Is Lifeguard Wealth a fiduciary?
Yes, as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), Lifeguard Wealth is required to act as a fiduciary, putting our clients’ interests ahead of our own. We also disclose in writing any potential conflicts of interest that may arise. We take it one step further by being a fee-only financial advisor and are only compensated by our clients. We do not accept commissions of any kind.
Is Lifeguard Wealth a member of NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors)?
Lifeguard Wealth is a member of NAPFA, one of the preeminent organizations for fee-only advisors. Please find a link to our completed NAPFA Financial Advisor Comparison Tool document.
Are you registered with FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)?
Yes, Lifeguard Wealth is registered with FINRA. You are welcome to review our ADV here on the FINRA Broker Check website.
How does Lifeguard Wealth get paid?
Lifeguard Wealth charges an asset management fee. This typically includes assets held at third party custodians and 401k type plans. We charge fees quarterly ($3,750 minimum) in advance based on a tiered schedule as noted below:
Lifeguard Wealth Fee Schedule | Annual Fee |
| On the market value of Account up to $2,000,000 | 1.00% |
| On the market value of Account above $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 | 0.75% |
| On the market value of Account above $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 | 0.50% |
| On the market value of Account above $10,000,000 | 0.25% |
What are my all-in costs?
In addition to an asset management fee, clients pay trading commissions for any mutual fund buy or sale. These typically run $9.95/trade or less. Clients also incur expense ratios for the mutual funds they hold. These costs vary depending on the mutual fund held and are well below industry averages.
What are your qualifications?
Please refer to our biographies for details on the Lifeguard Wealth team. They can be found here.
How will our relationship work?
All clients will work with Founder and Managing Director Joe Delaney. Typically clients meet in person or via Zoom (during COVID-19) on a frequent basis. We are always available by phone or email as well and pride ourselves on being responsive to our client’s requests.
What services do you provide?
We provide a comprehensive suite of services for one fee. The services provided are discussed in great detail here.
What is your investment philosophy?
Alignment on investment philosophy is very important. We embrace an evidenced-based investment approach, and that is thoroughly discussed here.
Who is your custodian at Lifeguard Wealth?
We use Charles Schwab as our third party custodian. We believe a third party custodian, like Charles Schwab, is the best approach to safe-guarding the custody of your hard-earned assets.
Do you do financial planning?
Yes, all clients of Lifeguard Wealth will receive a comprehensive written financial plan. Creating the financial plan, helps us in selecting the appropriate asset allocation for your long term planning needs.
Do you provide a written Investment Plan?
Yes, all clients receive a written investment plan that we follow. The plan will explain in detail your asset allocation, recommended investments, and many other important details. If we recommend any changes to the plan, we will always have you sign an amendment to your written plan.
What if I wish to leave Lifeguard Wealth?
We have had very little client turnover at Lifeguard Wealth. If you are not satisfied or need to leave for any reason, we ask for 30 days written notice to wrap up the relationship, return any fees due, and we will wish you the very best. There are no fees or costs to concluding a relationship with Lifeguard Wealth.