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Insights from Tom Moran,

Founder, Chief Executive Officer,
Senior PIM Portfolio Manager, Moran Wealth Management

s the financial advisory profession has grown dramatically Do you have experience working with clients similar to me?
over the past decade, investors have more choices than ever The relationship you have with your advisor is key. Finding
Abefore to how they invest their hard-earned savings. It’s someone who understands your circumstances, needs and desires
important to consider asking your current or prospective advisor ensures that your experience is based in confidence and trust.
the following essential questions to make sure that you are making What are your qualifications?
the most informed investment and advisory decisions. There are many paths to becoming a financial advisor. All of
Are you a fiduciary? these paths and certifications require stringent standard of mastery
There are two broad types of advisors: fiduciary and transaction- and ongoing education.
based. Advisors who act in a fiduciary capacity are required to What is your investment philosophy and how do you manage
make recommendations that are in the best interest of their clients. investment portfolios for your clients?
Transaction-based advisors make recommendations that are It’s important to identify how the advisor addresses factors like
suitable based on each client’s circumstances, but also frequently risk, returns, costs and tax consequences. Investment philosophy
offer financial products on behalf of a firm, and therefore must includes methodology, as well as investment vehicles – like
strike a balance between meeting sales objectives and ensuring stocks, bonds, mutual funds or ETFs – used to create your own
appropriate investments. personalized strategy.
How do I enter into a fiduciary relationship with my financial What can I expect if I work with you?
advisor? Standards of service vary greatly, so be sure to ask about the
After you enter into an advisory agreement, your advisor has frequency of meetings, interactions and accessibility. Consider
a fiduciary duty under the Investment Advisers Act, and the firm your own needs and preferences – do you prefer more hands-on or
and your Financial Advisor should explicitly acknowledge an more independence – to help ensure that it’s compatible with the
advisory relationship and obligations to you. approach being described.
How are you compensated? Answers to questions such as these can provide awareness
It is important to understand the costs associated with both about the individual you are considering, but ultimately, selecting
the services and underlying investments being recommended, a financial advisor comes down to relationship. Can you envision a
including if there are any minimums. There are generally three long-term partnership? The decision to team up with a professional
types of compensation options: advisor should be based on your own level of confidence and trust.
Fee-only: clients pay a flat fee for the advice or plan generated Tom Moran
by the advisor.
Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Senior PIM Portfolio Manager
Fee-based: advisors earn compensation based on the assets P: (239) 393.8076 | F: 239-431-5239
they are responsible to manage; they earn more when investments Thomas.Moran@MoranWM.com
values increase and less when values decrease. www.MoranWM.com
Commission: costs are based on each transaction in a particular 5801 Pelican Bay Blvd, Suite 110, Naples, FL 34108
product or investment vehicle. Moran Wealth Management was founded 30 years ago by our Chairman and CEO, Thomas Moran, and his business
Note that fees for Advisory programs for Wells Fargo Financial partner Earl Sistrunk. Today, Moran Wealth Management is one of the leading fiduciary fee-based investment firms in Florida,
and is the only Independent Florida Advisory firm ranked nationally in the Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisors(1). We
Network clients include Advisory services, performance measurement, take our role as fiduciaries seriously, and we employ a highly personalized and comprehensive approach to wealth management,
including a focus on education of investments and risks. We are proud of our practice’s growth since inception in 1990. Our
transaction costs, custody services and trading. Fees are based on the comprehensive team approach strives to ensure that our clients receive the individualized attention they deserve. Our group is
collectively owned by 17 equity partners, including additional members of the Moran family, who intend to continue the strong
assets in the account and are assessed quarterly. There is a minimum fee
legacy of financial advice and investment management for generations to come.
per calendar quarter to maintain these types of accounts. The Barron’s Top 100 Independent Advisors rankings are based on assets under management, revenue generated for the advisors’
firms and the quality of the advisors’ practices. Investment performance isn’t an explicit factor because clients have varied goals and risk
tolerances.
Note: Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN). Moran
Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN. 0621-03536
Life in Naples | April 2022 31