FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Who chooses my advisor? Will I always have the same advisor?
A: We work as a team. First, a senior manager will evaluate your needs
and expectations to determine who on our team may be able to best help
you. Every advisor at Christopher Street is a highly trained and qualified
financial professional, but each has different professional experience,
life experience and interpersonal skills to offer you. Ultimately, the
success of your financial partnership will depend on the relationship
developed between you and your advisor. If we don't get the chemistry
the first time, all you have to do is tell us. Our advisors are as diverse
as our clients. Check out the photos and bios of our team!
Q: I don't live in New York. Are you licensed in California? Florida?
Arizona? Iowa?
A: Yes. We are able to work with individuals in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.
Q: Am I limited to certain types of investments?
A: No. Christopher Street Financial is independent but we
do align ourselves with premium products that are tailored to the needs
of our clients. This is our major distinction from most other financial services
firms and brokerage houses. Our independence enables us to take an open architect approach when selecting and designing the best plan for your situation.
We don't have any parent company pushing us to offer their own products.
We offer all types of securities, including some of the most respected mutual
funds in the world. We help you choose what is right for you.
Q: Where do I start?
A: You start with an evaluation. Although we prefer to meet with you
one-on-one, a telephone interview will do.
You can start by picking up
the phone and calling 1-800-262-6644 or e-mailing us: Contact Us.
Q: How much money do I need to begin? What do your advisory services
cost?
A: An introductory financial consultation can be provided at no cost
to you. If we mutually decide that our services fit your needs, a more
detailed financial review will be offered. To establish an advisory relationship,
a minimum of $500,000 in investable assets or annual fees of $5,000 per year is typically required.
Q: How do you get compensated?
A: We get paid in various ways:
- Fees - After we jointly decide which investments are appropriate for
you, we typically earn fees based on the value of your account. By providing
you with superior service, we are rewarded with your continuing business.
- Commissions - In some cases, we will earn commissions on the investments
purchased for you. The choice between fees or commissions will be yours.
We will always disclose and explain your different options to you.
- Referrals - We grow our business by our clients' introductions to
their friends, family and business associates. Your contagious word-of-mouth
enthusiasm is our most valuable reward.
Q: Are my investments secure?
A: The SIPC, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation provides
$500,000 of coverage for investment assets, including $100,000 per account
for cash awaiting investment. Add to that what the account
custodian provides, you have the highest level of coverage in the marketplace today–unlimited
account protection for the securities and cash awaiting reinvestment
held in custody in your account. The account protection applies
when a SIPC member is unable to meet obligations to securities clients,
but it does not protect against losses from the rise and fall in the market
value of investments.
Q: I have a 401(k) from my previous job. Can you help me roll
it over?
A: Actually that's where we excel. We’ve assisted thousands of clients
in the transfer and reinvestment of 401(k) plans, retirement plans and
employee stock options plans. We offer guidance on the right action for
right now.
Q: My sister isn’t gay. Can she invest with you?
A: Of course. About 25% of our clients
are not gay. Our service speaks for itself. The most important requirement
for a successful relationship is to feel comfortable with your advisor,
to trust him or her, and know the advice you receive is sound. We can
do that for anybody's sister!
Q: With so many on-line investing services, why would I choose
Christopher Street Financial over Internet trading?
A: It is a personal decision. Do you have the time, the interest and
the stomach to devote to researching investments and avoiding market landmines?
If so, an on-line account may be right for you. Or, maybe you want to
try your hand at managing a pocket of your money and also work with an
advisor to develop a solid strategy for the core of your portfolio. Remember,
Christopher Street Financial is more than just stock picking. Let our
expertise help you look at the big picture.
Q: Where are my investments held?
A: No investments are held directly with Christopher Street Financial.
We use several custodians to fit your different needs. Most of our larger accounts
are held at SEI Private Trust Company, a global investment manager which has delivered
consistent long-term performance through scientifically constructed asset
allocation portfolios.
Q: Why are you located on Park Avenue if your name is Christopher
Street Financial?
A: Though obviously today we could be just about anywhere, our Park
Avenue offices are convenient for our staff and our clients who choose
to visit us. The actual "Christopher Street" in Greenwich Village is synonymous
with the gay rights movement and the Stonewall riots back in 1969. While
some may recogize the name and associate it with the market we serve,
gay and lesbians are no longer compartmentalized into a "gay ghetto."
|
