Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

1. WHAT IS AN INDEPENDENT RIA?

Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) have a number of distinct characteristics that separate them from large broker-dealers. While brokers sell investment products, RIAs focus solely on advice. Independent RIAs, like us, that do not have any supervised persons that are registered representatives of a broker-dealer are unencumbered by the inherent conflicts of interest that result from earning commissions based upon product sales or investment security type.

As a fee-only firm, we have zero incentive to recommend solutions or products that are not exactly right for our clients.

In addition, RIAs provide investment and financial planning advice under a more stringent legal requirement. The Fiduciary Standard requires that an RIA have the legal obligation to act in the clients' best interest. Brokers are held to a lesser measure, called the Suitability Standard, which requires only that the broker sell investments they believe to be suitable for their clients.

As an independent firm, we answer only to our clients.

2. WHERE ARE MY INVESTMENTS HELD?

Client accounts are held and safeguarded at Charles Schwab, one of the most respected custodians serving independent advisors. Once your account is established with Schwab, you provide us with specified authorization to process trades and facilitate administration.

To begin the transfer process, the first step is to provide us with a statement from your current firm.

3. DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES?

Yes! We have relationships with best-in-class providers to provide a powerful platform that delivers the technology and wealth management resources that are of highest value to our clients.

Cooksen Wealth is independent, but certainly not alone.

4. HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Please reach out to us by completing the form on the "Contact" page, or simply give us a call!

Let's Chat