How do I know if I'm a good fit?
We won't really know if we're a fit until we talk about your goals and how we might be able to to help. Choosing a financial advisor is an important decision. Here are some independent ideas to consider during the selection process:
We also understand it can be an intimidating process to choose a financial advisor and you have so many options. At Glownia Financial Group, we want to provide all the resources you would need to make an informed decision.
Here is what you can expect from an introductory meeting:
Why should I partner with Glownia Financial Group?
Many advisors claim expertise, but you'd be surprised at how many outsource the management of your money to people they've never met. We've dedicated our entire careers to continuing education and believe we are qualified to guide your investment journey.
We're also a multigenerational, family-based team. In other words, we plan to be around for you and your children. You don't have to worry about our team retiring before you!
Lastly, we've been independent since 1991. That means we work for YOU, not a branch manager in some ivory tower.
See the full list of our differentiators and value proposition here:
How we're different
What are your qualifications?
At Glownia Financial Group, we work to ensure we are qualified to meet your financial needs. In addition to our experience, our staff holds the following credentials:
- FINRA licenses held with LPL Financial: FINRA SERIES 3,7,24,63,65, 66
- James Glownia – FINRA Series 3,7,24,63,65
- Rob Glownia – FINRA Series 7,66, 24
- Tyler Finney – FINRA Series 7, 66
- Certifications and Designations:
- James Glownia – Certified Fund Specialist (CFS)
- Rob Glownia – Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
- Tyler Finney – Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and holds his certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM®)
Did you know there are more than 100 different financial advisor certifications and designations? It can be overwhelming to understand the differences and not all are created equally.
You can learn more about our credentials from the 3rd party links below:
- The Top 3 Financial Advisor Credentials (investopedia.com)
- Why Choose a CFP® Professional | CFP - Let's Make a Plan
- Why Hire a CFA® Charterholder? (cfainstitute.org)
- Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) Definition (investopedia.com)
Where are your offices? Do you offer virtual meetings?
We have physical offices in Western New York, Central Virginia, and Southwest Florida. We also offer phone and virtual meetings.
Our physical office locations are as follows:
- 8340 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221
- 4312 Grove Ave Suite B, Richmond, VA 23221
- 22988 Lone Oak Dr, Estero, FL 33928
Curious to see how we might fit into your financial planning needs? You can schedule a complimentary meeting (virtual, or in-person) here:
Is it cheaper to do this myself? Do I really need an advisor?
There are so many resources available for do-it-yourself (DIY) investors. However, DIY investing doesn't always equate to being the less expensive option.
Consider the example of a home renovation project: There are enough resources online to learn how to renovate a kitchen without the help of a construction professional.
However, the renovation would have taken time, been stressful, and the crown molding joints for the kitchen cabinetry might not be cut to perfection.
On the other hand, there are instances that the DIY homeowner is forced to hire a construction professional after making a big mistake!
Our Value Proposition: We are like your general contractor that shows up on time, returns your calls, and builds a customized retirement plan based on your input. We also communicate with the other professionals involved in your financial life, such as your accountant, estate attorney, etc.
With the combination of CFP® and CFA® designations, we have expertise in structuring portfolios aimed at working towards your specific goals. We would be intentional about the amount of risk you were taking, and your investment mix would be carefully determined by your cash flow needs and risk tolerance.
Summary: We work with people who understand the value of their time, and our expertise. Our clients are people that want to delegate the management of their investments so they can focus on the things that matter most to them.
Unfortunately, many investors find out that "free advice" can be extremely expensive...
In our opinion, your retirement plan and family’s legacy isn't a DIY project. As such, it shouldn't be at risk of a 1-800 call center advisor with only a few years of investment experience.
Do you have account minimums? Who is your typical client?
As mentioned above, there are many variables to consider when choosing a financial advisor. Similarly, there are many variables that we consider when accepting new clients.
We typically work with people who have diligently saved at least $1,000,000 of investable assets, but each situation is unique.
If we decide to work together, it will be because you:
- Understand the success of your retirement is too important to manage on your own
- Want a valued partner to give comprehensive advice for all aspects of your financial life
- Understand the value of your time, and our expertise
Importantly, we will meet with the friends and family of existing clients regardless of their account size or needs. It's an honor to do so and we are always grateful for client referrals.
For additional information, you can see our typical client here:
