Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A FIDUCIARY?
A fiduciary has the highest ethical obligation to put your interests ahead of their compensation and any other considerations.
WHO IS A TYPICAL CLIENT FOR GMP?
You’re smart, a good saver, and looking to balance living a good life today while being responsible with your retirement. You could probably try do this yourself, but you’d rather use your time actually living. You want to delegate your finances to an expert who can help you achieve all of your financial goals.
WHO IS NOT A GOOD FIT FOR GMP?
If you’re trying to beat the market, find the latest get-rich-quick investment scheme, or just work on a one time plan.
DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE FIRST MEETING?
No. I believe that everyone should have access to a qualified independent financial adviser. The first meeting is free and is a working session where I will provide value to you from the start. So bring your financial questions with you. If we don’t end up working together now, sign up for my free retirement insights to receive ongoing financial education and timely retirement planning insights.
HOW DO YOU GET PAID?
I am a fee-only financial planner, which means my only compensation comes from the services I provide you. I do not get paid commissions, kick-backs, “trails,” or any fees other than the fees I charge you. I am held to the fiduciary standard, which means I have to act in your best interest regardless of the compensation I receive. I believe this is the fairest form of compensation and aligns my interests with yours.
I'D LIKE TO LEARN MORE, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
Click here to schedule a get-to-know-you meeting.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU INSTEAD OF DOING THIS MYSELF?
I work closely with you to determine your hopes dreams and goals. Everyone needs a trusted adviser — someone who can see blind spots they may not have thought of, or bring an outsider’s perspective. My background as a financial adviser goes to work for you. I want to help you make the right decisions now, for a better long-term outcome.
WHAT IS YOUR INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY?
I believe your investment strategy should support our planet and your values. I don’t believe you can “beat the market,” but I think that you are entitled to get market rates of return. I believe in keeping your investment fees as low as possible, harvesting losses when applicable, and rebalancing when appropriate. I believe you should focus on the things you can control, like how much risk you are comfortable with, using compounding growth to its full potential and minimizing your taxes.
DO I HAVE TO COME INTO YOUR OFFICE?
No. We can meet virtually anywhere over Google Hangouts, Skype, FaceTime, telephone, or whichever method of communication is convenient for you. I am set up this way so I can meet with you wherever you are, regardless if you live locally or across the country.
WHAT IS THE CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ( CFP® ) DESIGNATION?
Only those who have fulfilled the certification requirements of the CFP® Board can display the CFP® certification marks, which represent a high level of competency, ethics and professionalism. It is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients.
I NEED HELP GETTING OUT OF DEBT, CAN YOU HELP ME?
Yes. Together we can come up with a debt reduction strategy.
WORK WITH A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL
Joseph A. Gunther, CFP®, AIF®
Let’s Talk
Are you looking for a long-term partner to help you align your money with your values and vision for the future?