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September IRA Insights: Financial Advisors Choose Entrust for True Self-Direction Needs

By: Carl Fischer CISP

The retirement plan investment landscape has definitely changed from years past. New laws governing retirement plans have been implemented, global economics plays a more dominant role, baby boomers are reaching retirement age, and individuals are no longer satisfied with "hope" as their strategy.  Seasoned financial advisors and planners embrace the "team" approach.  Advisors want to use the best resources and expertise available to meet their clients' needs.  Specialists are required, now more than ever, to achieve true diversification, and Entrust is the company chosen by savvy advisors when "truly" self-directed accounts are needed.

Individuals have been forced to participate in their financial planning, like it or not, as a result of the changing landscape.  They no longer have the luxury of following the lead of the company CEO or CFO as they did under defined benefit programs.  Advisors are now building on the synergy of combining their professional expertise with the knowledge and experience of the client. Together they develop a plan that is understood and attainable, with a higher degree of success.  In most cases this requires the services of a "truly" self- directed IRA administrator.

In the past, many advisors viewed "truly" self-directed IRA companies as competition.  They now realize it is a win-win as Entrust is a valuable resource that helps them incorporate their client's expertise into the overall plan.  They can control their short term and long term needs and design their financial future based on those needs.  Together they form a holistic approach that not only includes retirement plans (business and individual) but also Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), custodial accounts, Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) and life insurance.  Entrust services each of these types of savings accounts. Entrust has promoted the team approach from the beginning and is the premier provider of choice for many reasons.  Entrust personnel are the most knowledgeable in the industry; they provide local service with national coverage; allow for a choice of fee structures to accommodate growth; have a true custodial banking relationship; and provide extraordinary on-line support.

Entrust thrives on the "team" approach because the client and the advisor have an integrated strategy to build net worth and financial independence.  Advisors use their expertise and knowledge coupled with that of their clients to produce a plan and portfolio that is diverse and based on knowledge and understanding-not just hope. Entrust provides the capability for a truly diversified plan based on knowledge and experience. As a result, these plans generally provide higher returns, less stress and anxiety, and make for lifelong relationships that trickle down to other family and friends.  Trust, confidence and loyalty are built year after year and remain in good and bad economic times.

The knowledge and understanding Entrust personnel possess and have access to is extraordinary.  Entrust is the only administrator that provides local educational classes and seminars for clients as well as professionals, and offers CE credits for CPAs, CFPs, attorneys and realtors. Professionals and experts turn to Entrust when they need answers.  Entrust personnel proudly display the coveted Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) credentials, issued through the American Banking Institute, in their offices.  In addition, the articles and books written by Entrust authors are extraordinary resources and available at most bookstores and online. 

The local presence is by far one of the favorite reasons advisors choose Entrust.  The face- to- face contact, when necessary, is easily achievable and can save time and assuredly help provide a smooth transaction.  In addition to the ease of opening an account and transferring funds, the Entrust office will provide real time support for the purchase and sale of assets and help coordinate the steps involved.  The work for the client and advisor is simplified and minimal.  Using administrators in different time zones has proven to complicate transactions in the past.   It is almost ironic that the local administrator can help with national and international investments as well.

The flexibility and simplicity of the Entrust fee structure assures reasonable charges based on service.  The individual can choose the fee structure and change it to what suits his or her portfolio best as investments increase or strategies changes.  Entrust provides a service and does not believe they are entitled to share in their clients profits because they provide no advice or recommendations. The financial advisor or planner is compensated for their expertise and advice in developing the structure and determining the allocation of assets to meet the specific needs of their clients.  The days of the defined benefits plans-one size fits all-are over.

Another primary reason advisors choose Entrust is for their web site and online access to account information.  The web site is organized in logical fashion and provides information for investors and professionals and covers items as simple as frequently asked questions to precedent setting court cases and required IRS reporting documentation. One of the favorite features is the answer forum where questions are answered specific to the details provided.  In addition, the fact that the client and his advisor can have access to the account records together, when authorized, has been helpful to many advisors.  These records are available online 24/7. The web site also provides online forms, but for many, a call to the office provides the forms to your email account in minutes.

Entrust is held to the highest standards and assures that all un-invested funds are deposited into the custodial bank in an FDIC insured account and not simply a non-bank trustee.  The Entrust autonomy coupled with the oversight and audit requirements assure exceptional service with maximum safety. 

In summary, Entrust is the truly self-directed account provider of choice for trusted advisors because they understand the team mentality, are the most knowledgeable in the industry, provide local service with national and international networks, its award winning web site, online joint access, stringent safeguards, and ongoing audits in place to assure professional handling of all assets.

Carl Fischer is one of the principals at EntrustCAMA and can be reached by email or call 866-559-4430.