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Gary Buchanan and Todd Buchanan share their philosophy on investment strategies, insights, and building enduring client relationships.

100% Custom Portfolios

Our Philosophy

We Value Our Clients

Experience the BC Difference

Independent advisors are not tied to any particular family of funds or investment products. So whether you need help with retirement planning, a tax situation, estate planning or managing assets at multiple places, independent advisors have the freedom to choose from a wide range of investment options in order to tailor their advice based on what’s best for you.

A relationship that’s responsive, attentive and personal

To offer advice closely aligned with your goals, independent advisers must first build a strong understanding of your situation. As a result, many independent advisers focus on building deep relationships with clients. This often takes regular, ongoing interactions. And because many of these advisers are entrepreneurial business owners, they hold themselves personally accountable to their clients.

A fee structure that is simple and transparent

Independent advisers typically charge a fee based on a percentage of assets managed. This fee structure is simple, transparent and easy to understand. It also gives your adviser an incentive to help grow your assets. When you succeed, your adviser succeeds.

A high level of expertise to support your complex financial needs

Independent advisers can help investors address the variety of complex investment needs that arise when you accumulate significant wealth. While specific services vary from firm to firm, they are often described as financial “quarterbacks” focused on your holistic financial picture. Some advisers are specialists in certain investment strategies. Others can assist you with comprehensive services, such as estate planning or borrowing, the sale of a business, complicated tax situations, trusts and intergenerational wealth transfer.

Your money is held by an independent custodian, not the adviser firm.

Independent advisers use independent custodians, such as Charles Schwab and others, to hold and safeguard clients’ assets. For many investors, this provides a reassuring system of checks and balances – your money is not held by the same person who advises you about how to invest it.

Being able to clearly articulate your needs and expectations will help you and the advisers you talk with make an informed decision about whether you’re right for each other. If you are an individual investor, your adviser should understand your goals and your particular financial situation and make recommendations that are suitable for you.

Some important factors to consider in defining your goals include:

  1. Investment goals – What are you working toward: A comfortable retirement? Leaving a legacy? Philanthropic goals?
  2. Risk tolerance – How much fluctuation in value can you tolerate in exchange for the opportunity to earn above-average returns?
  3. Time horizon – When will you need to withdraw money from your investments?
  4. Income needs – Do you need current income from your portfolio? How much?
  5. Tax situation – Does your tax bracket require a tax-sensitive strategy?
  6. Other holdings – Do you have significant wealth tied up in real estate or other liquid assets?
  7. Other needs – Do you have complex planning needs related to wealth transfer, executive compensation, risk management, business succession planning, or philanthropic planning

To choose an adviser you feel comfortable with – both personally and professionally – it’s smart to take your time, talk face to face, and ask the right questions to help you make an informed choice. Here are a few questions to ask advisers.

  1. What are your credentials?
  2. Do you offer the services I need?
  3. How are you compensated?
  4. How will we work together?
  5. How do you approach investing for people like me?
  6. Where will my assets be held?

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