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Independent Financial Group (IFG) is a registered investment advisor (RIA) that provides financial planning and investment advisory services through hundreds of independent advisor representatives (IARs). It also serves as a registered broker-dealer and ranked, in fact, as a 2021 top broker-dealer by total revenue, according to Investment News.
As a fee-based operation, certain advisors at the firm can receive commissions for selling insurance and/or securities. The firm is required to act in clients' best interests, though.
Independent Financial Group Background
IFG is a privately owned firm that has been providing investment advisory services as an RIA since 2004. In 2003, it registered as a broker-dealer and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Also, IFG is a member of the Securities Investors Protection Corporation (SIPC).Independent Financial Group is a privately owned firm.
Independent Financial Group Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
According to documents it recently filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the firm currently serves the following types of clients:
- Non-high-net-worth andhigh-net-worth individuals
- Businesses
- Charities
- Corporate pension and profit-sharing plans
IFG’s account minimum requirements vary, depending on factors such as the investment strategy or program:
- AP Client, CAM Client (Design II): $50,000
- CAM Client TD (Freedom One TD) and CAM Client Schwab (Freedom One Schwab): $50,000
- Annuity Direct Advisory: $25,000
- Third-Party Asset Manager Programs: Negotiable
Services Offered by Independent Financial Group
Through its vast network of IARs and service providers, IFG can provide a variety of financial planning and portfolio management services. Based on your needs, your advisor may provide advice on some or all of the following topics:
- Retirement savings
- Estate planning
- Trust management
- Education funding
- Cash flow analysis and debt management
In addition, the firm offers various investment management programs, as outlined here:
- Advisor Portfolios (AP Client and CAM Client):This is an advisory program that offers asset allocation and brokerage services through Pershing, LLC. Investments may include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) based on your individual financial situation, risk tolerance and other personal factors.
- CAM Client TD (Freedom-One TD) & CAM Client Schwab (Freedom One Schwab) Program Services:These are investment management programs in which custodial services are provided by either TD Ameritrade Institutional or Charles Schwab. Eligible assets include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, ETNs, structured products, fixed income and other securities.
In addition, IFG can also recommend the services of third-party managers. The client would come into separate agreements with the manager.
IFG also offers annuity and variable life insurance services.
Independent Financial Group Investment Philosophy
Investment strategies depend on the IAR. Generally, the IAR will seek to design and implement portfolios that adhere to a client’s risk tolerance, financial goals and other variables.
When evaluating securities, your advisor may utilize fundamental analysis, trend analysis, technical analysis, asset allocation or economic indicators. This involves gauging the financial condition of a company by examining its financial records, its competition and other factors. The advisor may also turn to third-party market research to make investment decisions.
Fees Under Independent Financial Group
For investment advisory services, IFG charges a fee based on a percentage of AUM. That percentage may vary, depending on the advisor. But according to its Form ADV brochure, the maximum fees under most IFG investment programs is 3% per year.
The fee structure for financial planning services varies. The IAR may charge financial planning fees on a fixed-fee basis, by the hour (ranging from $100 to $300 per hour) or on an ongoing basis through a retainer agreement.
What to Watch Out For
IFGhas six disclsoures on its SEC-filed Form ADV. These are attributed to both the firm itself and advisory affiliates.
One thing to note: IARs may receive commissions for recommending certain products. This arrangement may create a conflict of interest as these advisors may be incentivised to recommend certain products over others. That said, IFG upholds a fiduciary standard to always work in clients’ best interests.
Opening an Account With Independent Financial Group
To contact IFG, call toll free at (858) 436-3180 or send a message via its website.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
Tips for Finding the Right Financial Advisor
- Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- Ask how advisor candidates get paid. Fee-only and fee-based may sound interchangable, but they're not. And the difference can have a serious impact on your returns.
How Long $1mm Lasts in Retirement
SmartAsset's interactive map highlights places where $1 million will last the longest in retirement. Zoom between states and the national map to see the top spots in each region. Also, scroll over any city to learn about the cost of living in retirement for that location.
Least
Most
| Rank | City | Housing Expenses | Food Expenses | Healthcare Expenses | Utilities Expenses | Transportation Expenses |
|---|
Methodology We analyzed data on average expenditures for seniors, cost of living and investment returns to determine how many years of retirement a $1 million nest egg would cover in cities across America.
First, we looked at data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on the average annual expenditures of seniors. We then applied cost of living data from the Council for Community and Economic Research to adjust those national average spending levels based on the costs of each expense category (housing, food, healthcare, utilities, transportation and other) in each city. Using this data, SmartAsset calculated the average cost of living for retirees in the largest U.S. cities.
We assumed the $1 million would grow at a real return (interest minus inflation) of 2%. Then, we divided $1 million by the sum of each of those annual numbers to determine how long $1 million would cover retirement expenses in each of the cities in our study. Cities where $1 million lasted the longest ranked the highest in the study.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Council for Community and Economic Research
As an expert in financial services and investment advisory, I'll delve into the key concepts presented in the provided article about Independent Financial Group (IFG). My expertise is grounded in extensive knowledge of the financial industry, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks. Let's break down the information and explore the relevant concepts.
Independent Financial Group (IFG):
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Background and Regulatory Standing:
- IFG is a registered investment advisor (RIA) and broker-dealer.
- Established in 2004, it is a privately owned firm.
- Registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and a member of the Securities Investors Protection Corporation (SIPC).
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Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes:
- Serves a diverse range of clients, including non-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals, businesses, charities, and corporate pension and profit-sharing plans.
- Account minimums vary based on factors like the investment strategy or program.
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Services Offered:
- Provides financial planning and investment advisory services through independent advisor representatives (IARs).
- Services cover retirement savings, estate planning, trust management, education funding, cash flow analysis, debt management, and investment management programs.
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Investment Management Programs:
- Offers various investment programs, such as Advisor Portfolios, CAM Client TD, and CAM Client Schwab, each tailored to individual financial situations and risk tolerances.
- Utilizes assets like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and ETNs.
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Investment Philosophy:
- Investment strategies vary among Independent Advisor Representatives (IARs).
- Portfolios designed based on client risk tolerance, financial goals, and other variables.
- Analysis methods include fundamental analysis, trend analysis, technical analysis, asset allocation, and economic indicators.
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Fee Structure:
- IFG charges fees based on a percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM).
- Maximum fees under most IFG investment programs are stated as 3% per year.
- Fee structures for financial planning services may include fixed fees, hourly rates, or ongoing retainer agreements.
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Disclosure and Potential Conflicts:
- IFG has six disclosures on its SEC-filed Form ADV.
- Advisors may receive commissions, potentially creating conflicts of interest. However, IFG emphasizes adherence to a fiduciary standard to work in clients' best interests.
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Contact Information:
- To contact IFG, individuals can call toll-free at (858) 436-3180 or send a message via its website.
Tips for Finding the Right Financial Advisor:
- Recommends using SmartAsset's free tool for matching with vetted financial advisors.
- Advises understanding how advisor candidates get paid, emphasizing the difference between fee-only and fee-based structures.
The provided article not only introduces IFG and its services but also touches on the broader topic of finding the right financial advisor. It gives insight into the firm's background, services, fees, and potential considerations for clients.
