Frequently asked questions.

FAQs about Briarwood.

  • Briarwood was founded by Benjamin Smith, on October 1st, 2020.

  • Briarwood does not impose a minimum level of investable assets to be a client. Everyone deserves access to good financial planning regardless of wealth size. However, the firm does have a minimum client fee.

  • Charles Schwab is the main custodian for client assets. If you are receiving investment management services and you do not currently use Schwab, we may require an account transfer.

  • Briarwood does not receive any commissions or other financial incentives for any recommendations. We are a Fee-Only financial planning firm. Briarwood’s position is that the Fee-Only method of compensation is the most transparent and objective method available. This model minimizes conflicts and ensures that your financial planner acts as a fiduciary. Fee-Only planners are compensated directly by their clients for advice, plan implementation, and for the ongoing management of assets.

  • Investment management is a service that is included in all of our service tiers. It is included in your ongoing client fee. The firm believes investing is a tool that you use to accomplish your financial goals and therefore we do not view or treat it as a separate service with its own separate fee.

  • Comprehensive Wealth Management, which includes but is not limited to Cash Flow, Investment, Retirement, Financial and Tax Preparation & Planning, Risk Management, and Business Planning.

  • Yes. Approximately one-half of Briarwood’s clients own a business. These closely held businesses range from Sole Proprietorships to Corporations. We help clients who own businesses with tax preparation and planning, accounting, bookkeeping, cash flow projections, goal planning, buy/sell agreements, succession planning, and employee benefits.

  • No.

  • The firm views financial plans as living, breathing documents that serve as a roadmap for your journey into the future. That being said, the firm is a fierce advocate for adjusting the plan as you progress and your situation changes. Aside from any “as needed” changes from life events such as a new child, inheritance, or job change, your financial plan is systematically reviewed, at least annually to account for any changes in your situation. Depending on your service tier, we will have in-depth reviews of your goals and progress at least semiannually.

FAQs about Benjamin.

  • Yes. Please see my fiduciary oath here.

  • Having a positive impact on people’s lives. Helping them become more confident with money and their own personal financial situation. Assisting and educating their heirs on the significance of their family wealth and teaching them how to preserve it.

  • I believe the markets are efficient. I believe that investment recommendations should be tailored around achieving your goals which are heavily dependent on your time horizon and asset allocation.

  • Aside from the regular Monthly and Quarterly Statements, we will talk in whatever format you’re comfortable with. I have some clients who like to “talk shop” and call me frequently to ask about a stock they heard or read about, and some clients who just want to delegate and trust that I am making the right decision for their portfolio.

  • Since I am a Fee-Only Financial Planner, I get paid via a transparent, flat fixed fee that is agreed upon before you ever become a client. I do not receive any commissions/ trails/ kickbacks/ etc. for recommending one investment, insurance, or financial product, whatsoever.

  • It’s best to analyze your portfolio as a whole and not focus on just a single security. I believe it is appropriate to measure your investment success against your goals and aspirations. Most clients don’t need (or care to) beat the market. As long as their portfolios are doing the work they were designed to do, they’re happy.

Request an Appointment

In 30 minutes, we can get a brief overview of your goals and needs, then connect you with a financial planner committed to helping you pursue generational wealth.

360-443-9993