What does Verity mean?

The best answer comes directly from the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

1 : the quality or state of being true or real

2 : something (as a statement) that is true; especially : a fundamental and inevitably true value <such eternal verities as honor, love, and patriotism>

3 : the quality or state of being truthful or honest <the king-becoming graces, as justice, verity -- Shakespeare>

What's the difference between a stockbroker and a registered investment advisor?

Investor confusion abounds.  The fact is, independent registered investment advisors like Verity Investment Counsel are held to a higher standard than stockbrokers when it comes to putting their clients' interests first.  Unfortunately, most folks aren't aware of these vital differences.  The results of a U.S. Investor Perception Study commissioned by TD Ameritrade in 2006 found that:

• 54% of investors believed both stockbrokers and independent registered investment advisors have a responsibility to act in their best interest.  Investment advisors DO have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of their clients at all times.  Brokerage firms, however, are not fiduciaries to their customers and therefore are not required to make decisions that are solely in their customers' best interests.
• 74% of investors were not aware that only Independent Registered Investment Advisors have a fiduciary responsibility.
• 79% of investors said they would rather work with an investment advisor if they knew advisors provided greater investor protection than stockbrokers.

Except for superior performance, we have nothing to gain from choosing one investment over another.  We are not pressured to generate commissions.  We are paid directly by our clients and no one else.  That's why Verity Investment's clients never doubt that they're first on our agenda.

I'm struggling with my finances, and very aware that I could have made better choices with my money.  How do I know you won't judge me or look down on me because I don't have the money thing all figured out?

First, no one has it all figured out, because like life, the conditions that affect your finances are constantly changing.  Second, you are not alone in your struggle.  While we wish more folks had a better handle on their finances, the fact is there are too many marriages, families and communities straining under financial pressures which can be relieved.  We take absolutely no pleasure in judging anyone.  It is our promise that we will never look down on you, but will instead seek to sooth and inspire you to reach for relief starting today.  And with an eye on your potential, we will coach and educate you with sound advice on how to use practical methods to create a bigger, brighter tomorrow.

Which professional baseball players have you counseled?

Due to a non-disclosure agreement with another investment advisory firm, we are unable to disclose the names of professional athletes whom we have counseled. You can be sure that your personal information will be closely guarded in the same way. 

Do you invest your own money in the securities you recommend?

If those investments are appropriate for us, absolutely!  That's how confident we are in the quality of our advice.  We gladly invest our capital right along with our clients.

What is the minimum amount I can invest?

Our minimum for Wealth Management Services is $100,000 in liquid assets. For those with less than $100,000 in assets, we offer Financial Advisory Services.

Are your fees tax deductible?

Yes, investment advisory fees are tax deductible for those who itemize their deductions. The IRS categorizes these fees as miscellaneous deductions, and the deduction kicks in for amounts above 2% of your income.

What do you charge for your services?

The cost of our Financial Advisory Services is based upon the value of your liquid assets, with initial fees running between $100 to $400, and monthly fees thereafter of $35 - $95.

The cost of our Wealth Management Services is based upon assets under management, and ranges from 0.75% to 1.00% per year, scaling down for larger portfolios.  All other services, provided on a project basis, are offered at $250 per hour.

Since investment advisory fees are tax deductible, the after-tax cost of our services is lower for those who qualify for this deduction.

Are my investments guaranteed from loss?

No investment beyond a savings account, certificate of deposit or U.S. Treasury bond that is held to maturity is guaranteed from loss.  However, our investment strategies, which include hedging, are quite effective in reducing downside risk.

What are clients saying about your service?

We would be thrilled to repeat the positive comments we consistently receive from our clients, but it would be against the law for us to do so on our website or any other advertisement. Specifically, the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 states that it is unlawful for "any investment advisor registered under section 203 of the Act [15 U.S.C. 80b-3], directly or indirectly, to publish, circulate, or distribute any advertisement which refers, directly or indirectly, to any testimonial of any kind concerning the investment adviser or concerning any advice, analysis, report or other service rendered by such investment advisor...."