Frequently Asked Questions

What makes us different from other firms or advisors?

We are a fee-only financial advisor. As a fee-only financial planning and asset management firm we act as a fiduciary. We do not sell proprietary investments or insurance products, nor do we accept commissions. We work only for your benefit – putting your interests first, always.

Our services range from financial planning to investment management to estate planning—we can meet a wide range of needs under one roof. Finally, we are oriented toward providing each client the attention and service they deserve. We treat our clients as individuals and not as numbers.

What is an Investment Advisor Representative?

An Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) is an individual who works for an investment advisory firm. The primary responsibility of an IAR is to provide investment-related advice.  Vanessa L. Pearson, as an Investment Advisor Representative offers her investment advisory services through Laurel Wealth Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.  Information about Laurel Wealth Advisors, Inc., is available on the SEC's website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov or at www.laurelwa.com. Further information about Vanessa L. Pearson can be viewed here, ADV 2B brochure. 

What are the key benefits of having an Independent Investment Advisor?

In short, we strive to do what is right for you:

1. Customized guidance based on your entire financial picture.
2. A relationship that’s responsive, attentive, and personal.
3. A fee structure that is simple and transparent.
4. Your money is held by an independent custodian, not the advisor firm. 

What does being a Fiduciary mean?

A fiduciary is a professional entrusted to manage assets or wealth while putting the client’s best interests first at all times. Investment advisors who follow a fiduciary standard must disclose any conflict, or potential conflict, to their clients prior to and throughout the advisory engagement. Fiduciaries will also adopt a code of ethics and will fully disclose how they are compensated.

Where are my money and investment held at?

Client assets must be maintained in an account at a “qualified custodian,” generally a broker-dealer or bank. We utilize Schwab Institutional, a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., as the custodian of client accounts and as our primary broker. When your account is established with Schwab, you provide us with limited trading authorization on your account. This authority allows us to process trades directly in client accounts and withdraw fees when necessary.

How do I open or transfer an account to Pearson Wealth Management?

Upon reviewing your entire financial picture and helping you fit the pieces together, to open an account with us, we would need a copy of your most recent account statement and your signatures on a few Schwab forms. Schwab will take care of setting up your new account and transferring your assets to be maintained by them.