FAQs

What are the advantages of a small specialized firm like Andina compared with larger national and global investment firms?

There are a variety of advantages that we would be happy to discuss with you. For example, we are interested in helping families that are still building wealth through their businesses and occupations and do not presently have large investable assets. In our opinion, this is the best time to craft and implement strategies that will hopefully lead to the maximization of long-term after-tax returns. We also offer a wide range of investments strategies and opportunities. Finally, when you work with Andina, you receive a high touch coordination of wealth management and strategy building.

Do you need to manage all of our assets?

Andina does not need to manage all of your assets in order to add significant value. It is essential, however, that we have an awareness of your complete financial picture in order to craft plans that complement your other assets in a total portfolio. Other family offices can use some of the elements that Andina has to offer, that may be difficult to craft on their own.

Can I still work with my present tax and legal advisors?

Yes. But if we agree that other professionals with specialized skills are required to supplement the team, we would be happy to provide introductions.

How does Andina work with me to develop a planning and investment strategy that meets our needs?

Our first and highest priority is to clearly understand your goals and to obtain a complete awareness of your current situation. Client objectives drive planning strategy and establish the parameters for investment portfolios. For example, imminent significant events such as college for children and retirement help us establish liquidity needs inside an investment portfolio. Understanding the dynamics of your family relationships impacts our approach to estate planning and family governance. Identifying your ideal retirement lifestyle contributes to the development of a retirement distribution system. How well we know our clients is directly correlated with how well we plan for them.

Do you have special approaches for advising professional athletes. actors, performers and other highly compensated individuals with potentially short, high-income careers?

Yes, a person who pursues a career with a potentially shorter number of high income years requires specialized planning. We help educate these individuals about how to create and manage current budgets while creating long-term plans for financial independence. We often act as a buffer between our clients and outside influences that may throw these clients off track in reaching their true objectives.

Can you help me organize all my financial documents and provide a clearer picture of my investments?

Yes. We provide a secure web portal for all interested clients. This portal consolidates client assets, liabilities, and investments whether managed by Andina or not. In addition, an electronic vault is available to gather all important financial documents (deeds, trusts, tax returns, etc.) into one secure location. We can also arrange the payment of bills to simplify cash flow management.

How much money should I save for retirement?

This is the most common question we get asked by clients and one of the most complicated to answer. What we can say for sure is that we will collaborate with you to get a full understanding of your complete portfolio and balance that with your retirement goals.

When can I retire?

Much like the question above, the answer is complicated and bears a full discussion to get a complete picture to work toward. Getting these hard questions answered with the knowledge you have at the moment is key to developing your long-term plan. It is important to remember that adjustments can be made as the picture changes.

How do you get paid?

Andina Advisors charges a financial planning fee and/or an asset management fee dependent on the required services.

What safeguards are in place to protect my investments?

Your investment accounts will be custodied at one of the major independent custodians. (Charles Schwab & Company, using Schwab Advisor Services). You will have 24-hour online access to view accounts. As an SEC-registered advisory firm, we are held to the highest level of government scrutiny and regulation.

How can I view my accounts?

We provide a client portal that will aggregate your accounts and allow you 24-hour online access.

How often will I meet with Andina to review my portfolio?

We will meet at least annually to review your portfolio and your financial planning needs, and more, if required.

How many years of experience do you have?

Our partner group has 100-plus years of collective industry experience.

What are your credentials/certifications?

  • ®CFP – Certified Financial Planner
  • CPA – Certified Public Accountant
  • CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst
  • CPWA – Certified Private Wealth Advisor
  • CEPA – Certified Exit Planning Advisor
  • CHFC – Chartered Financial Consultant
  • AEP – Accredited Estate Planner

Who will oversee my account?

You don’t need to worry about having a single point of contact. Your service team will consist of several Andina team members. Our firm structure is designed to have multiple sets of eyes on each client household to provide the highest level of service.

How should I organize correspondence I receive from custodians and different investments?

You will receive electronic/paper correspondence from various different sources as part of your portfolio management. Each of these documents will be saved in digital format by the provider. It is not necessary for you to maintain physical copies unless that is your preference. Andina Advisors can also provide copies at your request.

Why Andina Advisors?

Andina Advisors offers comprehensive financial planning and in-house portfolio management. We take our fiduciary responsibilities to heart with our independent advisory services and experienced, credentialed advisors.