Question 1

Are you a Fiduciary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are obligated to act in your best interest always.

Question 2

How are you compensated?

Accepted Answer

We are a Fee-Only firm. This means we are only paid by you, the client. No commissions, kickbacks, 12b-1 fees, or hidden expenses. Please see our posted fee schedule for details.

Question 3

What is “Goals-Driven Planning”?

Accepted Answer

Our “Goals Exchange” matrix allows clients to map their priorities. Perhaps they can leave a larger estate or retire earlier. This maps goal priorities relative to each other and relative to the risk required to have confidence in exceeding them.

Question 4

What does “fiduciary compliance” mean?

Accepted Answer

Clients today are informed and expect their financial advisor to act in their best interests. The GDX360 platform promotes fiduciary responsibility and strengthens compliance. It puts your best interests first.

Question 5

What is the GDX360 process?

Accepted Answer

Wealthcare’s patented process is designed to help you reach your life goals, while minimizing unnecessary investment risk or needlessly sacrificing your life now. Our process is dynamic and continual, as is life, and it will guide you through the entirety of your financial life.

Question 6

When should I start taking Social Security?

Accepted Answer

The right time depends on your health, other income sources, and whether you’re married. Taking it early (age 62) reduces your benefit permanently, while waiting until 70 maximizes it. We help you model different scenarios to find the optimal timing for your situation.

Question 7

Should I consider a Roth conversion?

Accepted Answer

A Roth conversion moves money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, paying taxes now to avoid them later. It can be a powerful strategy — especially in lower-income years before Social Security or RMDs kick in. We’ll help you determine if and when it makes sense.

Question 8

What if I already work with an Advisor?

Accepted Answer

Congratulations. Understanding the need to work with a financial professional is a major step to accomplishing your financial goals. If you feel that you are in need of a fresh set of eyes on your circumstances or if you are no longer receiving the level of service you deserve, we would be more than happy to engage in a conversation. We may simply confirm you are in good shape or we may be able to point out some opportunities for improvement. Either way, it can never hurt to get a second opinion.

Question 9

Do you offer customized portfolios?

Accepted Answer

We understand the importance of aligning your investments with not only your life goals but also your life values. In addition to our optimized market-based models, we can build robust portfolios that meet Socially Responsible & ESG criteria, Halal screened portfolios, biblically principled models, or other customized portfolios unique to your specific needs.

Question 10

What is Your Comfort Zone®?

Accepted Answer

Comfort Zone is a virtual display of your progress toward your life goals. Goals are not fixed data points. With this in mind, GDX360 is designed to capture each individual’s life goals, assets, risk profile and investment choices. It enables you to define “Ideal” and “Acceptable” levels for their goals. These represent what you want, “Ideal”, compared to what you’ll accept, “Acceptable”. Comfort Zone gives you an interactive, visual representation of how you’re tracking toward the goals you’ve established.

Question 11

What is “Household Level Rebalancing”?

Accepted Answer

Many firms manage portfolios at the account level. For a household with multiple accounts, account-level rebalancing requires more trades, as each account is traded to reset the account’s allocation. More trades = more costs. Not Wealthcare. We manage portfolios at the household level. This gives us greater flexibility when it comes to trading and rebalancing because it provides us with the opportunity to lower trading costs and reduce tax impact.

Question 12

What is Tax Alpha Investing?

Accepted Answer

GDX360 focuses on tax efficiency for our clients. We look to cut trading costs, fees and taxes using asset location and other smart tax strategies, along with household-level portfolio management. You get the possibility of fewer positions, lower trading costs, reduced taxes and advanced tax strategies that can improve after-tax wealth.

Question 13

What is an RMD and when do I have to take it?

Accepted Answer

A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the amount the IRS requires you to withdraw from your retirement accounts starting at age 73 or 75. Failing to take your RMD on time results in a significant tax penalty. We help you plan your RMDs to minimize taxes and avoid surprises.

Question 14

How much money do I need to retire?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your lifestyle, expenses, healthcare costs, and when you plan to retire. We build a personalized retirement income plan that shows exactly what you need and whether you’re on track.

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