Frequently Asked Questions

A few of the most common questions we’re asked.

Where Are You Located?

Our office is at 7473 Center St. in Mentor, Ohio, although we work with clients all across the United States, as well as overseas.

What hours are you open?

Monday – Thursday from 8 am – 6 pm
Friday 8 am – 5 pm
Saturday 8 am – 12pm
Other times are available by request. We are here for you.

Who is your typical client?

Our clients typically seek to maintain and enhance their lives today and in the future. However, each person’s needs and situation are unique. Your planning is based on you and not a standard model.

What our clients have in common is that they are seeking holistic planning based on their individual vision and a long-term relationship. Because we accept a limited number of relationships, we are able to provide the highest level of personal attention with people who want to utilize our Personal Vision Planning® process. Everyone is not the right fit for us, and if not, we will assist in finding a more suitable firm.

Are you a Fiduciary?

All advisory accounts opened are fiduciary accounts, which are custodied through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

Do you have a minimum account size?

Yes, $500,000 in investable assets. This may be waived for family members of existing clients. Investable assets most commonly include current retirement plans, retirement accounts from previous employers, IRAs (traditional, rollover, Roth, SEP, inherited, SIMPLE), brokerage accounts, trusts, and cash.

Do you work with clients remotely?

Although Carver Financial is headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, we work with clients all over the country, as well as internationally.

To do that, we use. . .

Skype and Zoom for virtual meetings.
A highly secure online client vault to store and exchange sensitive financial documents.
Our website, emails, and YouTube for client updates, briefings, and announcements

When looking for a financial advisor who follows a fiduciary standard, consider prioritizing the right fit over an office location near you. After all, if you move, you probably won’t want to start over with a new firm. Technology makes it easy to meet face-to-face, even if we are in different locations.

How often do you contact me?

We will reach out for regular planning meetings 2 – 3 times per year. We will also contact you in between regularly scheduled meetings should there be a recommendation. You will receive general information from our team on a monthly basis digitally, as well as hard copy quarterly and annual reports. Additionally, you will receive personal invitations to special events, trips, and educational presentations throughout the year. You are always encouraged to reach out to us with questions or whenever we may be of service. There is never a fee or cost to do so.

Is my account safe?

Accounts are custodied at Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. (RJFS), and all statements and account insurance are provided through Raymond James. You receive statements and online access directly from Raymond James providing independent third-party reporting. Your accounts are insured against lost or stolen cash or securities by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), a U.S. government-chartered corporation. As a member of SIPC, securities in your account are protected up to $500,000 for lost or stolen securities.

In addition to SIPC protection, RJFS provides additional coverage for client assets:

An aggregate loss limit of $1 billion for eligible securities, over all client accounts.
Cash in the Raymond James Bank is FDIC insured for up to $2.5 million

Note: This does not protect your account from market loss.

What can I expect from my relationship with Carver Financial?

First, you can expect us to get to know you well. We strive to learn as much as possible about you, because it helps us to guide you toward better financial decisions. We view this as a long-term partnership focused on your personal vision.

Second, you can expect attention to detail, prompt response to letters, calls and emails, clear reasoning for our recommendations, diligent execution of the tasks at hand, and confidentiality in all matters.

Finally, you can expect absolute honesty and integrity in every meeting, every observation, and every recommendation we make. You can and should expect us to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards in every aspect of our relationship. We strive to simplify your life-enhance your lifestyle.

Who will I work with at Carver Financial?

At Carver Financial we practice a culture of collaboration. All processes affecting clients are governed by this approach. You will have a primary financial advisor and team, while having access to everyone at Carver Financial. Every member of our team can assist you at any time if your primary advisor or associate is unavailable.

Ideas that are implemented for our clients are a result of collaboration among our advisors and associates. This includes investment management, financial planning, and corporate governance. Ideas and strategies are vetted and thoughtfully considered by our highly trained and experienced team.

Does Carver Financial have an investment committee?

Yes. Our investment committee meets regularly to review the current investment environment and determine if any changes need to be made to our strategies. As an independent office, we are not beholden to any outside products, and we have access to a wide array of research. As a leader in our industry, we have personal contact with nationally recognized experts who we collaborate with.

What is your investment approach?

We use our trademarked Personal Vision Planning®, which utilizes a holistic approach to develop a plan based on you. Our process considers your needs, objectives, risk tolerance, tax, and estate planning and overall vision for your future in developing a comprehensive asset allocation and withdrawal strategy. We do not believe in market timing or speculating. Personal Vision Planning is a dynamic process. As your needs and vision change over time, our team works with you to update your planning. While many firms focus on individual investments, we are focused on you and your vision. Success is measured in helping you achieve your goals in a manner that is consistent with your risk tolerance, needs, and vision. We use a global approach in selecting opportunities and employ both passive and active investments.

What licenses and designations do your professionals have?

Our advisors and associates receive systematic training through continuing education, continuous improvement programs, and attainment of industry certifications. This is a major component of the recognition we have received from the media, our peers, and the community.

Our team members hold various professional designations and licenses including: