Click HERE for Free Retirement Guides on Social Security, Taxes, and more!

Get In Touch Let’s Talk Numbers — and Dreams

Finding the right retirement for you begins with a “hello.” Contact us today and start solidifying your financial future.

Contact Us

Got financial questions? We're here to help. Tell us a little about your unique situation and take the first step toward the retirement you've always envisioned by scheduling a strategy session.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to the Greystone Wealth Management FAQ page. As an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) focused on retirement income planning, tax strategies, and fiduciary advice, we believe in complete transparency. Below are the answers to the most common questions we receive from prospective and current clients.

1. Where are my assets held?

Client assets are held with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., an independent third-party custodian. While Greystone Wealth Management manages client portfolios and financial planning strategies, Schwab provides custody of assets, account reporting, and account protection services. We never have direct access to your money, only the authorization to trade and manage it on your behalf.

2. Are you a fiduciary?

Yes, absolutely. As an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), Greystone Wealth Management is legally and ethically bound to act as a fiduciary at all times. This means we are required to put your best interests ahead of our own, disclose any potential conflicts of interest, and provide advice that aligns strictly with your financial goals. We do not sell proprietary products or earn hidden commissions on the investments we recommend.

3. How do you get paid?

We are a fee-based advisory firm. Our compensation is straightforward and transparent, typically based on a percentage of the Assets Under Management (AUM) that we oversee for you. This aligns our interests with yours—when your portfolio grows, our compensation grows, and vice versa. We will clearly outline our fee structure during our initial strategy session before you sign any agreements.

4. Who is your typical client?

Our expertise is specifically tailored for individuals and families who are approaching retirement or are already retired. They typically seek a comprehensive strategy that coordinates their investments, minimizes their tax burden, optimizes their Social Security, and ensures a durable income stream for the rest of their lives. We specialize in transitioning wealth from the "accumulation phase" to the "distribution phase" safely.

5. What is the WISE Blueprint™?

The WISE Blueprint™ is our proprietary framework for comprehensive financial planning. It stands for Wealth, Income, Strategy, and Estate. We use this system to ensure no stone is left unturned in your financial life, coordinating your investment growth, retirement income streams, tax mitigation strategies, and legacy planning into one cohesive, actionable plan.

6. How do you approach investment risk?

We utilize the "Fiscal House" framework to build resilient portfolios.

  • The Foundation: Protected assets and guaranteed income sources (like Social Security or pensions) to cover your essential living expenses.
  • The Walls: Durable income-producing investments that provide stability and cash flow.
  • The Roof: Growth-oriented assets designed to outpace inflation and grow your wealth over the long term.

This structure ensures you have the liquidity you need for today while protecting your purchasing power for tomorrow.

7. Do you help with tax planning?

Yes. We believe that it's not just about what you make, but what you keep. We use advanced tools like Holistiplan to review your tax returns, project future tax liabilities, and implement proactive strategies such as Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and optimized withdrawal sequencing to minimize your lifetime tax burden.

8. How often will we communicate?

We believe in high-touch, proactive client relationships. At a minimum, we conduct comprehensive annual reviews to update your financial plan. However, our communication is ongoing. We provide regular market updates, proactive tax planning outreach, and we are always available to answer your questions as your life circumstances change.

9. What happens in the initial consultation?

Our initial consultation is a no-pressure, educational strategy session. We will ask questions to understand your current financial situation, your retirement goals, and your values. We will explain our process, how we can help, and determine if we are the right fit for each other. If we aren't the best firm for your specific needs, we will happily point you in the right direction.

10. How do I get started?

Getting started is simple. You can schedule a complimentary strategy session directly through our website using Calendly. We look forward to learning about your vision for retirement and showing you how Greystone Wealth Management can help you achieve it with clarity and confidence.