Frequently Asked Questions
What type of clients do you work with?
Client 1st Financial works with clients who require a financial specialist to offer advice and service when it comes to planning their financial future and goals. We value developing a loyal, ongoing relationship with clients. We have a passion for working with those who have challenging yet realistic expectations and who value our advice and support as we guide them through their journey.
How do I get started with a financial advisor at Client 1st Financial?
Getting started is easy. First, schedule an introductory meeting by calling 610-841-3037 or emailing Client1stFinancial@c1fin.com. During this meeting, we ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of your principles, values, beliefs, and short- and long-term goals.
How does having a financial advisor improve my long-term financial outcomes?
Having a financial advisor helps you focus on your goals and determine the best ways to achieve them. This includes regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan to keep you on track, and being by your side when new financial situations arise to help you make better, more educated decisions.
How do you get paid?
Depending on the scope of the work Client 1st Financial performs, we are compensated by an ongoing fee or by commission, depending on what product or service is agreed upon between our team and you.
How is the advisor fee structured, and what services does it cover?
The process we utilize at Client 1st Financial helps to provide a pathway toward financial security. Depending on what we learn in our initial discovery meeting we can move forward in one of three ways:
- A focus on specific solutions
- This approach would focus more on providing specific product advice, taking care of transactional needs and any other specified concerns we uncover along the way.
Compensation for this work normally involves a commission or a fee to implement a specific product-based solution.
- This approach would focus more on providing specific product advice, taking care of transactional needs and any other specified concerns we uncover along the way.
- A focus on specific concerns
- In this approach, we would focus on creating a financial plan based on a few specific goals
Compensation for this work typically involves the collection of a fee based on the complexity and time spent on the creation of the plan and potentially a commission or fee based on the implementation of product solutions.
- In this approach, we would focus on creating a financial plan based on a few specific goals
- A focus on comprehensive financial planning covering a host of issues and objectives.
- In this approach, we would cover a host of issues and objectives outlined by the client.
Compensation for this work normally involves the collection of a fee based on the complexity of the issues, objectives and the time spent in meetings with clients and for creation of the plan.
- In this approach, we would cover a host of issues and objectives outlined by the client.
How does having a financial advisor improve my long-term financial outcomes?
Having a financial advisor helps you focus on your goals and determine the best ways to achieve them. This includes regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan to keep you on track, and being by your side when new financial situations arise to help you make better, more educated decisions.
How do I know if I’m getting enough value from the fee I’m paying?
At Client 1st Financial, we believe value comes from the confidence and clarity you gain from a well-executed plan, and the trusted relationship that supports it. You should understand why the advisor fee matters and feel confident that you’re paying it in full.
Signs of a well-spent fee are:
- Your goals are being met. The financial plan we’ve built together should align with your priorities and evolve with your life. Progress toward those goals is a strong measure of value.
- You’re staying informed. Through regular check-ins, we ensure your plan reflects life changes, market conditions, and new opportunities. When updates are needed, we make them—together.
- You feel supported and in the loop. Whether markets are up or down, we help you understand how your accounts are performing and what it means for your overall financial picture. Our job is to translate complex shifts into clear, actionable guidance.
If you ever feel unsure, we’re here to talk through it. Value is more than what’s in your portfolio; it’s knowing you have a partner who’s thinking one step ahead.
How will we measure success?
At Client 1st Financial, success is measured on a client-by-client basis. Everyone's situation is different, and we set the criteria for your success based on what you want to achieve rather than on beating cookie-cutter benchmarks or predicting markets.
At Client 1st we use several metrics to monitor all of our client portfolios' success closely. Using a goals-driven approach, you can feel confident making decisions and know there is flexibility to adapt when circumstances change.
What do you expect of me as a client?
At Client 1st Financial, we believe that a strong advisory relationship is built on mutual respect, shared goals, and open communication. Here’s what we look for in the clients we serve:
- You value expert guidance. You're seeking a trusted financial specialist to provide thoughtful, customized advice beyond what a one-size-fits-all solution can offer.
- You’re looking for a relationship, not just a transaction. Our work is rooted in long-term partnerships. We're most effective when we collaborate over time, not just for a one-time product or quick fix.
- You understand the value of our services. You’re willing and able to invest in high-quality financial advice, and you see the long-term benefits of paying an appropriate fee for professional support.
- You bring thoughtful expectations and a willingness to engage. The best results come when clients challenge us with important questions, remain open to new strategies and actively participate in the planning process.
What does it mean that my advisor is a fiduciary?
As registered investment advisors (RIAs), we are legally required to act in your best interest at all times. That means:
- No hidden commissions or product incentives.
- We fully disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
- We're committed to transparency and putting you first.
To learn more, visit here.
What is the focus of your practice?
Client 1st Financial is focused on helping you find success to help you achieve your ultimate financial goals. We do this using various products to support your retirement, legacy, philanthropic, and estate planning journeys.
Why should I work with Client 1st Financial?
We understand that you work hard for your money, and having a sound financial plan that focuses on your needs is crucial. We are passionate about serving our clients, putting their needs at the center of the equation every time. When you work with Client 1st Financial, we ensure that all your financial goals are heard, managed, and achieved above all else.
We focus on long-term success for our clients. This means there is no rush for a hurried solution or quick close. Your financial health is valuable to us, and we're here to ensure that your needs and goals are met in the short and long term.
Our team values establishing long-term relationships with our clients. Through mutual understanding and trust, we can work with you on a deeper level to structure a financial plan to get you where you want to be.
Our team works with you on cash management, helps with budgeting and debt pay-off decisions, explores different options for retirement funding education, investing for your goals, and ensuring that your family is protected from the unexpected. We also ensure that decisions consider the tax implications, both short and long-term.