Advice that felt like a sale
You left a meeting unsure whether you were given guidance or pitched a product.
Who we serve
Starting fresh
New advisor, second opinion, or first real conversation about money — you want to begin on solid ground.
Is this you?
Maybe you've done your homework on fiduciaries. Maybe you're second-guessing the advisor or portfolio you already have. Or maybe you're capable and curious, and you'd rather learn how the decision works than be handed an answer you can't evaluate.
What you share is a standard: you want to know, without guessing, that the advice you're getting is built around your interest — and that someone will explain the reasoning behind every recommendation.
What tends to be going on
The parts that weigh on people in your position.
Fees you couldn't pin down
Nobody gave you a straight answer about what the relationship actually costs you all-in.
A strategy nobody explained
You can't say in your own words why your portfolio is built the way it is — or where to begin building one.
Questions we hear often
The things people ask us first.
Are you actually a fiduciary?
Each of our registered representatives holds the designation of Certified Financial Fiduciary® (CFF), and has agreed to uphold the highest moral, ethical, and fiduciary standards of service when providing advice to potential or existing clients.
Can I get a second opinion without switching?
Yes. We welcome the opportunity to offer you a second opinion on your current investment portfolio and to share with you how we help our clients. There is no obligation to move anything.
Do I need a lot of money to work with you?
No. We offer services to help individuals and families independent of their current financial situation and net worth. Our clients range from those with a lot of debt and no assets to those with millions of dollars to invest.
How will I know what I'm paying?
Full disclosure means always divulging all fees and commissions as well as disclosing any conflicts of interest. Our fees are also listed openly on this site.
Will you just sell me products?
We educate clients about the entire planning process, not just about products and services — and every recommendation comes with a comparison of the alternatives.
10 questions to ask financial advisors
- Are you a fiduciary?
- How do you get paid and what are my “all-in” costs?
- What are your qualifications?
- How will our relationship work?
- What's your investment philosophy?
- What asset allocation will you use?
- Do you have an investment minimum, and can you help me if I don't meet that minimum?
- What communication should I expect from you?
- Who is your custodian?
- What tax hit do I face if I invest with you?
How Scharf Group helps
We start by making the standard explicit, then hold ourselves to it in writing.
An introductory call
We meet to discuss your needs and how our services can best assist you. This initial consultation is complimentary.
Everything in the open
The Certified Financial Fiduciary® Code of Conduct, how we are paid, any conflicts of interest, and a plain review of what you own today — before you decide anything.
Advice you can trace
Every recommendation comes with the comparison and reasoning behind it, and we educate you along the way so the plan becomes yours, not just ours.
Start the Conversation
The initial consultation is complimentary.
Let's talk about your situation.
We meet to discuss your needs and how our services can best assist you.
The question we always come back to
How can we make a difference in your life?
It's the first thing we ask, and a question we keep asking throughout our relationship.
Start the Conversation