We listen before we advise
Welcome to Sterling Total Wealth Solutions
What’s your planning process?
Our process begins with an initial, complimentary meeting to allow us to get to know one another. This meeting helps us to determine if we are the best fit for your needs. Once you decide to partner with Sterling Total Wealth Solutions, we provide a detailed list of action items, personalized service schedule, and a timeline unique to your situation. Additionally, you will receive an invite to the Sterling Wealth Portal, your customized online home. This powerful tool allows our clients to organize important financial and estate planning documents securely as well as serving as the primary tool for gathering, analyzing, and monitoring your financial progress throughout our relationship. For additional information regarding the scope of our planning services and the strategies we use to better your financial life, review What We Do and How We Do It documents, or visit our Services page.
How is my plan delivered?
Through a combination of in-person meetings and online resources, we identify your goals and develop solutions to help you achieve them. We dive deep into your financial matters to gain a better understanding of everything you own and the best solutions for helping you attain your ultimate goals. In addition, we explore the often-ignored emotional side of retirement and financial planning, gaining a real understanding of the “why”, allowing you to live and retire with confidence and purpose. To learn more about how we work with you throughout every part of your financial journey, watch this video below:
What do you charge?
There are two different ways we are paid for our services. The first is an advisory fee, a flat fee that can range from $1,500 to $15,000 depending on the complexity of your financial situation. After your initial plan of action is complete, our annual ongoing fee for our advisory services is typically half of the first-year rate. For a detailed list of our service models and associated fees, please click here.
Our asset management fee is assessed as a percentage of your total assets under our care. Our tiered rate begins at 1.25 percent and is decreased at increased asset levels. Please find our tiered asset management fee schedule here.
What do I need to bring?
- Most recent tax return
- All loan statements
- Current credit card statements
- Current investment account statements
- Current bank account statements
- Any life, disability, or long-term care insurance policies
- Most recent Social Security statement
- Pension statements
- Estimated monthly budget/expenses
- Most recent paycheck stubs
How are you different from other advisors?
Short answer – our independence. Unlike individuals affiliated with a large wirehouse or investment banks, we don’t have quotas to meet or a limited selection of products. We’re business owners. Our founders, Michael Goodwin and Gordon Menard, started their careers in large corporations that focused more on profit than providing the best service possible to clients. In founding Sterling, they were determined to create a business that put the client first. We are deeply committed to providing holistic financial planning and wealth management services. We have a “fiduciary first” mindset, meaning that we always put the clients’ interests ahead of our own. In addition, we have a unique mix of a one-on-one service culture with online resources allowing you to take control of your financial future. Watch the video below to learn more about how we seamlessly integrate our services with the latest planning technology.
How secure is my information?
Who protects my assets?
Although we are independent, we are not alone. We have relationships with several key companies that allow us to have an incredible amount of autonomy while protecting client assets. Cambridge serves as our broker-dealer and registered investment advisor. They provide back office support and processing services, facilitate the purchasing of investments, and help us adhere to securities law. Clearing firms like Fidelity Clearing & Custody SolutionsSM and Pershing are responsible for trade execution, clearing, and holding client assets. For a more detailed explanation of the relationships between Sterling and its partners, please click here.
Cambridge is a member of SIPC, which protects securities customers of its members up to $500,000 (including $250,000 for claims for cash). Explanatory brochure available upon request or at sipc.org.
Who will I be working with?
Our comprehensive service necessitates a team approach for your financial planning. The entire Sterling team is dedicated to making sure your experience is friendly, personal and exceeds your expectations.
You will typically work with our advisors (Michael Goodwin, Gordon Menard, Erich Kelley, and Mark Hollis) on financial plan creation, goal setting, investment management, and ongoing plan revisions. Our Client Services Manager, Nicole Eddy, is the friendly face and voice that greets you when visiting or calling our office and is responsible for all administrative items including processing account changes, scheduling, and coordinating meetings.