FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (and our answers). For more information, please contact us.

Q: Does Dopkins have a minimum portfolio size?

• A: $100,000 (however, we occasionally waive our minimum to meet distinct needs).

Q: How much does it cost to hold initial meetings with a Dopkins advisor?

• A: There is no cost. Those who take the time to learn about our distinct approach are best positioned to determine whether Dopkins is a good, long-term fit. If you do not feel that way after you meet with us, we thank you for considering us.

Q: How do you select a Dopkins advisor for me?

During initial conversations, you share your interests, objectives, background and personality, and a primary Dopkins advisor is selected who seems to best "click" with your needs. If you disagree with our assessment, you are welcome to meet with other advisors within Dopkins or you can request a specific advisor you may already know. Regardless, our family approach to investing means you have access to a wide team of Dopkins support staff as part of your relationship.

Q: Before I become a client, can Dopkins evaluate my current investments? How much will this cost?

In addition to getting to know you and discussing your personality and objectives, a Dopkins investment advisor has numerous resources to help you determine whether your current holdings are meeting your investment needs. He or she typically asks you to share your current statements, and then compiles a balance sheet that summarizes the nature of your holdings for you. If your existing portfolio is relatively complex, you may also receive a software-based portfolio analysis to help you gain a more in-depth familiarity with your current investments. For example:

Is your portfolio really as diversified as you think?

• What sort of returns have you achieved with your current holdings? What are realistic expectations for the future?
• What sort of hidden costs might you have paid? (This question can be especially telling if you are holding bonds within your fixed income assets or if you are a plan sponsor and we are assessing your retirement plan.)
• There is no cost. Your understanding of your existing holdings is critical in helping you determine whether Dopkins can add value to your investment experiences.

How does Dopkins charge for its services?

Dopkins is a fee-only investment advisor, with our fees based on a percentage of your assets that we manage. One of our investment advisors can provide you with more details. We feel a fee-based approach best aligns our interests with yours:

• A fee-only structure means the "cost clock" is never ticking during our conversations with you.
• Dopkins accepts no commissions.
• Fees are on a sliding scale, so as your portfolio grows, the percentage of Dopkins' fee decreases.
• We take a family approach to investing, typically aggregating your family's assets to determine your fees, enabling more favorable rates for all.
• There is no fee assessed for assets NOT under our management.

Does DWM hold my portfolio for me?

No. While you grant DWM Limited Power of Attorney (LPOA) to execute transactions on your behalf, you remain in control of your assets. Your individual account is held in your name at a quality custodian.

Can DWM work with either cash or current holdings?

Yes. Whether you have available cash, you plan to sell current holdings or you plan to transfer holdings in kind (without selling them), DWM will prepare the paperwork required to make it all happen. Whether your goal is to transition from current holdings into target holdings immediately or gradually, our goal is to recommend and implement an approach with which you are comfortable, to ensure that you have the confidence needed to remain adherent to your plans over the long run.

Can DWM provide access to Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) funds? How do I learn more about DFA?

You can learn more about Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) by clicking here . If you have already heard of DFA, you may be aware that it seeks to protect the reliability and manage the costs of its funds by requiring investors to access them via a select group of financial advisory firms. DWM is proud to provide DFA funds; we find that they are usually the best tool available for implementing a passive asset class investment approach for you.

Does DWM use ONLY DFA?

While DFA is currently our primary tool for constructing globally diversified, passively managed portfolios, it is by no means our only tool! Here are a few examples:

• If your fixed income requirements are significant, our Fixed Income Department can build custom bond portfolios to manage portfolio volatility and/or address income flow needs.
• If the commodities asset class is an appropriate holding for your portfolio, we seek a fund that offers the most accurate commodity exposure at the lowest cost.
• There are times when other passive vehicles such as TIPs, ETFs and index funds might be appropriate solutions for individual needs; we can help you access these resources.
• If you come to us with holdings that you do not wish to sell, your advisor can accommodate them within your overall portfolio.

I am not in the Buffalo Metropolitan region. Can DWM still be my advisor?

Quite likely. DWM already serves clients all across the country. As part of our Dopkins Family of Financial Services, our advisors frequently travel and often are able to schedule client meetings while they are in your town.

Your advisor also has a breadth of proven experience providing high-quality services via telephone or electronic communications. And of course you are encouraged to stop by our offices for a visit any time you might travel to Buffalo.

What other services does DWM provide (besides investment advisory services)? For example, do you offer financial planning, retirement planning or estate planning?

As a Registered Investment Advisor, DWM focuses primarily on helping you achieve your financial objectives via a structured, long-term approach to investing. Of course, there are many considerations integral to your investment plans that require coordinated management. You gain access to many additional resources, tools or relationships as part of our service to you. For example:

• DWM advisors routinely assist clients with retirement (or other long-term objective) planning, incorporating Monte Carlo analysis tools when appropriate.
• Your advisor periodically reviews your portfolio for tax management opportunities and helps you implement them when appropriate.
• You also can access risk management advice - incorporating tools such as life insurance and long-term care insurance when appropriate.
• Your DWM investment advisor is available for ongoing discussions about various financial and estate planning details that impact your portfolio.

For more information regarding Dopkins Wealth Management, LLC, please contact Brian G. Cannon

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