FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I benefit from having Smith Asset Management handle my investments?
Smith Asset Management provides a broad spectrum of investment advisory services to clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our investment management and proprietary research is complemented selected national research sources, trading desks and administrative support services. All of our clients benefit from the combination of our experience, personal service and low fees.
Experience
Who will manage my investments?
- Frank Smith, a financial advisor with more than 30 years of investment decision making experience, will manage your investments. He will also be your primary contact for all aspects of your investment relationship.
What is Mr. Smith's professional experience?
- Frank draws on his experience as an equity analyst on Wall Street and at a major banking organization to critically analyze investment opportunities. His portfolio and wealth management experience ranges from several hundred million dollar equity and fixed income large institutional portfolios to start-up savings and retirement accounts.
What are Frank's academic credentials?
- Mr. Smith earned the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst by passing rigorous examinations over three years that tested his mastery in critically analyzing investments. Frank was awarded an MBA, with a specialization in Investments and International Business, and a B.S. in Business from Drexel University. He also taught in the business school of a major university.
Personal Service
How will my portfolio be designed to reflect my situation?
- We generally meet at your home or office to establish your goals and develop a course of action that reflects your unique objectives. Virtually every portfolio we manage for clients contains a unique mix of assets since every client has a distinct investment profile.
What is involved in ongoing management of my assets?
- We regularly meet and communicate with you to ensure that your holdings continue to reflect your objectives. Communications are considered essential to building a long term relationship with our clients.
Will I receive independent advice?
- Yes. We are independent investment advisors and not contractually associated with any brokerage firm, bank, or mutual fund management firm. Every recommendation is made with the objective of meeting your goals.
Where will my assets be held?
- Smith Asset Management, Inc. does not take possession of your assets. They will be held by an independent third party custodian such as Charles Schwab.
Low Fees
Why are low fees important?
- The less you pay in fees, the more you keep.
How do you keep your fees low?
- We control our costs and focus our spending on goods and services that benefit our clients.
Do you work on commissions?
- No. We are a fee only financial advisor and are compensated by our clients in the form of advisory fees. We do not accept commissions or other incentives from anyone else.
Other Questions
I am changing jobs. Can you help with the investments in my 401(k), 403(b), or company savings plans?
- Yes. We can help you explore the choices you have for the money in those plans. If warranted, we'll help you set up, transfer assets, and manage a rollover account.
Do you provide estate planning, accounting, or insurance services?
- Smith Asset Management, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Our expertise is managing investments for our clients. To assist our clients, we gladly meet with their lawyers, accountants, stockbrokers, or insurance agents.