Resources for You
The Bethesda Group is committed to improving financial literacy and helping you take charge of your financial future. Explore our resource library to read, watch, and download insights on finance and retirement. And if you ever need support during a life transition, we’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
View some of the most commonly asked questions we get about us, our firm, and our services!
How is a wealth advisor different from a financial advisor?
The terms “wealth advisor” and “financial advisor” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences in scope and services. A financial advisor is a broad term for professionals who help clients manage their money. A wealth advisor is a specialized financial advisor who provides comprehensive wealth management services for high-net-worth individuals, business owners, executives, or families with complex financial needs. This includes in-depth investment management, estate planning, tax strategies, retirement income planning, and financial planning for individuals going through high-net-worth divorce.
How are you compensated?
We are fee-based advisors. We charge a fee for financial planning and investment management, which is deducted from the accounts under management. In some cases, we recommend alternative investments or insurance, where the fee does not come out of assets under management. In those cases, we are compensated based on a commission paid by the company providing the product. We discuss our fees in detail during the first meeting because we prioritize transparency.
What are your qualifications?
The wealth advisors in our group are highly credentialed professionals with extensive experience in financial planning, wealth management, and estate planning. Our team members hold the following designations:
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), ensuring comprehensive financial planning and investment strategies.
- Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), specializing in insurance and estate planning.
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), allowing them to navigate the financial complexities of divorce.
Additionally, some of our advisors hold advanced degrees, including:
- Juris Doctor (JD), providing a strong foundation in estate planning.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), equipping them with advanced business and financial management skills.
These diverse qualifications enable us to offer well-rounded, strategic guidance tailored to our clients’ unique financial needs.
Do you work with clients outside of the Maryland/Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia area?
Yes! We work with clients nationwide, providing comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services regardless of location. Through secure virtual meetings, phone consultations, and digital financial tools, we offer the same high level of personalized service to clients across the country. Whether you’re local or in a different state, we are equipped to help you achieve your financial goals.
What is your client asset minimum?
Our client asset minimum is $500,000, which includes all investable assets such as retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs), deferred compensation plans, and equity compensation plans. If you’re unsure whether you meet the minimum, we’re happy to discuss your specific situation and explore how we can help.
The Bethesda Group Team
Our team members serving you at our office, located just outside the nation’s capital, each bring unique accreditations, backgrounds, focus areas, and experiences, which they use collaboratively to help our clients. We invite you to browse through these individual pages to learn more about each team member and their approach to their work.
Life Transitions
We Can Help You With
Getting Ready to Retire Loss of a Spouse New Child or Grandchild Inheriting Money Going Through a Divorce
Navigating life transitions can be challenging, especially when emotions run high and financial decisions must be made. During these pivotal moments, understanding your options is crucial. We recognize the financial and emotional factors at play and are committed to guiding you through every step of the process. Your concerns are our top priority, and we’re here to provide the clarity and support you need to move forward with confidence.
The Process Includes:
Initial Consultation
- Discuss financial and personal goals
- Review details of financial choices currently in place
- Discuss how we work with our clients and the services we offer
- Discuss any to-do’s
- Schedule next meeting date
Second Meeting (Data Gathering)
- Review all documents gathered from client checklist
- Identify inefficiencies, weaknesses and missing pieces
- Discover and prioritize your short and long-term goals and objectives
- Discuss any to-do’s
Third Meeting (Solution Presentation)
- Review our detailed analysis
- Discuss options and strategies
- Review/address any unanswered questions/concerns
- Begin implementation of new plan
The New Client Process
As a new client, when you begin working with The Bethesda Group’s team of advisors, we go through an in-depth process to get to know you, your family, your situation, and your personal financial objectives. There is a lot of information that we gather in order to do a thorough analysis and develop your custom plan to help you achieve your life ambitions.
Resources
As part of our core values, The Bethesda Group believes in improving financial literacy for all, and we believe you should be an active participant in your own financial success. Browse the resource library here—we invite you to read, watch, download, and learn about the basics of finance and retirement. And remember, please feel free to reach out if you need any help with a life transition!
