General Questions

We recognize that each client's financial situation and planning needs are unique. Instead of imposing a fixed review schedule based on account size, we tailor the review frequency to when there's progress to be made or specific planning requirements. This ensures that clients receive the attention and guidance they need precisely when it's most beneficial to them. Our firm also maintains an open-door policy, welcoming clients to reach out and schedule meetings whenever they see fit. This accessibility fosters a collaborative and supportive client-advisor relationship, where clients can proactively seek guidance or discuss any financial concerns at their convenience.

Capital Financial Planners is an independent financial services firm specializing in assisting federal employees in crafting personalized retirement strategies tailored to the unique complexities of transitioning from the federal government. We were co-founded in February 2015 by Neil Cain and David Setia, and today, we proudly serve the investment and retirement needs of over 250 households.

As part of our commitment to providing top-notch service, we are affiliated with LPL Financial, the largest independent broker-dealer in the country. This affiliation grants us access to cutting-edge technology, extensive research, and an expansive investment portfolio, ensuring that we can offer our clients a diverse range of choices. Importantly, LPL does not promote proprietary investment products or engage in investment banking activities, allowing our advisors the freedom to make recommendations based solely on our clients' best interests.

One of our key offerings is a comprehensive retirement training program designed specifically for federal employees. We recognize the unique challenges they face while planning for retirement, and our program bridges the gap in the training federal employees typically receive. Our seminar trainers hold prestigious certifications such as CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant℠. These certifications enable RETFED® to provide up-to-date financial literacy content in accordance with OPM's guidelines. Moreover, our program has shown to be an invaluable resource for federal employees looking to enhance their individual development plans each year.

Account Fee Schedule is:

• 1.25% = $500,000 to $749,999
• 1.10% = $750,000 to $999,999
• 1.00% = $1,000,000 to $1,499,999
• 0.95% = $1,500,000 to $1,999,999
• 0.90% = $2,000,000 to $2,499,999
• 0.85% = $2,500,000 to $2,999,999
• 0.80% = $3,000,000
• 0.75% = $4,000,000+

We may allow smaller accounts to be opened on a probationary period until the client has the ability to meet the $500,000 minimum. These accounts do not include in-depth financial planning, and the fees for those accounts are:

• 1.75% = $100,000 to $249,999
• 1.50% = $250,000 to $499,999

We want to ensure the security of your accounts at Capital Financial Planners. As part of our commitment to safeguarding your investments, please be aware of the following important information:

1. 1. Insurance Coverage: Your accounts are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) in the event of LPL Financial's failure. SIPC provides insurance coverage of up to $500,000 per account, with a maximum of $250,000 in cash. For further details, you can request an explanatory SIPC brochure or visit www.sipc.org. It's important to note that SIPC coverage does not safeguard your account against market losses.
   2. Custodian of Client Assets: Client assets are securely held by a third-party public custodian, LPL Financial. These assets are not accessible to Capital Financial Planner employees. Consequently, all checks from clients should be made payable to "LPL Financial."
   3. Account Fund Movement: Generally, we can facilitate the transfer of funds from your account in the following ways:

• • A wire transfer to another account at a different institution, provided it's in your exact name and with your written permission.
  • A check payable to the account holder(s) and mailed to the address of record on the account.
  • A journal transfer to another account with the same owner.
  • An Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers to/from a client's bank account. This requires specific instructions and a voided check provided by the client.

Our aim is to offer clients a secure and transparent financial experience, ensuring that clients’ assets are safeguarded, and that their financial needs are met with care and professionalism. 

A fiduciary is an individual who has been entrusted with the highest level of trust and confidence to manage and safeguard property or money. In this relationship, the fiduciary has a legal obligation to act solely in the best interests of the person for whom they are acting.

1. 1. Capital Financial Planners as a Fiduciary: Capital Financial Planners operates in a fiduciary capacity for its investment advisory clients. This means that the firm is legally bound to act in the best interests of its clients, prioritizing their financial well-being.
   2. Commissions and Fiduciary Relationships: When advisors recommend investments that pay commissions, a fiduciary relationship may not exist. Commissions can introduce conflicts of interest, as advisors may be incentivized to recommend products that generate higher commissions, potentially not aligning with the client's best interests.
   3. Fee-Based Accounts: Clients of Capital Financial Planners in fee-based accounts do not pay commissions. This fee structure helps ensure that a fiduciary relationship exists, as the firm's compensation is not tied to commissions, and advisors are motivated solely by the client's financial welfare.

LPL Financial stands as the leading independent broker-dealer in the nation. This stature grants us unparalleled access to state-of-the-art technology, cutting-edge research, and an extensive array of investment options at our disposal for the benefit of our valued clients. An important aspect of our partnership with LPL is the fact that LPL refrains from offering proprietary investment products and does not involve itself in investment banking activities. Consequently, this ensures that our affiliated advisors are free from any undue pressure or influence to promote any specific product. Our commitment is solely to our clients' best interests, and we take pride in providing them with independent guidance and a wide spectrum of investment choices.

There are several advantages to consolidating your investments, including:

• Reduction in Paperwork: With fewer accounts to track, you'll experience a significant reduction in paperwork, making it more convenient to oversee your financial holdings.
• Error Reduction: A consolidated portfolio decreases the chances of errors or oversights in managing your investments.
• Simplified Tax Preparation: Consolidation simplifies tax preparation and record-keeping, making it easier to manage your financial affairs during tax season.
• Enhanced Money Management: Managing your money flows becomes more straightforward when your investments are consolidated in one place.
• Review Opportunities: Consolidation provides the opportunity to review and update title issues and beneficiary designations, ensuring they align with your current intentions.
• Estate Administration: In the unfortunate event of death or disability, having a consolidated portfolio centralizes estate administration, making the process more efficient and manageable for your loved ones.

Our team members hold various professional designations, including: 

• • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) 
  • Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) 
  • Chartered Charter Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBC) 
  • Series 7 Registered Representative designation - held with LPL Financial
  • Series 63 Uniform Combined State Law designation - held with LPL Financial
  • Series 65 Investment/ Advisor designation - held with LPL Financial
  • Life Insurance License

Yes, our firm maintains an account minimum of $500,000. We appreciate that many of our clients are federal employees who may face unique financial circumstances and constraints. In recognition of this, we are willing to arrange accommodations in certain cases. Specifically, we may permit clients to open smaller accounts with the understanding that they will meet our standard minimum investment threshold in due time. Our goal is to provide flexibility and support to help clients navigate their financial journey effectively while ensuring they can access our services when needed. If you have any questions or require further details about this policy, please feel free to contact us for clarification and guidance.

There is no contractual obligation that ties clients to our firm. Clients are not bound by any agreements that restrict their ability to manage their investments or make decisions about their financial assets. We believe that the money under management is the clients, and they should have full access and the freedom to move it as they see fit.