A good perspective client for us is one that a) would like to build a long-term relationship, and b) one that has a need or desire to use all our services. We find that the more we can help in your personal finances, the stronger the relationship we tend to build with clients.
We operate as a team at Elmwood, which means for all scheduled meetings there will be two professionals that participate. We want to bring our full skill set to every meeting and have more than one person get to know you and your circumstances.
Yes, we work with clients throughout the United States and have several international clients as well. Our business mainly revolves around clients who reside in the Bay Area, though as time progresses and video conferencing improves, more clients are becoming comfortable with virtual relationships.
Yes, Elmwood is a Registered Investment Advisor under the supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a fiduciary we are obligated to put your best interests first, rather than those of our firm, which we strongly believe in and practice within our firm.
The only way Elmwood makes money is through the fees client pay us based on the level of assets under our management. We do not receive any 3rd party referral fees, nor do we receive any type of compensation for certain investments we may use on your behalf.
Every client has their own investment plan drawn up for them, and this happens only after we’ve completed a thorough financial plan to evaluate where you are in life. An investment plan may use individual stocks and bonds or exchange traded funds (ETFs) to execute the agreed upon plan.
We know our clients are busy, so we try to be as flexible as possible in scheduling meetings. We really enjoy the personal aspect of in-person meetings particularly at the outset of a relationship, and we are open to hosting in our office or at a location closer to you. Online meetings are also always available.
Elmwood uses and works with qualified custodians to hold client assets to keep your money safe. Should you need to set up new accounts and transfer assets in order to work with us, we take care of all the paperwork and make the process as seamless as possible.