Understanding the Difference Between a Financial Advisor and a Certified Financial Planner™

Understanding the Difference Between a Financial Advisor and a Certified Financial Planner™

You more than likely have seen Financial Professionals call themselves by different titles.  And like many other consumers you may be confuse about the differences, or if there are any differences. If you have ever wondered about the difference between your friend’s Certified Financial Planner™ and your Financial Advisor, keep reading to find out. 

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Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC Partners with NMS Capital Advisors, LLC

Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC., a hybrid Register Investment Advisors located in Los Angeles; Ca. has partnered with NMS Capital Advisors, LLC (“NMS”) a leading global focused investment banking and asset management firm.

Founded in 2006, NMS Capital Advisors, LLC is a leading full service investment banking, securities and wealth management firm headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. NMS provides a full array of investment banking and advisory services including debt and equity capital raising for public and private companies, mergers and acquisitions, cross-border advisory, private equity and hedge fund advisory, valuations and fairness opinions, EB-5 capital advisory, securities brokerage and other strategic advisory services. 

Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC looks forward to working with NMS Capital Advisors, LLC to increase the depth and breath of wealth management, alternative investments, insurance and asset management services offerings. 

NMS Capital Advisors is registered broker-dealer with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are members of the following:

·      Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

·      Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB)

·      Securities Investors Protections Corporation (SIPC)

 

Heather Castle

I am originally from Virginia and grew up in Tuscaloosa, Al.  I completed both of my degrees at the University of Alabama.  My undergrad degree in Finance and then later my MBA from the Manderson Business School through their Executive MBA program. 

I started Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC because I wanted to provide ethical and approachable financial planning and investment management to individuals and business owners, concerned with their financial futures, regardless of age, sex, race, or net worth.

I've always believed clients should work with reputable, qualified, and experienced advisors.  So it was important to me to gain industry experience as well as pursuing additional industry specific designations.  I have passed the following licensing exams:

     Series 7, General Securities Representative

     Series 66, Investment Advisor Representative 

     Series 9 & 10, General Securities Sales Supervisor

     California Life, Health, and Variable Insurance (License #0K01554)

I have been in the financial services industry since 2006 and have work with many differing type of clients over the years.  One thing I know to be true, everyone wants to feel heard and cared about.  Meaning everyone I have ever worked with wants to feel like their desires, wants and needs have been heard and taken into consideration when speaking about their personal financial matters.

Many people have the same goals, they just express them differently, and then there are a few who’s view and desires are completely different.  This is one of the aspects I love about my job.  The PEOPLE!  I get to meet some many interesting people and they challenge me daily.  No day in my line of work is the same.  Today I could be planning for a family who owns a small business and tomorrow working with a women going through a painful divorce.  Listening and building financial plans and strategies around personal needs is why many of my clients have said they do business with me and have stayed with me. 

Another reason I love my job… I get to truly HELP people.  I get to make a living and provide for my family while helping others.  Over my career I have felt a need to dive deeper into financial planning and working with high net worth individuals who have greater planning and investing needs.  Listed below I have highlighted a few of the areas I specialize in:

·      Women in transition (divorce/ death)

·      Corporate Executives

·      Young Entrepreneurs

·      Small Business Owners

·      Family with Special Needs Members

·      Complex Retirement and Estate Planning Needs

Currently I live in Brentwood and really enjoy the West Side of Los Angeles.  I am actively involved with the Junior League of Los Angeles.  I have a passion for trying new things and new experiences.  So, in my free time I love traveling and scuba diving.  I also am interested in learning French, taking pilot’s lessons and dancing the tango!

Concerns Business Owner’s Should Revisit – Don’t Forget A Business Review

Concerns Business Owner’s Should Revisit – Don’t Forget A Business Review

Whether you have one employee or many, being a business owner is hard work and no matter how hard you try there always seems to be a growing list of tasks that need your attention. I both sympathize and empathize with you.  

For me personally, I started Castle Wealth Advisors, LLC because I felt there were many individuals, families, and businesses who were underserved by the investing and financial planning industry.  I wanted to provide an ethical and approachable financial planning and investment management service to individuals, families, and business owners who were concerned with their financial futures or just had a few questions, regardless of age, sex, race, or net worth.  That was very important to me and it still is today.  

The paths that leads business owners to start their own companies will vary greatly from business owner to business owner.  Sure, we started our companies because we felt there was something we could add to our industries that would be new, make a difference, or help people.  However, there is one common theme among us.  We all need help along the way to ensure we have made informed decisions with regard to our companies.  

Given today’s environment of low interest rates and the increasing volatility in equity markets, many investment portfolios are at risk and for those who own their own businesses the stakes can  be even higher.  This has caused many business owners to re-think their strategies  and goals, both personally and from a comprehensive business perspective.  

If you own your own business here are a few areas to consider:

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Estate Planning for Children Over The Age of 18??  The Answer May Surprise You.

Estate Planning for Children Over The Age of 18??  The Answer May Surprise You.

Do you were children need estate planning documents?   If your child is 18 or older, they are technically in adult.  Which means you no longer have the legal right to make medical decisions for them, access their medical records, or handle their financial matters.  Consider the implications not having the ability to make medical decisions for your child in the case of emergency or if your child becomes incapacitated.  

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Many Investors Are Finding Even More Reasons To Use 529 Plans To Help With Education.  

Many Investors Are Finding Even More Reasons To Use 529 Plans To Help With Education.  

When beginning to plan for a child’s future or when evaluating a current savings plan, many families often ask,  “What are the differences between UGMA and UTMA accounts, 529 college savings plans, and prepaid tuition plans and what should I use?”   

The key to answering this question lies first, in understanding the types of accounts available to help with saving for a child’s future along with their pros and cons. After which it’s easy to understand how the “tax cuts and jobs act.” being signed into law has made many 529 plans more attractive for parents and families.  

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How Has Your Estate Planning Been Impacted By the New Tax Law

How Has Your Estate Planning Been Impacted By the New Tax Law

Now that tax season is over.  Take a moment to ask yourself if your Estate plan needs to be reviewed.  Many individuals and families are finding they may need to check in with their financial planner and attorney to understand how the new tax law may impact their estate plan.  

An Estate plan, just like a piece of real estate, needs periodic maintenance and care to make sure it’s in good shape when you need it most. 

Provisions in the newly passed GOP tax plan mean it’s time to review a handful of key areas in your estate plan. Below are five areas you should pay attention:

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5 Retirement Saving Tips for Anyone

5 Retirement Saving Tips for Anyone

We all know the importance of planning and saving for retirement; we hear it everywhere we go.  We can point to statistics, articles, and studies that all tells us the responsibility of retirement savings is being placed more and more onto the individual worker.  While we may know this and hear it from multiple outlets, how much action are individuals and business owners actually taking?

 

Here are 5 tips to help save for your retirement that anyone can use:

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Basics of Estate Plans: A Simple Way To Understand What Happens To Your Assets

Basics of Estate Plans:  A Simple Way To Understand What Happens To Your Assets

I’m asked many times by novice and experienced investors alike, “Do I need a will?” 

“Well, it depends on what you want to happen” is my general response.  Not everyone’s situation is the same and therefore they don’t need the same estate documents.  But at a basic level I believe everyone should have an understanding of the process for wealth transfer based on the pre-death planning that has been done.

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