Frequently Asked Questions about Our Firm and Services

What is Mark Stempel & Associates?
Mark Stempel & Associates is a personal tax and financial planning firm registered with the States of Arizona and California as a Registered Investment Advisor. The File Number is 927-6760.

What is a Registered Investment Advisor?
An Investment Advisor is a fiduciary who has a duty of undivided loyalty to its clients and must deal fairly and honestly with them. Any person or entity that holds itself out as a financial planner must be registered. A Registered Investment Advisor is a representative of the client.

What does Mark Stempel & Associates sell?
Sound financial planning advice regarding taxes, investments, insurance, pensions, retirement, estate planning and general financial matters. We also offer tax preparation and audit representation.

Whom do we serve?
Individuals.

Who can benefit most from our services?
Anyone who has financial, tax, investment, or estate problems, or who wishes to plan prudently for his or her future. Furthermore, persons who desire a higher, more sophisticated level of financial planning services may find our program appealing and helpful.

How much money do you need to start a financial program?
There is no minimum or maximum dollar requirement. We recognize that persons with little or no assets have as much need for financial planning as those with ample assets.

What is a financial plan?
An in-depth review of your financial situation, taking into account your goals and objectives and focusing on income tax planning, asset management, estate planning, risk management, educational planning and retirement. The plan analyzes and recommends ways that you can achieve your financial objectives.

How much do we charge for planning services?
Our financial planning fees are determined by the project needed. We generally work on an annual retainer basis with a fee determined by income, assets, and complexity of the work. There are some instances where we work for clients by the project or on an hourly basis.

Do we offer money management?
Yes. But we reserve the right to select accounts. Assets may be managed by directed portfolios under a limited power of attorney, with the client retaining custody of all funds.

Are the fees tax deductible?
Yes. Section 212 of the Internal Revenue Code permits an itemized deduction for tax and/or investment advice in the miscellaneous section of Schedule A. This deduction is now subject to a 2% floor of the adjusted gross income. Clients, who own their own business, have a farm or rental property, or who buy and sell investments may also be able to deduct a portion of the fee on the corresponding schedule.

Do we sell financial planning products, such as investments, insurance, or tax shelters?
No. We are fee-only planners. Products must be purchased by clients from other sources. We will suggest investments you can make without paying commissions.

When we develop a financial planning program together, are you obligated to purchase recommended products?
Absolutely not. In fact you are encouraged to shop for the best available product.

Do we only provide complete programs?
No. Although a complete program is most likely beneficial, we can limit our advisory services to your specific needs, such as tax analysis, or estate planning.

Do we offer a tax service?
Yes. We believe income taxes are the central focal point of most financial programs. Therefore, we offer an income tax preparation service. Income tax preparation, as well as audit representation, is included under a full annual retainer agreement.

Do we provide legal services?
Included with the retainer is a simple will that is prepared by a local attorney who may or may not be associated with the firm.

What type of securities do we provide advice for?
Equity securities, warrants, corporate debt securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, municipal securities, investment company securities, US government securities, options, interests in partnerships, real estate, gold coins and alternative investments of interest to clients.

What method of analysis is used to analyze investments?
We do not use technical analysis or charting. We do use a fundamental approach, such as economic conditions, earnings, industry outlook, politics (as it relates to the investment), historical data, general level of interest rates, company management and tax benefits.

Do we guarantee investment performance?
We will only recommend investments that are appropriate for your risk tolerance, tax bracket and long-term goals. We cannot, however, guarantee the future performance of investments as this is based on too many factors outside of our control.

Will client information be kept confidential?
Yes. It is the law.

Once a plan is completed, does our relationship end?
It should not. Financial planning is a process, not an event. We offer ongoing services, periodic reviews, and day-to-day consultation if requested. Typically the most intensive work we do is in the initial year and then most clients meet with us three times a year to keep their planning up-to-date.

How do you get started?
Please click here to contact us and we will see how we can be of assistance to you. There is no charge for your initial telephone consultation.