FAQ
Working with an Advisor
Whether you’re going through the loss of a loved one, a divorce, planning for retirement, or a career change, Francis Financial understands the challenge of life-altering events for women. We offer an oasis of solid financial guidance for many clients in the midst of stressful life transitions.
Our highly-skilled and caring team of financial professionals pledge to be there for you with sound financial advice throughout both the ups and the downs:
- Loss of Loved One—With a mission to relieve stress, encourage healing and build a secure financial future, we assist clients with estate planning, tax planning, investments, and more after losing a loved one.
- Divorce— As a top-rated divorce financial advisory firm, we help clients with valuable information on financial issues related to divorce, including taxes, retirement plans, health insurance coverage, and more.
- Inheritance—Francis Financial helps clients make the most impact with inherited assets through thoughtful, expert guidance to help ease that overwhelming feeling that can accompany the arrival of a large sum of money.
- Retirement—As one of the top financial advisory firms in the United States, Francis Financial works to ensure our clients can retire confidently and on their own terms through expert wealth management.
- Career Change—Although changing careers can be rewarding, it also involves important financial decisions, and Francis Financial helps ease the transition by providing expert financial advice.
The firm maintains a boutique feel with a personalized approach that differentiates us from many other financial advisory firms. We have a low client-to-advisor ratio, which allows us to be uniquely attentive to our clients, and give them financial peace of mind even in the midst of turbulent changes in their lives.
Our award-winning, team was founded and is led by powerful, motivated, and experienced women. We are somewhat of a unicorn in the industry, as only 9% of financial advisory firms have a female owner.
Each of us have a deeply personal reason why we were drawn to do this work. Our passion and dedication are some of the many reasons why our clients love working with us. We have effective, long-lasting relationships with our clients and a client retention rate of 98%, which is far above the industry average.
Yes and yes! We are independent, fiduciary and fee-only. We have taken a fiduciary oath to keep your interests first.
The core principles that we follow as a Fiduciary are to put you, our client's, best interests first. Act with prudence, that is, with the skill, care, diligence, and good judgment of a professional. Do not mislead you, our client —provide conspicuous, full, and fair disclosure of all important facts. Avoid conflicts of interest and fully disclose and fairly manage.
The White House’s Council on Economic Advisors found that non-fiduciary advice costs investors an extra $17 billion per year. Being a fee-only wealth management firm means that we never receive any type of commission or kickback from an investment or insurance product. You can rest assured that if we are making a recommendation to you, it is because it is in your best interest. We are committed to you, and to helping you live your very best life!
You can view our profile on NAPFA HERE and our advisor profiles on the Fee-Only Network here:
Stacy Francis
Avani Ramnani
Natalie Colley
Shweta Lawande
We will schedule your Progress Meetings based on your availability and preferred times. We meet with most of our clients 3-4 times per year. Progress meetings are crucial to the success of our relationship, and the quality of the work we produce together.
Our clients love meeting via Zoom, but phone calls are great too! With advance notice, we can accommodate in-person meetings. Our clients tell us that the Progress Meetings are fun and often a big stress reliever, confirming that they are financially on track.
During Progress Meetings, we will discuss any new developments or changes in your financial situation, review your financial-plan goals, and go over your portfolio allocation and most recent investment report. The best part of our job is attending these meetings and being able to connect with you and support you.
Yes! We will work in tandem with any professionals who are already providing guidance in your life. With your permission, we can exchange information and ideas with your team to optimize the advice we provide to you. Your team might include an accountant, estate planning attorney, property and casualty insurance agent, as well as other professionals such as life, disability, long-term care, and health insurance experts.
Over the last two decades, Francis Financial has also built trusted relationships with professionals you may need along your financial journey. We are happy to be a resource for you if you need help building your team of smart and caring professionals!
No. We work with clients on the east coast, west coast and throughout the country, as well as with clients in Asia, Europe and around the world. Technology allows us to meet with you via Zoom!
No. There is no fee for your initial meeting with our Francis Financial advisors. In this meeting, we will answer any questions you may have and help determine if we are the right advisor for you.
Investment Management Support
Financial Planning Support
Yes! Are you halfway to retirement and need a solid plan? About to change jobs or have a pending marriage or divorce? Saving for a child’s education? We will build you a customized financial plan that will help you reach your goals and map out your financial future until age 95, and beyond.
Francis Financial has been recognized six years in a row as one of the “Top 10 Financial Advisors in New York, ” beating out thousands of other wealth management firms. This award was bestowed upon us in recognition of our comprehensive approach to financial planning and our robust investing strategies. We are here to advise you on any aspect of your life that is touched by money. We consider all the topics outlined in the chart, below, to ensure that you have a secure financial future.
Your financial plan is a living, breathing document. For most of our clients, we update their financial plan each year.
Yes! Our interactive, easy-to-use software solution will allow you to stay on top of your finances as never before. You will be able to see all your bills and money at a glance on your custom Francis Financial client dashboard. You can effortlessly track your spending and check your account balances in real time.
We’re committed to keeping your data secure, and use multiple safety measures, like secure encryption. We are serious about security, and work to keep your information protected.
To learn more about your Francis Financial Client Dashboard: Click Here
Francis Financial offers both financial planning and investment management. If you want only stand-alone financial planning, then we’re probably not the right fit.
Divorce Financial Planning Support
In addition to the Certified Financial Planner™ designation, our advisors are also Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professionals. A CDFA® is an expert on the financial facets of divorce and plays a critical role in making sure that you are financially secure during and after your divorce.
If you are thinking about divorce, starting the process, or nearing the end, we encourage you to reach out and set up a complimentary meeting.
If you are thinking about divorce, we can show you what your life will look like if you decide to move forward with the process. We can also introduce you to excellent matrimonial attorneys, divorce coaches, real estate professionals, tax professionals, etc. who are best suited for your situation.
If you are going through divorce, we will work hand in hand with you and your team of divorce professionals to understand how the financial decisions you make during your divorce will impact your future. We will help you envision what your financial future will look like if you choose "Settlement A" or "Settlement B," by forecasting the short-and long-term financial implications of the settlement proposal. Our goal is to give you the financial tools you need to regain your financial and emotional independence.
If you are at the end of your divorce, we will help you transfer the assets that you are entitled to over to your own accounts. We will ensure all assets listed in the divorce decree are distributed correctly, saving you from costly mistakes. We will then implement your customized investment portfolio, tailored to your new goals and life.
Getting Started
Finding a top wealth management firm to trust with your money and financial future is just as important as finding a good doctor. You want someone you can trust, who has your best interests at heart, and takes the time to get to know you. Let’s get started!
Please click on the link to our calendar or call our office at 212-374-9008, and our team will set up your initial complimentary consultation. In this meeting, we will review your full financial picture, and evaluate if we are the best financial advisor for you.