their client's interests above their own. 

A fee-only adviser is a financial professional who is compensated solely by fees paid by their clients. They do not receive any commissions, kickbacks, or compensation from the sale of financial products, such as mutual funds, insurance, or securities. This compensation structure is often seen as more transparent and aligned with the client's best interests, as it minimizes potential conflicts of interest that could arise from receiving commissions or other incentives from financial product providers.

The financial services industry is often convoluted and full of conflicts of interest. Many firms advertise free financial planning or asset management only to recommend certain products which they receive high commissions on regardless of how appropriate they are for you.

At KLA, we are a fully independent firm with no obligations or attachments to any investment or insurance company. We are compensated directly by our clients for the services we provide and we can direct our clients to the most appropriate investments and providers available. We work for you. 

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner is a credentialed financial professional held to a strict ethical, education and quality standards. To earn a CFP® credential, a financial professional must be committed to learning every aspect of financial planning. CFP® candidates are required to have at least 4,000 hours of financial planning experience, complete five college-level courses, pass a multi hour examination and remain up to date with continuing education.

Having a financial plan developed by a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner is partnering with a professional who is truly an expert in the field of financial planning.   

We recommend financial planning for all our clients, especially those who are coming to KLA for the first time. Financial planning allows us to build a road map and set expectations for your financial objectives. We will then utilize your financial plan and a risk tolerance assessment to design a portfolio that matches your risk level and the assumed rate of return needed to achieve your goals. 

In the famous words of Zig Ziglar: “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.”

KLA functions as both financial planning firm and an asset manager.  We do not have any minimums to become a financial planning client. Many clients, who do not meet our asset management minimums or are early in their careers, still choose to have a financial plan developed for them which can include self-management guidance and investment education. 

To become an asset management client, we typically have a minimum requirement of $250,000. 

We do not provide specific estate planning or tax advice; we may render general guidance in certain situations on how it relates to your investments. We gladly work together with your estate and/or tax professionals to ensure everything is in accordance with your financial plan. If you do not have an estate and/or tax professional to consult, we can provide recommendations. 

Yes, we work with clients in all stages of their financial life whether you are just starting a family or already many years into your retirement.

Yes, we gladly work together with other advisors and professionals. Frequently our services are complimentary with other professionals.