what is the difference between a stockbroker and a financial planner?
A stockbroker is an individual who holds a series 7 securities license which requires passing an examination showing competency in the regulations and fundamentals of the securities industry. Although some stockbrokers have financial planning certification, the vast majority make their living by buying and selling various investments for customers and do little in the way of providing advice on financial issues outside of the area of investments. A Certified Financial Planner™ requires passing an examination showing competency in insurance, estate planning, retirement planning, income taxation and investments. Victor Wendl, president of Wendl Financial Services, Inc. is both a Certified Financial Planner™ and holds a series 7 securities license.
how does wendl financial services, inc. charge its customers for the services it provides?
Our firm has established itself as a fee based financial planning and asset management firm in the South County area. Our fee structure is 1% of assets under management for accounts $250,000-$500,000, 0.75% for accounts $500,001 - $1,000,000 and 0.5% for accounts $1,000,000 and above in size. Given our time commitment to existing customers, I am currently not taking on any new accounts below $250,000 in size.
why should i choose an independent investment advisory firm such as wendl financial services, inc. over a large investment house whose name i recognize immediately?
The criteria one should use to go with one investment advisor over another has more to do with experience and credentials rather than brand recognition. Many of the independent investment advisors in the St. Louis area are some of the most experienced and well respected in the industry. Many have chosen not to work for a large firm because of a desire to give uncompromised advice to their clients. By working for a large firm, some advisors feel pressured at times to recommend certain products that were not suited for their clientele. Many people after choosing an independent investment advisor feel they receive better service because their dealing with the owner of the firm who is loyal to his customer base rather then some employee working in a large firm.
what kind of protection does my account have from theft and bankruptcy?
Each account is insured by SIPC up to $500,000 with additional private insurance on top of that for larger accounts. Insurance does not protect investors from losses in their account due to market fluctuations. The insurance only provides protection from theft and bankruptcy of assets held in the account.
can my account lose money?
Unlike a CD at a bank, the account is not insured against loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. We make every effort to analyze your tolerance for risk and take that information along with your age to make recommendations that are appropriate, but this does not guarantee that a loss of principal can occur.
what is the investment philosophy of Wendl Financial Services, Inc.?
Victor Wendl, MBA, CFP®, ChFC has a value investment style when it comes to purchasing securities for its client base. The two major styles of investing are growth and value. Growth investors are looking for stocks with large increases in sales and earnings over the recent past. They are less concerned about the price paid for a stock provided the momentum in sales and earnings continues driving share prices higher. A value investor looks for stocks that are low in price relative to the underlying earnings and assets of a company. Stocks that are artificially depressed in price due to negative reports in the financial press or a general trend lower in the overall market are prime candidates for value investors to purchase. Although each style, both growth and value, go in and out of favor over secular time periods, the value investment style has shown above average performance over long time periods. After a decision is made based on an individual's age and tolerance for risk as to what percentage of assets should be allocated to stocks, money under management at Wendl Financial Services, Inc. will be biased in the value investment style.
