Why We Are Different

We are “Fee-Only”

Fee-Only financial planners are not employees of insurance or brokerage companies, which allows them to provide unbiased advice based on what is best for each client.  Their fees come solely from their clients, whom they charge for their time.  Do not confuse Fee-Only with Fee-Based advisors who are pretty much stock brokers in disguise.

SMFP does not charge fees based on assets under management, which is a very expensive way of paying for advice, and can lead to certain conflicts of interest.  Investment advice and planning advice is based on an hourly basis, with regular review meetings on a schedule that works best for you.

We are a “Fiduciary”

fi•du•ci•ar•y – A financial advisor held to a Fiduciary Standard occupies a position of special trust and confidence when working with a client. As a Fiduciary, the financial advisor is required to act with undivided loyalty to the client. This includes disclosure of how the financial advisor is to be compensated and any corresponding conflicts of interest.

Zebra – photo by Grant Heimann

As a Fiduciary, Stephen Madeyski, believes advisors must receive compensation only from their clients, must disclose any possible conflicts of interest, and must be loyal to the best interests of their clients.

• Compensation – Stephen Madeyski Financial Planning is compensated solely by our clients, and does not receive any outside inducements for recommending investments or financial products. This is the true definition of being a “Fee-Only Advisor.”
• Loyalty – Stephen Madeyski Financial Planning is loyal to only his clients and will not be swayed by outside forces to recommend investments with higher commissions or payouts.
• Disclosure – People must understand how their financial advisor is being compensated and whether or not any potential conflicts may impede an advisor’s ability to provide truly independent advice. Disclosure must be made before a client works with an advisor or implements any of his or her advice.