Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  What is an Investment Advisor?
A.  An Investment Advisor is an investment professional that works for you to create an investment portfolio that is best suited to meet your individual needs. Of course not all Investment Advisors are created equal. It is important to choose an Investment Advisor who can meet your specific needs and deliver solid returns with good service.

Q.  What are the advantages of becoming a Mainstay Capital Management client?
A.  Your account will be managed by a professional money manager. We monitor the financial markets every day and regularly review your portfolio to insure that an optimal blend of investments is being used to meet your individual goals. This provides our clients with many benefits, including more time to pursue what really interests them.

Q.  What makes you different from many others who offer similar services?
A.  We have no conflicts of interest that could adversely affect your portfolio performance. Unlike many brokers and other financial advisors, we receive no compensation from brokerages or mutual fund companies for investing in their funds. Our only goal is to find the best investments available to meet your objectives.

Q.  What is your minimum account size?
A.  Currently our minimum account size is $100,000 (for non-401k accounts), although under some circumstances we will accept accounts less than $100,000. More important, however, than satisfying a minimum account size criterion, we are looking for long-term client relationships. It is important to us to establish a relationship with our clients where we are satisfied that our investment style will meet your needs over the long run.

Q.  What approach to asset allocation and portfolio development does MCM use?
A.  Our strategy is based on a long-term disciplined approach to investing. After reviewing your Client Profile and completing the client interview process, we can develop a portfolio and asset allocation strategy to meet your individual needs and tolerance for risk. We use tactical asset allocation in our ongoing management of your portfolio. This means, as we expect changes in market conditions, we will shift your asset mix and specific investments to maximize opportunities and manage downside risk. Mainstay is a “go-anywhere” asset manager, which means we screen mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, bonds, and other securities to find the combination of investment options we feel works best at meeting the objectives of your portfolio. Mainstay also offers an "all-ETF" portfolio strategy for clients interested in this focused approach.

Q.  How do I withdraw money form my account if I need it?
A.  Your money stays at Fidelity, Schwab, or another custodian, and you withdraw it as you would from any custodial or brokerage account. In addition, accounts can be set up with check writing privileges, debit cards, and other features.

Q.  How will I know what is happening in my account?
A.  You will continue to receive trade confirmations directly from Fidelity, Schwab, or another custodian of your choice, as you do now when a trade is made in your account. You will also continue to receive regular account statements from Fidelity, Schwab, or another custodian. In addition, we will send you a detailed, easy-to-read quarterly statement showing your asset allocation, account balances, and multi-year portfolio performance. We will also include a quarterly review of the markets, our strategy, and an outlook for the months ahead. Furthermore, you still have access to your account balances and other account information at anytime using your custodian’s toll-free number or their website.

Q.  Will you provide advice or manage investments in my 401(k), IRA, and other accounts?
A.  Certainly. We will be glad to provide advice on any of your investments. We have managed account programs for all types of investment accounts including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, annuities, and non-retirement accounts.

Q.  I have heard rolling over my 401(k) to a “Rollover IRA” can be beneficial. Do you agree?
A.  Rolling over your 401(k) account to a “Rollover IRA” is a non-taxable event that can significantly increase the investment options available for your retirement savings. For instance, the network we utilize for IRA and non-retirement accounts has thousands of investment options available. Call us toll-free at 1-866-444-6246 to discuss your eligibility for a Rollover IRA.

Q.  What are your fees?
A.  Clients pay a one-time account set up fee and quarterly management fee based on a percentage of assets under management that ranges from 0.25% to 1.40% per year (for non-401k accounts).

Q.  What are the available methods for payment of fees?
A.  Quarterly management fees are withdrawn from the account on a quarterly basis. This method of payment eliminates any “out-of-pocket” expense for our services. Quarterly management fees can also be charged to a credit card or paid by check if desired.

Q.  What if I decide to cancel my relationship with you?
A.  There is never any obligation to stay with our program. So in the unlikely event that you are not completely satisfied, you may terminate the relationship at anytime by notifying us immediately.

Q.  How do I get started?
A.  It’s easy. Simply click here for a free information kit or call us toll-free at 1-866-444-6246.

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