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Frequently Asked Questions

What do you mean by fee-only?

A fee-only financial advisor is compensated directly by their clients for financial advice and ongoing investment management. We do not receive commissions or kickbacks from financial products, which minimizes conflict and requires us to act as fiduciaries (i.e., we act in your best interest). This is the most transparent and objective compensation structure available.

Why do I need a financial advisor?

Whether you lack time, skill, or discipline, you need a financial advisor to stay accountable and be proactive. It’s easy to document your plan on paper, but if someone isn’t in your corner looking out for your financial well-being, it’s easy to get off track. It’s about creating a to-do list, getting it done, and then doing it again – life evolves, and so does your plan. Our goal is to give you confidence in your financial decisions and free up your time, enabling you to live a better, more confident life.

I want to learn more but I’m not sure Gunder is a good fit. What’s the next step?

Schedule an introductory meeting with us here. There is no charge or commitment to have an initial meeting—this is a chance for us to get to know each other. Financial planning involves a sense of vulnerability, and we want to make sure you’re comfortable with us and our approach. We’ll ask more about your finances, goals, and feelings as they relate to money.

Who is NOT a good fit for Gunder?

If you assume (or expect) we can beat the market or predict the future, you’re not a good fit. Also, our service offering may not suit you if you aren’t open to utilizing technology for communication and document storage. Lastly, this is a partnership – if you aren’t willing to put in the effort, this relationship won’t work.  We want you to interact with our planning tools – don’t expect a binder of documents from us!

Why Gunder vs. another firm OR ROBO advisor?

First off, it’s worth mentioning we’re considered “independent” – we’re not required to sell you proprietary investment products. Secondly, with the increasing availability of financial technology, investment management has become a commodity in some sense. So, how do we differentiate ourselves?  Clients want a relationship with someone they can trust as they embark on their financial journey, particularly as situations evolve and get more complex. Answers aren’t always black and white, and emotions can cloud your ability to achieve financial success. Having a partnership with a financial advisor who is relatable and simplifies the process is critical. Our goal is to do more than manage your investments – we strive to deliver an advice-driven experience.

What if I don’t live in the metro-Detroit area?

We utilize the latest technology, enabling us to work with clients all over the country. We can meet by phone, virtually, or in-person if you’re in the Detroit region. Life is busy – we want to cause the least amount of disruption to your schedule while still allowing us to have a meaningful conversation. Local clients are welcome to meet virtually as well.

What’s ESG investing?

ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance. Investments meeting ESG criteria are screened based on a company’s operations by analyzing socially conscious factors. As the demand for ESG investments becomes more mainstream, other concepts such as socially responsible investing (SRI), impact investing, and values-based investing are also gaining popularity. While they are different in their approach, they all share a sustainability theme. If interested, we’re happy to have a more detailed conversation to determine if investing a portion or all of your portfolio into ESG investments is a good fit.

Why did you name your firm Gunder Wealth Management?

Gunder is the name of the ski run in Beaver Creek, CO, where we got engaged back in 2006. Although Ashlee didn’t know how to ski before we met, it’s an annual family excursion now!

Why did you pursue the B Corp™ Certification?

When we launched in 2019, we noted this as one of our “5-year rocks” for those familiar with EOS. The application is daunting! We put our heads down in 2023 to tackle it and see it through to completion. It’s important to us to be held to a higher standard—not just exclusive to our profession but as owners to use business as a force for good. We’re excited about the road ahead—onward!