FAQs
A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner is recognized as the standard of excellence in personal financial planning. Becoming a CFP® certificant includes completing a rigorous curriculum of study, minimum of 3 years experience in the field, and pass a comprehensive 2 day exam. To maintain competency, a certificant is required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. A CFP Professional is bound by the CFP CODE OF ETHICS PRINCIPLES. The CFP Board requires it, personal integrity ensures it.
In a few words, comprehensive financial planning and unbiased investment advice. CFP® professionals must master nearly 100 integrated financial planning topics, ranging from:
· Investments
· Income tax planning
· Retirement planning
· Employee benefits
· Estate planning
· Risk management
· Insurance
For a detailed list of services please click on here
As independent financial planner, we offer an unbiased approach. This enables us to put your interests ahead of ours without the influence of product or sale quotas. There are a broad spectrum of products and services available to investors today. You want someone you can trust who is able to help you select the best strategies for you and your family. To avoid feeling overwhelmed with decisions regarding your planning or investments, you may benefit from having a personal financial coach to help you; freeing you up to do what you do best.
LPL Financial is a national financial services company that provides tools, research, and support for independent financial planners to serve their clients. Currently, there are over 14,000+ advisors affiliated with LPL Financial. LPL Financial serves as custodian of client accounts and sends monthly/quarterly reporting statements to clients on behalf of West Wealth Management.
All consultations are free of charge and include a complementary financial plan. The majority of clients pay a quarterly fee to have their portfolio managed. A full disclosure of any fees is provided prior to employing any strategy.
Our philosophy is to manage your assets in a way that works best for you. Key elements to this philosophy are to develop a diversified portfolio that matches your risk profile, investment objectives and goals. Monitoring your portfolio and keeping you informed will assure we are on the right track together.
We work with Individuals, families, and businesses that want to analyze and understand their financial situation, and develop a plan for the future. Also, clients tell us they hire a professional because they may not have the time, desire, or expertise to manage their investments.
After an initial consultation, there may be several meetings in the first few months. During this time, we want to get to know you and understand your situation. Through out the year, we will meet for a mid year check up. At a minimum, you can expect an annual face to face meeting to review your entire plan, and make any needed adjustments. Although, life doesn’t always happen on a schedule. Never hesitate to call or email with any question or concern there may be for you or a member of your family.
Dennis holds the following licenses:
- FINRA Series 7, 24 & 65 held through LPL Financial
- Life and Health Insurance
- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
For a complete biography click on About Us.
Yes. Most of our new clients are referred to us by our existing clients or by a trusted professional advisor, such as a CPA or attorney. To get started with your free consultation, please complete the information at Contact Us, or simply call me at 859-802-3906 to set an appointment.
You receive personalized service. Call Dennis directly at 859-802-3906 or email him at dennis.west@lpl.com. He will respond with in 24 hours, typically within a few hours. However, if you have an immediate need, LPL Financial customer service representatives can be reached at -1-800-558-7567, from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm Eastern Time.
There is no preparation necessary for the first meeting. Most important is to get to know you and understand how we may be able to help. This will also give you an opportunity to get to know us better, as well. However, if you know you have a specific question about something, please bring any statements or documents you would like us to review. Otherwise, for future meetings we will guide you on important items to bring with you.
Often it is not possible to invest in the same strategies or mutual funds. Some of the strategies we use to implement portfolios are institutional, or are restricted by large minimum investment requirements, or are open to qualified advisors only. For example, institutional shares typically have lower internal costs than other share classes. Also, an advisor has direct access to the money manager and its staff for updates and questions. Having this access is essential for making informed decisions.
Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
A holistic approach to the financial planning process integrates all areas of your financial life, including investment,tax, insurance, retirement, and estate planning. After a thorough analysis, strategies are designed to address any areas that need improvement. A summary of the analysis and recommendations are provided for your personal records.
All clients have the option of viewing their accounts online by clicking Account Access. LPL Financial will mail account statements and performance reports directly. There is also an option to Go-Green by suppressing paper statements and viewing your statements online. With this option you will receive an email when your statement is ready to be viewed.