APEX Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are your appointment times?
Monday to Thursday, I have three appointment times per day: 3pm, 5:30pm and 8pm. Saturday is by appointment only. Each appointment is approximately 90 minutes, with an extra hour between appointments as a buffer for possible additional paperwork needs, as well as driving time for me. I work ‘swing shift’ to accommodate Las Vegas and Henderson families who often have varying work schedules in the casino and related local industries.
2. Where are appointments conducted?
For the most part, I drive over and conduct appointments directly in the comfort of people’s home or apartment. Most of my prospective clients just find this easier, especially when a husband and wife both need to get together, often with kids in the background. Also, if financial statements and documentation are needed, there is easy access to it. If you would however prefer to have an appointment in my office, I have no problem with that.
3. How much do you charge?
Unlike some financial professionals, I do not directly charge clients a fee for financial planning advice. I do not charge an initial consultation fee, or charge an annual fee for money under management, which in the industry can sometimes be a percentage of your invested assets. Therefore, it is free to sit down with me to discuss your financial options, as well as our 'yearly financial check-ups', which we will have, assuming you become a client.
4. How are you paid?
I am paid directly by my partnering financial service companies if you decide to move forward as a client. I referred you to them: a client they didn’t have to go out and ‘advertise for’, and thus I am compensated for that. So, if you do not decide to become a client, I am not paid. However, if I impress you, regardless of whether or not you become a client, I’m assuming you will have no problem referring me to friends and family, which is how I build my business.
5. Are you going to pressure me into anything?
Absolutely not. If I cannot help you right now because you're already set financially; or there are genuine constraints holding you back temporarily, no problem. Now, that being said, the truth is that many people procrastinate, and if that’s the case, I may ‘nudge’ you a bit ~ some people just need a little ‘nudge’ :) But again, your referrals are valuable to me, and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize you willingly giving me any if you were initially impressed by me, but then I became 'too pushy'. Besides, you may decide to become a client in the future.
6. Are you legitimate? (this is Vegas after all)
I assure you I am. Firstly, my company Apex Financial Planning LLC is registered with the Nevada Secretary of State. Secondly, my agency and I have the appropriate licensure within Nevada, with our state and city business licenses being current and up-to-date. In addition (and most importantly, for your sake), I am fully insured with an errors and omission insurance policy, which is a direct benefit to you. What this means is that if for any reason I make a mistake in my financial dealings with you, you are completely covered.
7. What are you qualifications/experience?
I have a Bachelor of Economics Degree from Rhodes University in South Africa (one of the top five 'tier one' schools in South Africa), with a minor in accounting and taxation. I have over 6 years experience in the financial industry here in the United States: over 2 years experience in financial planning and 4 years experience in accounting and auditing.
8. Anything more about you?
I am 32 years old and have been in America for a decade, the past 5 of those years being here in Las Vegas. Prior to that, I lived north of Los Angeles in California. I have a little dog (a Shi Tzu), and his name is Charlie: a very warm, loving and devoted animal. While I do miss the ocean at times, I enjoy living in this town and feel settled: am grateful to be living the American dream right here in Nevada. I enjoy the access to local shows and concerts, as well as running, working out at 24 hour fitness, and hiking up at Mt. Charleston or Red Rock Canyon.