Frequently Asked Questions

What does a relationship look like with you and your firm?

From my experience, the foundation of the strongest relationships is trust, which is cultivated over time through mutual understanding. To foster that trust, I emphasize the importance of consistent communication and regular meetings. The frequency and scope of our relationship can be tailored to your preferences, though it is most common for me to meet with clients every six months, either virtually or in person.

During these meetings, we typically review your investment portfolio and financial plan, discuss your short-, medium-, and long-term goals, and identify recommended action steps to maximize your potential for success in achieving those objectives.

In addition, you are always welcome to reach out to me for an appointment, a call, or via email at any time between our scheduled meetings. My goal is to become a trusted advisor—someone you respect and feel confident in seeking guidance from regarding your financial future.

What is a CFP®?

CFP® stands for Certified Financial Planner. For 50 years, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification has been the standard of excellence for financial planners. CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements, and commit to CFP Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first. That's why partnering with a CFP® professional gives consumers confidence today and a more secure tomorrow.

CFP® professionals take a holistic, personalized approach to bring all the pieces of your financial life together. As part of the CFP® certification, CFP® professionals also have made a commitment to CFP Board to act as a fiduciary when providing financial advice to a client. This means they have agreed to put your best interests first, so they can provide you confidence today and a secure tomorrow.

Do I have to live in the Greater Philadelphia area to work with you?

No. For in-person meetings, our office is located in Berwyn, PA (Philadelphia suburb). However, in-person meetings are not required. We utilize video calls for our meetings to close that gap. I work with a number of clients who live in all different parts of the country.

What is the structure of the initial appointment?

The initial appointment serves as an introductory meeting, typically lasting 20-30 minutes. This is an opportunity for both parties to become acquainted. During this meeting, we will ask a series of questions to better understand your objectives, financial goals, current situation, and your comfort level with investing and risk. It will also provide you with an opportunity to learn more about our services, how we add value, our approach to investing and financial planning, and what a relationship with us entails.

Where would my accounts be held?

We use Fidelity Investments as our custodian. If your accounts are already at Fidelity, we simply would be able to make your accounts “managed accounts” and be added on as the advisor. If you don’t have an investment account yet, or if your accounts are held at another institution, our back office will assist you with the account establishment / transfer process. In addition to receiving your quarterly reports from Ellis Investment Partners, you will receive your monthly statements and tax forms from Fidelity and use Fidelity.com to view your accounts.

How are you paid?

Investment Management & Financial Planning Services

Our fees are assessed as a percentage of your investment assets under our management. The fee is stated as an annual fee and is deducted from your accounts prior to each quarter. So 1/4 of the fee % is deducted prior to each quarter. The % fee depends on the value of the portfolio under our management, as detailed below:

Portfolio Value Annual Fee %

$250,000 - $499,999 1.00%

$500,000 - $999,999 0.85%

$1,000,000 – $4,999,999 0.80%

$5,000,000 + 0.70% or below

Please refer to the Ellis Investment Partners, LLC disclosure brochure for a complete discussion of services and fees.