Financial Planning Perspectives

Code of Ethics

Our business model is very simple.  We are committed to providing our clients with quality financial planning and investment advisory services with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.  As an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm we are governed by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which among other things, states that we will act in a fiduciary capacity in all our client engagements.  Simply stated, this means that we place the interests of the client ahead of our own, we act with utmost good faith, and we agree to provide full and fair disclosure of all material facts.  A person acting in a fiduciary capacity is held to a high standard of honesty and full disclosure in all dealings with the client.

What does a typical planning engagement look like?

In addition, as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional Bill adheres to the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility:

Principle 1 - Integrity

Provide professional services with integrity.

Integrity demands honesty and candor which must not be subordinated to personal gain and advantage.  Certificants are placed in positions of trust by clients, and the ultimate source of that trust is the certificant's personal integrity.  Allowance can be made for innocent error and legitimate differences of opinion, but integrity cannot co-exist with deceit or subordination of one's principles.

Principle 2 - Objectivity

Provide professional services objectively.

Objectivity requires intellectual honesty and impartiality.  Regardless of the particular service rendered or the capacity in which a certificant functions, certificants should protect the integrity of their work, maintain objectivity and avoid subordination of their judgment.

Principle 3 - Competence

Maintain the knowledge and skill necessary to provide professional services competently.

Competence means attaining and maintaining an adequate level of knowledge and skill, and application of that knowledge and skill in providing services to clients.  Competence also includes the wisdom to recognize the limitations of that knowledge and when consultation with other professionals is appropriate or referral to other professionals necessary.  Certificants make a continuing commitment to learning and professional improvement.

Principle 4 - Fairness

Be fair and reasonable in all professional relationships. Disclose conflicts of interest.

Fairness requires impartiality, intellectual honesty and disclosure of material conflicts of interest.  It involves a subordination of one's own feelings, prejudices and desires so as to achieve a proper balance of conflicting interests.  Fairness is treating others in the same fashion that you would want to be treated.

Principle 5 - Confidentiality

Protect the confidentiality of all client information.

Confidentiality means ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorized to have access.  A relationship of trust and confidence with the client can only be built upon the understanding that the client's information will remain confidential.

Principle 6 - Professionalism

Act in a manner that demonstrates exemplary professional conduct.

Professionalism requires behaving with dignity and courtesy to clients, fellow professionals, and others in business-related activities.  Certificants cooperate with fellow certificants to enhance and maintain the profession's public image and improve the quality of services.

Principle 7 - Diligence

Provide professional services diligently.

Diligence is the provision of services in a reasonably prompt and thorough manner, including the proper planning for, and supervision of, the rendering of professional services.