FAQ

The typical Brightscape client is looking for independent objective advice that actually helps achieve their financial goals. Our planners work with several types of individual clients ranging from: Chief Executive Officers, entrepreneurs, retired Fortune 500 executives, retired teachers, firemen and police officers, to young families buying their first home. We also work with small business owners to maximize tax deductions and enhance their own financial outlook with retirement plans.

The CFP® certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individuals who have been authorized to use the CFP® certification marks in the U.S. have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients.

A Fee-Only model facilitates objective advice because when commissions are removed the only reason an investment is recommended is that it is best for the client. We operate as a Fiduciary to our clients.

NAPFA’s definition of a Fee-Only financial planner

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) defines a “Fee-Only” financial advisor as one who is compensated solely by the client with neither the advisor nor any related party receiving compensation that is contingent on the purchase or sale of a financial product. Neither members nor affiliates may receive commissions, rebates, awards, finder’s fees, bonuses or other forms of compensation from others as a result of a client’s implementation of the individual’s planning recommendations. "Fee-offset" arrangements, 12b-1 fees, insurance rebates or renewals and wrap fee arrangements that are transaction based are examples of compensation arrangements that do not meet the NAPFA definition of Fee-Only practice. If you have questions about specific compensation arrangements, please contact the NAPFA Membership Manager.

Examples of conflicts of interest between a planner and a client include:

• Commission-based individuals working for broker/dealers and insurance agencies.
• Planners compensated by commissions on products that they recommend.
• Fee-based arrangements that allow a planner to earn both fees and commissions.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of financial advisors are sellers of financial products. Some or all of their income may be dependent upon their ability to steer clients to a limited number of the thousands of financial products available today. These advisors include stockbrokers, now euphemistically called "financial consultants", insurance agents, accountants, attorneys and most financial planners. Many clients are not aware of their advisors' dependence on selling products, or do not recognize its significance.

The fee is specific to each client. We utilize fees as a percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM), fee for service, or flat fee depending on the client’s personal situation. Cognizant of offering services for a fair price, our fees are on average -32 to -54% lower than the median asset-weighted fee for the mass affluent and affluent markets as calculated by Vanguard using data from Cerulli Associates.

The next step is to email info@brightscape.com with your name and a little bit more information about yourself. This can include your location, what is your number one concern with your finances, or whatever you choose. We will reach out and begin the conversation.

While we have offices located in Miami, Florida; Dallas, Texas; Fort Collins, Colorado; and King George, Virginia we also work with clients virtually utilizing video conferencing.