These are some of the questions we’re asked most often - and the ones we ask, too.
I know you're financial planners, but what do you do, exactly?
Our role is to simplify the financial side of life so you can spend more time focusing on what matters most to you — not the day-to-day details of managing money. We help clients navigate financial complexity by monitoring tax laws and strategies, evaluating investment opportunities, and planning for both short and long term goals.
From retirement planning and Social Security decisions to investment management and cash flow planning, we work alongside clients to answer important financial questions with confidence and clarity. Many clients think of us as their personal “Chief Financial Officer,” relying on us to understand their goals, priorities, and concerns while creating a financial plan tailored specifically to their lives.
Our goal is to provide guidance, organization, and peace of mind so clients feel supported through every stage of life and every financial decision along the way.
What do your designations and initials mean?
A Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) is a credentialed financial professional trained to guide individuals and families through aspects of financial planning. These aspects can include retirement, investments, tax strategies, and estate planning. What sets a CFP apart is their fiduciary duty to act in your best interest at all times. When you work with a CFP, you're partnering with someone who’s committed to helping you make well-informed financial decisions so you can feel more confident with your life savings.
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally authorized tax professional with expertise in U.S. tax law. EAs are trained to help individuals and businesses with a wide range of tax needs—from filing returns and claiming deductions to long-term tax planning and navigating IRS issues. To earn the EA designation, professionals must pass three IRS exams and complete continuing education yearly to stay current with tax law. It’s the highest credential the IRS awards, and it comes with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
What do you specialize in?
We believe in the importance of good financial planning at every stage of life. This includes helping with goals like:
Tax planning strategies
Saving for retirement and, for some, early retirement
Investment Portfolios
Understanding work retirement plans
Deciding when to draw Social Security
Tax strategies for charitable giving
Saving for college
Term Life Insurance Protection
Business management strategies
Insurance planning
Budgeting and spending plans
Navigating financial aspects of life changes
We have also specifically studied financial planning for pre-retirees, retirees, and physicians. To learn more, see Who We Specialize In.
Are you Fiduciaries?
Yes, we have Certified Financial Planners™ (CFP®) that are fiduciaries.
What is a Fiduciary Advisor?
A fiduciary advisor is a financial professional committed to acting in the best interests of their clients, both legally and ethically. They are obligated to prioritize the needs of their clients over their own, striving for a trustworthy and client-focused approach to financial guidance.
If we work together, where will my money be held?
Our broker-dealer is LPL Financial, one of the nation’s leading independent investment firms. We chose LPL because their independent platform allows us to operate with flexibility and individuality in serving our clients. Unlike firms that may promote products or investment strategies, LPL allows us the freedom to recommend solutions we believe are most appropriate for each client’s unique goals and circumstances. This independence enables us to provide personalized guidance while still benefiting from the resources, technology, operational support, and security of a well-established financial institution.
Is there a cost associated with meeting?
No, we believe in access to sound financial advice. At Custer Financial Advisors, there is no fee to meet with an advisor, at least for the first meeting or two. To learn more, see how we get paid.
What should I expect in our first meeting?
During your first meeting, our advisors will take time to learn about you, your financial goals, and what matters most in your life. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and ask a few follow-up questions to better understand your current situation and future plans. There’s no need to feel intimidated — our goal is to build a relationship, not judge where you are financially. The more you’re comfortable sharing, the better we can help with planning and strategy, but you should only share what you feel comfortable discussing. A general overview of your finances can be helpful, such as income, debts, expenses, account statements, or tax returns, but you do not need to have everything organized before the meeting. See more details here.
When and where are you available to meet?
We understand that it is hard to meet during normal business hours, so we do our best to meet at times that work for you. If this is your first meeting, please fill out our connect form! If you are an existing client, please reach out via phone to schedule a meeting. Our meetings are arranged by appointment only to ensure clients receive the uninterrupted time and attention they deserve. We do travel between three different offices in west Michigan and will meet where it is convenient for you.