frequently asked questions
Getting Started
What is the minimum investment to work with Howland and Associates?
Howland and Associates generally requires a minimum relationship value of $500,000. This allows our team to deliver personalized portfolio management and long-term financial planning tailored to your goals. If you’re unsure whether you meet this threshold, we encourage you to contact us to discuss your situation.
Who is a good fit for your firm?
Howland works with individuals and families seeking disciplined, long-term investment management. The firm is designed for clients who want professional oversight, structured portfolio strategies, and guidance across retirement and multi-generational planning.
How do I get started with your team?
The process begins with a consultation to understand your financial situation, goals, and investment objectives. From there, a tailored investment approach is discussed before moving forward.
What should I expect during the first meeting?
The initial meeting focuses on reviewing your financial picture, including goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and current investments. The firm also explains services, fees, and how the advisory relationship works.
Investment Philosophy & Approach
What investment services does Howland and Associates provide?
Howland offers personalized portfolio advisory services, focusing on long-term wealth management tailored to each client’s financial goals and needs.
What types of investments does the firm specialize in?
Howland specializes in diverse equity portfolios, designed to align with long-term growth objectives and risk tolerance.
How often are investments monitored and reviewed?
Client portfolios are continuously monitored, with regular reviews conducted to ensure alignment with financial goals and market conditions.
What is your investment philosophy?
Our approach is grounded in disciplined portfolio management, diversification, and a long-term perspective. We focus on building portfolios designed to align with each client’s goals while managing risk through thoughtful asset allocation.
How do you build and manage portfolios?
We construct portfolios based on each client’s unique objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Investments are selected using a structured process, and portfolios are monitored continuously with periodic adjustments as needed.
How do you manage risk during market downturns?
Risk management is an important part of our process. We use diversification, asset allocation, and ongoing portfolio monitoring to help manage volatility. While markets fluctuate, we emphasize a long-term strategy aligned with your financial goals.
Do you actively trade or take a long-term approach?
We primarily follow a long-term investment approach. Portfolio adjustments are made when appropriate based on changes in market conditions or your personal financial situation.
Retirement & Financial Planning
Does Howland provide retirement planning services?
Yes. We help clients plan for retirement by aligning investment strategies with income needs, time horizons, and long-term objectives. This may include evaluating savings strategies, income planning, and portfolio adjustments over time.
Can Howland help with estate and legacy planning?
Yes. The firm works with clients on estate planning strategies, family wealth transfer, and trust account management.
How do I know if investment advisory services are right for me?
This depends on your financial situation, goals, and complexity of assets. Howland encourages discussions to determine if professional advisory services align with your needs.
How do you help clients prepare for retirement income?
We work with clients to develop strategies designed to support sustainable income throughout retirement. This includes evaluating withdrawal strategies, asset allocation, and other factors that may impact long-term financial security.
Can you help reduce taxes in retirement?
We consider tax efficiency as part of the overall investment strategy. While we do not provide tax advice, we often coordinate with your tax professional to help align investment decisions with your broader financial plan.
Fees & Transparency
How are your fees calculated?
Our investment advisory services are typically provided for a fee based on a percentage of assets under management. This structure aligns our interests with yours, as our compensation is tied to the value of the assets we manage on your behalf.
Do you earn commissions on investments?
No. Howland and Associates is a fee-only firm. We do not receive commissions for buying or selling investment products, which helps reduce potential conflicts of interest.
Are there additional costs I should be aware of?
In addition to our advisory fee, clients may incur costs associated with custodians, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds. These are disclosed and discussed so you understand the total cost of investing.
How do fees impact my investment returns?
Fees and costs reduce overall investment returns over time, whether your portfolio gains or loses value. Understanding total costs is important before investing.
How do your fees compare to other advisors?
Fee structures vary across the industry. We encourage prospective clients to compare services, transparency, and long-term value when evaluating advisory firms.
Client Experience
Will I have a dedicated financial advisor?
Yes. Clients work with a financial professional who serves as the primary point of contact for investment and planning discussions.
How often will I communicate with my advisor?
Howland provides ongoing communication and periodic portfolio reviews, ensuring transparency and alignment with your financial goals.
What should I ask during my first meeting?
Common questions include:
- How will my investments be managed?
- What fees will I pay?
- How does your experience apply to my situation?
How often will we review my portfolio?
We monitor portfolios on an ongoing basis and conduct regular reviews with clients. The frequency of meetings can vary based on your needs and preferences.
Will I have a dedicated advisor?
Yes. You will work directly with a financial professional who understands your goals and serves as your primary point of contact.
How can I track my investments?
Clients typically have access to account information through their custodian, allowing them to review holdings, performance, and transactions.
Do you collaborate with my CPA or estate attorney?
Yes. We often work alongside your other professional advisors to help ensure your financial strategy is aligned across investments, taxes, and estate planning.
Trust, Credentials & Compliance
What does it mean that you are a fiduciary?
As a fiduciary, we are obligated to act in your best interest when providing investment advice. This standard guides our recommendations and client relationships.
Does the firm have any conflicts of interest?
Howland mitigates conflicts by:
- Following a Code of Ethics
- Maintaining compliance policies
- Aligning investments with client interests
Do financial professionals at Howland have disciplinary history?
No. The firm states that there is no legal or disciplinary history for its financial professionals.
How can I verify the firm’s credentials?
You can verify credentials through:
- SEC resources (Investor.gov)
- AdviserInfo.sec.gov database
What licenses and qualifications do your advisors hold?
Our team includes experienced financial professionals with relevant licenses, education, and industry credentials. We are happy to discuss these qualifications in more detail upon request.
Do you have any disciplinary history?
Howland and Associates and its financial professionals do not have any disciplinary history. You can verify this information through public databases such as http://Investor.gov .
Advanced Wealth Management
Does Howland support multi-generational wealth planning?
Yes. The firm specializes in multi-generational wealth management, helping families preserve and grow assets across generations.
Can Howland manage trust and foundation accounts?
Yes. Services include trust accounts and family foundation investment management.
What makes Howland different from other firms?
Key differentiators include:
- Fee-only fiduciary model
- Discretionary portfolio management
- Long-term, disciplined investment approach
- Personalized client relationships
Do you help with estate planning strategies?
We work with clients and their estate planning professionals to help ensure investment strategies align with long-term wealth transfer goals.
Can you assist with multi-generational wealth planning?
Yes. We help families navigate long-term financial planning across generations, including investment management and coordination with estate planning strategies.
Do you offer guidance for charitable giving?
We can help evaluate charitable giving strategies as part of your broader financial plan, often in coordination with your tax and legal advisors.
General / Educational
What is the difference between a financial advisor and a broker?
A financial advisor (like Howland) provides fiduciary investment advice, while brokers may earn commissions from transactions.
How does discretionary investment management work?
Discretionary management allows the firm to make investment decisions on your behalf, based on agreed strategies and objectives.
Where can I get more information about Howland and Associates?
You can request additional details through:
- The firm’s Form ADV
- Direct contact with their office
- SEC investor resources
What is discretionary asset management?
Discretionary asset management means we are authorized to make investment decisions on your behalf within agreed-upon guidelines. This allows for timely portfolio adjustments without requiring approval for each transaction.
What is assets under management (AUM)?
Assets under management refers to the total value of investments that a firm manages on behalf of its clients. Advisory fees are often based on this amount.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help. Contact Howland and Associates to schedule a conversation and learn more about how our investment advisory services may fit your needs.