FAQ
What does a financial advisor do?
A financial advisor helps you manage your money, plan for retirement, invest wisely, and make informed financial decisions based on your goals.
At margFINANCIAL, we provide:
- Retirement planning
- Investment management
- Estate and legacy planning
- Risk management strategies
How do I know if a financial advisor is the right fit for me?
Look for experience, transparency, and a personalized approach.
A good financial advisor should:
- Understand your long-term goals
- Offer clear, honest advice
- Have a long-standing reputation in the community
margFINANCIAL has built long-term relationships with clients across all 50 states for more than 50 years.
When should I start paying attention to my financial world?
The best time to start is as early as possible—but it’s never too late.
Whether you are:
- Starting your career
- Nearing retirement
- Managing inherited assets
A financial plan helps you stay on track and reduce uncertainty.
What is retirement planning and why is it important?
Retirement planning ensures you have enough income to maintain your lifestyle after you stop working.
It typically includes:
- Investment strategies
- Social Security planning
- Tax-efficient withdrawals
- Income planning
A structured plan helps you avoid running out of money in retirement.
How much money do I need to retire?
The amount depends on your lifestyle, expenses, and retirement goals.
A general rule is to aim for 70–80% of your pre-retirement income annually, but a personalized plan provides a more accurate answer.
Is it better to work with a local financial advisor?
Yes—working with a local advisor in Wall, Totowa and Hamilton NJ offers several advantages:
- In-person meetings
- Understanding of local economic factors
- Long-term relationship building
margFINANCIAL has deep roots in the New Jersey community, offering personalized guidance tailored to local clients.
Do you have a minimum investment requirement?
We do not impose a minimum investment requirement. Our priority is to provide tailored financial advice and strategic planning to clients based on their individual needs and objectives.
What is a fiduciary financial advisor?
A fiduciary advisor is legally obligated to always act in your best interest.
This means:
- No hidden agendas
- Transparent recommendations
- Advice aligned with your goals
Why it matters
Not all financial advisors are fiduciaries. Some only follow a “suitability” standard, meaning they can recommend products that are good enough for you—but not necessarily the best or cheapest.
A fiduciary helps reduce the risk of:
- Hidden fees
- Biased recommendations
- Being sold unnecessary products
Proprietary vs. Non-Proprietary Products
Proprietary products
- Created or managed by the advisor’s own firm
- Example: a bank recommending its own mutual funds
- Potential issue: the firm may earn more by pushing these
Non-proprietary products
- Offered by outside companies
- Gives access to a wider range of options
- Typically allows for more objective recommendations
How often should I meet with my financial advisor, and do you offer virtual or in-person meetings?
- Most clients meet with their advisor at least once or twice per year, with additional check-ins during major events or market changes.
- We offer both virtual and in-person meetings, allowing us to tailor our approach to your preferences while delivering a seamless and personalized experience.
Can a financial advisor help during market volatility?
Yes. One of the key roles of an advisor is to help you stay disciplined during market ups and downs.
We help clients:
- Manage emotions
- Stay aligned with long-term goals
- Adjust strategies when necessary
What is difference between Fee Based vs Commission
- Fee-based: You pay the advisor directly (flat fee, hourly rate, or % of assets). Their compensation is mostly tied to you, not specific products—so advice is generally more aligned with your interests.
- Commission-based: The advisor earns money when they sell financial products (like mutual funds or insurance). This can create a potential incentive to recommend products that pay higher commissions.
In short:
- Fee-based = you pay for advice
- Commission = you pay through the products they sell you
What is Tax Management/ Tax Efficiency?
Tax Efficiency means investing in a way that minimizes taxes, so you keep more of your returns.
Why people miss it
Most focus on returns, not what’s lost to taxes.
Why it matters
Taxes reduce how much money stays invested and compounds over time. Even small tax costs each year can significantly shrink long-term growth.
Simple idea
- Return = what you earn
- Tax efficiency = what you keep
Do you offer virtual or in-person meetings?
Yes, we offer both virtual and in-person meetings to fit your schedule and preferences. Whether you prefer the convenience of meeting remotely or the experience of sitting down face-to-face, we’re happy to accommodate what works best for you.
What makes margFINANCIAL different?
margFINANCIAL has been serving clients across the 50 states for over 50 years with a focus on personalized service and long-term relationships.
We take the time to understand your goals and build customized financial strategies designed for lasting success.