FAQ
FAQ
What should I know about Liberty Asset Management?
We offer comprehensive wealth management services to assist individuals and business owners with building and preserving wealth. We serve as a trusted advisor working closely with our clients to create, implement, and monitor investment portfolios designed to achieve a client’s unique financial objective. Our goal is provide peace of mind to our clients by delivering exemplary asset allocation and investment management solutions.
What services do you provide?
Liberty Asset Management provides investment management services to individuals, retirement plans, and businesses. This includes investment management, asset allocation, wealth preservation,and risk management. We also offer consultations related to a client’s estate, tax planning, and retirement needs, and if appropriate, help identify professional relationships in these areas.
Can you provide references?
Yes, we are happy to provide references. Because we respect the privacy and confidentiality of our clients, we prefer to provide references in the later stages of the introductory phase if requested.
Is there a minimum engagement amount?
Liberty Asset Management focuses its work with clients who have available investable assets of $250,000 or greater. This can include assets in multiple accounts and/or assets of multiple family members.
Who manages my assets?
Assets are primarily managed by Liberty Asset Management with primary allocations to our proprietary investment programs.
Where are my assets held?
Our primary custodial relationship is with Fidelity Investments Institutional Wealth Services.This strategic relationship allows us to effectively serve our clients while ensuring each client retains full control of their account(s).
How do you manage my account if you don't have custody of my assets?
When your account is established with the custodian, the account is placed in your name and you retain full authority for the assets in the account. You provide Liberty Asset Management with limited trading authorization on your account. This authority allows us or the designated investment manager to initiate buy and sell security trades within your account.
Are my assets pooled with other clients assets?
No, all clients maintain their assets in individual accounts. Each account appears in the client’s name.
How are my assets protected?
Liberty’s primary custodian is National Financial Services (Fidelity Investments). With NFS/Fidelity, each client's account assets are covered by asset protection insurance from the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) up to $500,000, including cash claims limited to $250,000.
For other custodians, the protection available varies in each case. Please contact Liberty Asset Management for questions specific to other custodians.
Please note: SIPC coverage does not protect against a decline in the market value of securities. Therefore, it is wise to discuss your tolerance for risk with your investment advisor and invest responsibly.
How do I receive information about my account?
You will have access to account information through a variety of methods including:
- 24-hour secure access via the Internet to the custodian's site
- Monthly statements from your custodian
In addition, Liberty’s advisors are available during business hours to address any questions that arise.
How is Liberty Asset Management paid for services?
Liberty is paid an annual percentage of assets billed quarterly based on the balance in the account at the end of each quarter. Clients can choose to have the fee deducted from their account or pay by check.
If I have a retirement account, can I have management fees taken from the account? Is this considered a distribution?
Yes, you may have your management fees taken directly from your retirement account. Management fees are not considered an IRA distribution and are not subject to taxes or penalties.
Why should I consider using an investment advisor?
Industry research continues to reflect that the average investor has a difficult time matching market indexes or beating inflation with a “go it alone” approach. An investment advisor offers expertise in asset allocation and wealth management, focuses on understanding the needs of each client, and then develops a portfolio that accomplishes those objectives. As a result, investors can spend time pursuing their own interests instead of researching investment options.
An additional benefit is that advisors often have access to experts and products that individuals would generally not be able to access. As a result, advisors are often better equipped with information related to investment decisions.
How do I go about getting started?
Liberty Asset Management looks forward to working with you! To get started, please contact us toll-free at 800.569.0413 or locally in Willowbrook, Illinois at 630.789.9653 to schedule a complimentary introductory meeting. At the meeting, we will discuss your financial needs and determine if you would benefit from our services. From there, we will move forward in discussing your financial goals and objectives,which includes establishing your risk tolerance. The next phase would involve developing a personalized investment plan and the subsequent implementation of the strategy.