10 Questions

Eric Sands Answers the Ten Questions You Should Ask a Financial Advisor Before You Hire Them.

1. What are your qualifications?

I have spent the last several years focusing my education on the retirement planning area. I am very comfortable making financial recommendations because I believe I truly understand retirees and their specific needs.

2. What experience do you have?

I have over twenty years of financial experience (see biography).

3. How do you conduct business?

I operate a financial planning firm with a specially trained staff and back office who help provide the services I offer to retirees. My practice is very independent; I recommend what is best for each client.

4. What do you recommend?

Depending on the person's situation, I recommend no-load mutual funds, dividend-paying blue-chip stocks, bonds, CDs, preferred stocks, and certain types of annuities from very well-rated insurance companies.

5. How do you get paid?

I get paid in either of two ways:

As an investment advisor representative of various SEC registered firms, I manage investment accounts on a fee basis instead of receiving a commission for placing security transactions. On average I charge 1.5% per year for accounts up to $1 million, for accounts over $1 million I charge on average 1% per year.

If I recommend an annuity or similar financial product to a client, the insurance or financial company will compensate me for providing information and advice on the product, comparing the product to other available options, and providing ongoing service.

6. Describe your typical client?

All I do is work with retirees, business owners, high net worth individuals, their families and those about to retire. Most of my clients are between 55 and 85. I do have a few younger clients, but my focus is helping those who are facing retirement decisions or who are already retired.

7. What is your approach to financial planning?

My approach to financial planning is to understand the needs of my clients, and then to determine whether or not their current investments are meeting those needs. If they are, then I tell them so. If they are not, I prepare recommendations that show the changes that need to be made and how the proposed plan can help them for many years to come.

8. Who will be my advisor?

Eric Sands is the lead financial advisor. I have a team of professionals who work for my clients. I take the ultimate reponsibility for all the recommendations made by my office and for the services I provide.

9. Have you ever been professionally disciplined?

No.

10. Can I have it in writing?

Brochures, prospectuses and ADVs Part II are provided for any investments or product recommendations.