Frequently Asked Questions
What is your investment approach?
We take a long-term approach. We strive for singles and doubles, but we also take our frequent home runs! We aim for a consistent and reasonable return goal while protecting against the downside. There are lots of opportunities out there, and we find them. We do not speculate, so we do not follow crypto, naked options, oil and gas, metals, etc. For more information, contact us. We would be happy to elaborate.
What do you mean you are independent?
It means we don't work for a larger organization like a bank or a large financial advisory firm. Why is that important? Being independent means we are not limited to only selling certain products; for instance, banks typically want to sell you their products, like mutual funds, and they may not want to sell alternative investments. Large financial advisories also have their 'preferred' products. This means the client is missing out on lots and lots of opportunities. Since we are independent, we can offer you the most expansive product shelf available, so you, the client, can get the best opportunities. The way it should be!
What makes you the best?
We do our own research, as we have extensive backgrounds in investment research. Unlike banks or large companies, we are not "pressured" to sell certain products; we pick from all the products available that are best for our clients. We are independent. We work for you, and when you win, we win.
Plus, when you pick up the phone, you get us directly!
What do you charge?
Our fees are similar to those of other advisors. Yes, you can save pennies on lower fees, but you risk losing dollars on poor performance. We don't discount our fees because we are very good at what we do. We do offer a No-Fee Plan. Contact us for more information.
If you are Fortress Wealth who are Designed Securities and Aviso Financial?
Designed Securities is our independent dealer and middle office. They provide account services and regulatory oversight. Aviso Financial is our back office. They provide market access, support services, and act as custodians of client assets. Together, we supply you, the client, with a full range of investment and financial services.
I don't have very much, can I still be a client?
Absolutely! Everyone needs a financial advisor. In fact, our No-Fee plan encourages smaller accounts. Contact us for details.
Have you ever fired a client?
Of course. A client may not be a good fit for us.
Do you constantly update your products?
Always. We LOVE to uncover and research new and exciting opportunities our clients would not otherwise have access to. For example, we offer clients access to select Alternative Investments not commonly available through traditional advisory platforms.
What drives you crazy?
Two things. The second worst thing is generic advice or investment (typically bank) products, like mutual funds, that eke out just enough return so that the company-employed financial advisor does not have to do much, if anything. The first thing that drives us crazy is clients who tolerate this.
Why should I go with you?
If you are getting great risk-adjusted returns, have a comprehensive financial plan that is working for you, and are being serviced to death by a hard-working financial advisor that you like, you shouldn't. If you aren't, you should call us.
Can you create a plan for me?
Of course. Financial, estate and retirement plans ... for free.
What is your No Fee Plan?
For clients with less than $25,000 in total assets, we will not charge fees (regular admin fees still apply—we can't control those).
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes and yes. See our Resources page for more information.
Are you fee-based?
Yes. Being fee-based means clients get the convenience of a predictable, all-inclusive asset-based fee. Plus, when you succeed, we succeed.
Have you experienced severe down markets?
Yes, a number: The Great Recession (December 2007 – June 2009), The Cryptocurrency Crash (September 2018 - December 2018), The COVID recession (February 2020 – April 2020), and the 2022 Stock Market Decline (January 2022 - October 2022).
Free Advice
You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will forever control you. -Dave Ramsey
The Anglo Saxon Gold Thrymsa
The Romans left the British Isles in 410 AD ushering in the Dark Ages as civilization collapsed. For about 200 years no coins were minted, then in the early 600s gold coins, called a Thrysma or Shilling, briefly re-appeared minted by local kings. They were crude copies of old Roman imperial coinage. This example shows the king and a cross, indicating that this kingdom had recently converted to Christianiy. These coins started the practice of using Latin on British (& Canadian) coinage which continues today.