FAQs: Answers to Your Most Important Financial Questions
What does a fiduciary financial advisor do?
A fiduciary financial advisor is legally and ethically required to act in a client's best interests, offering transparent, unbiased advice while avoiding conflicts of interest. This means putting clients’ needs first, disclosing relevant information, and selecting products and strategies that best support financial goals—not those that generate higher commissions for the advisor
How do I know if my advisor is a fiduciary?
Ask whether the advisor is a fiduciary, check their credentials (look for designations like CRPC® or RFC®), and review their fee structure.
What is financial planning?
Financial planning means evaluating your entire financial situation and developing a tailored plan to reach your short and long-term goals. It includes assessing income, spending, investments, taxes, insurance, retirement, and estate plans in a cohesive strategy.
Why do I need a financial advisor?
A financial advisor offers expertise in investment management, tax efficiency, retirement planning, and major life decisions—helping clients stay disciplined, avoid common mistakes, and optimize their financial future especially during market shifts or life transitions.
How much does a financial advisor cost?
Financial advisor fees vary by firm and by how services are delivered. Common structures include: 1.0% to 2.5% of assets managed (AUM), an annual retainer ($2,500–$10,000), hourly fees ($200–$500+ per hour), or flat project fees (typically $2,500–$15,000). Fees are based on the complexity of the client's situation and service level the client requires. We offer flat fee, retainer plus AUM and consolidated wealth management fee structures and will discuss costs clearly before you decide to work with us.
What services do you offer?
Services can include comprehensive financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, tax optimization (not preparation), risk management, 401(k)/403(b) participant account management, estate planning, education planning and charitable giving strategies. We specialize in multi-generational wealth and estate planning helping families and business owners create wealth to be passed down from one generation to the next. For business owners we offer retirement plan design such as SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA and 401(k) plans for companies in Marlton, South Jersey, and the Greater Philadelphia area and most other states we are in which we are licensed to work.
What are your credentials and experience?
Our advisors and affiliated advisors may have different credentials. Look for credentials such as BFA, CRPC, CPFA and RFC. These designations indicate advanced training, ethical commitment, and ongoing education, all of which validate expertise and trustworthiness. We have advisors with over 20 years of experience in the business.
How do we work together and communicate?
Clients typically meet with advisors in person or virtually at least annually to review plans and progress. Most clients meet with us at least twice a year and our most complex clients meet with us quarterly or even monthly. Communication can occur via phone calls, emails, video conferences, or secure client portals based on client preferences.
What is your process for creating a financial plan?
The process involves understanding your current finances, identifying goals, analyzing opportunities and risks, creating a comprehensive written plan, and conducting regular reviews to adjust as life, economic, tax or market conditions changes.
What investment strategies do you use?
Strategies are tailored to each client, focusing on diversification, risk tolerance, time horizon, tax efficiency, and specific goals. Advisors may use mutual funds, ETFs, individual securities, alternative investments, and tactical asset allocation to optimize portfolios. As independent advisors we help clients evaluate what strategies are best for their situation without bias to any particular company.
How do you protect my privacy and data?
Reputable advisors use secure systems to protect client data, comply with regulations like SEC and FINRA privacy requirements, and will explain their data handling policies and client confidentiality standards.
Do you have account minimums?
Some advisors set minimums (often $250,000–$500,000 in investable assets) while others offer flexible plans for clients at various stages of wealth, including emerging affluent or younger clients. We offer flexibility as we often work with multiple generations in a family from grandparents and parents to children and great grandchildren who may have just graduated school.
What red flags should I watch out for with advisors?
Red flags include lack of transparent fees, vague credentials, pressure to buy certain products, unwillingness to act as a fiduciary, or poor communication. Always check for complaints or disciplinary actions on SEC or FINRA sites.
How do I switch advisors or get started with Genesis?
To switch, review your agreements, notify your current advisor, and transfer assets to your new advisor or custodian. To get started with Genesis Wealth Advisor Group, schedule an introductory call or meeting to discuss goals and compatibility. Your new advisor can guide you through the paperwork and account setup process.
Do you help with 401(k) rollovers?
We help clients evaluate old 401(k) and 403(b) accounts, compare rollover options, and choose a strategy that fits their retirement plan and tax situation. We can coordinate rollovers to IRAs or new employer plans and help avoid costly tax mistakes.
Are you a financial advisor near me in Marlton, NJ?
Yes. We are an independent financial advisor located in Five Greentree Centre on Route 73 North in Marlton, NJ. We serve clients throughout Marlton, Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Medford and the surrounding South Jersey communities.
Do you offer retirement income planning in South Jersey?
Yes. We help clients across South Jersey design retirement income plans that coordinate Social Security, pensions, IRAs, 401(k)s, and other investments. Our goal is to create a sustainable income strategy so you can feel confident about your lifestyle in retirement.
Can you work with clients outside Marlton and the Greater Philadelphia area?
Yes. While our office is in Marlton and we regularly serve clients in South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area, we also work with multi‑state families and clients in other states where we are licensed, including Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. We often use virtual meetings to stay connected with clients who have moved or who split time between locations.
Can you tell me if we’re on track for retirement?
Yes. We review your current savings, investments, pensions, Social Security, and goals to estimate whether you’re on track for retirement. We then outline specific adjustments—such as changing savings rates, investment strategy, or retirement age—to help you move closer to your target.
Do you offer virtual meetings?
We meet with clients in person at our Marlton office and virtually via secure video. This allows us to serve families in South Jersey, Greater Philadelphia, and other states where we are licensed, while still providing personal, relationship‑based advice.
What areas do you serve?
We are based in Marlton, New Jersey, and serve clients across South Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area, as well as multi‑state families in other regions where we are licensed. Many clients first find us when searching for a financial advisor near Marlton, Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade or Medford.
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If you believe you could benefit from working with a financial professional, let’s review yours goals to see if you’re a good match for our practice.
Published: February 1, 2026
Date Updated: April 19, 2026