Your financial security is our top priority. Unfortunately, scams and identity theft are on the rise. Fraudsters can use phone calls, texts, and even hacked email accounts to impersonate clients. That’s why regulators — and our Firm — require all investment professionals to follow strict safeguards when it comes to trading and money movement instructions.
These rules aren’t just “our policy.” They apply to all investment accounts, whether with us, Cetera/Avantax, or any other broker-dealer or custodian.
What This Means for You
We must speak directly with an account owner.
If your account is jointly owned, either account owner may provide instructions. No one else — even a trusted contact — can make changes unless they’ve been formally authorized on the account.All trades must be confirmed at the time of the trade.
Unless we have documented discretionary authority on your account, every trade must be discussed and approved by you. If we discuss a trade after market hours, we’ll reconnect during market hours to place it.Another Benefit of Being an Advisory Client
Another benefit of being an advisory client is the option to give us trading discretion within your account. In an advisory account, we are held to a fiduciary standard, which means we must put your best interests first when implementing the strategies we’ve agreed upon. This allows us to act efficiently and execute trades without needing to reconnect for every instruction, giving you added convenience and peace of mind.That’s also why our firm is steadily moving our business toward fiduciary advisory relationships. We believe this approach not only simplifies the process for you but also reinforces the trust you place in us — ensuring that your financial goals are managed with the highest standard of care available in the industry.
No “accommodation forgery.”
We cannot sign documents on your behalf under any circumstances, even if you are authorizing us to do so. Each account owner must provide their own signature unless there is a formal power of attorney on file. This protects you and ensures all account activity is valid and secure.No instructions by email or text.
We cannot accept trades, withdrawals, transfers, or settlement changes via email or text. This protects you from fraud and miscommunication.Protecting your personal information.
Please don’t send sensitive personal data (like Social Security numbers, account numbers, or ID copies) by email or text. We have secure portals available to safely share this information.All investment communications must go through monitored business channels.
All investment-related calls, texts, and emails are monitored through our Firm’s systems — not to restrict us, but to protect both of us. Think of it as a third set of eyes making sure nothing slips through the cracks. Compliance helps ensure that every instruction is documented properly, so you and I can both have peace of mind.
Why These Rules Protect You
These safeguards may feel inconvenient at times, but they’re designed to:
Prevent fraud and impersonation
Reduce errors and miscommunication
Ensure requests are executed smoothly and securely
They give you confidence that your investments are being handled with care and oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can’t I just text you my trade instructions?
A: Texts and emails can be intercepted or faked. By confirming directly with you on a monitored line, we make sure it’s really you — and your accounts stay secure.
Q: What if we discuss a trade after market hours?
A: Unless you have discretionary authority on your account, we’ll reconnect during market hours to confirm and place the trade. This ensures your instructions are handled accurately while the market is open.
Q: Can my spouse or trusted contact make changes for me?
A: If your account is jointly owned, either account owner can give instructions. A trusted contact can only help us reach you, but cannot make changes to your account.
Q: Can you sign forms for me?
A: No — that would be considered accommodation forgery. We must always receive your actual signature unless there is a formal power of attorney on file.
Q: Is it safe to send personal information by email?
A: Please avoid sending sensitive data (like SSNs or account numbers) by email or text. We’ll provide you with a secure portal whenever that information is required.
What You Can Do Today
Save our business number (443-233-6771) in your phone.
Always use our business contact methods for investment-related calls, texts, or emails.
Use our secure portal for sending any sensitive information.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of becoming an advisory client with fiduciary oversight, schedule a 15-minute call to explore if it’s right for you.
Thank You
By following these safeguards, you’re helping us protect what matters most — your financial future. We appreciate your partnership in keeping your accounts safe.