Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process of working with SwAG?

The Southwestern Advisory Group process begins through fundamental analysis and the establishment of a documented foundation of each Client’s individual situation. We then collaborate with them to define their current goals, and objectives, so that they too can be documented with complete clarity. Once we have confirmed that the goals and objectives of each engagement are in complete alignment with the Client’s core values, our team will design, and recommend, the most advantageous strategies and solutions required to provide them with a focused path to success.

How much does it cost to work with Southwestern Advisory Group

Advised Assets will be mutually defined, and documented, for all business, institutional and non-profit engagements. For all retail client engagements, Advised Assets will be mutually defined, and documented, by calculating the Client(s) total net worth LESS their primary residence and any privately held business(es) in which they are directly involved in the day-to-day leadership, management or operations.

Our firm charges on an hourly basis for the consulting, advice, leadership and coaching services that we deliver to our Client(s). Billable time is invoiced using the following rate schedule:

  • President
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $300
    Travel Rate: $240
  • Vice President(s)
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $240
    Travel Rate: $120
  • Paraplanner(s) or Associate(s)
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $180
    Travel Rate: $90
  • Professional Administrative
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $120
    Travel Rate: $60
  • General Administrative
    Hourly Engagement Rate: $60
    Travel Rate: $30

A base annual retainer is required annually for all hourly engagements. Retainers are based on clientele’s total net worth LESS their primary residence and any privately held business(es) in which they are directly involved in the day-to-day leadership, management or operations.

Our firm will also continue to offer a “Legacy Base” annual retainer of three hundred dollars ($300) for clientele with less than sixty thousand dollars (<$60,000) in Advised Assets that also previously engaged with Southwestern Advisory Group, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., and/or Southwestern Retirement Plan Services.

In the event that multiple team members are involved in your case, our firm may charge a combined hourly rate based on the previously disclosed schedule.

Consultations that require travel will be billed according to the Hourly Travel Rates previously disclosed. Mileage will be charged at the standard IRS rate, currently $0.54/per mile. Any airfare, car rental/car service, parking and lodging will be billed at actual cost. Airfare will be economy class. Lodging will be full or limited service properties, not luxury. Car rentals will be a full size sedan; not SUV or luxury makes and models.

Excluding travel expenses, the Client(s) WILL NOT be charged more than two (2) percent of Advised Assets in year one (1) and one (1) percent of Advised Assets in future years.

How do I know if a relationship with Southwestern Advisory Group is right for me?
If you find yourself looking to make a decision regarding a goal, question or concern that effects your assets, investments, or property, a relationship with Southwestern Advisory Group can certainly help make that decision making process easier.  We offer honest answers, recommendations, or solutions that aren’t necessarily inside the scope of an “investment product.”
I have never paid advice fees, why would I pay them now?
This goes back to our transparency, there is no fine print to read with us. All firms are either charging you fees, even if this information is not verbally disclosed, or earning commissions on products that might not be in your best interest. There are always fees associated, ours are just not in fine print.

Have More Questions?

If we didn’t answer all of your questions, feel free to drop us a line anytime.