
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about asset allocation and investment strategies? We've compiled answers to the most common questions our clients ask. If you can't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out.
Investment Basics
Asset allocation is how you split your investments across different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and cash. Think of it as not putting all your eggs in one basket. It's probably the most important investment decision you'll make because it determines about 90% of your portfolio's overall risk and return.
We've found that having the right mix can help you weather market storms while still growing your money over time. Every person's ideal allocation is different — it depends on your goals, timeline, and how comfortable you are with ups and downs.
There's no minimum investment requirement to get started with us. We've designed our services to be accessible whether you're starting with

Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about asset allocation and investment strategies? We've compiled answers to the most common questions our clients ask. If you can't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out.
Investment Basics
Asset allocation is how you split your investments across different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and cash. Think of it as not putting all your eggs in one basket. It's probably the most important investment decision you'll make because it determines about 90% of your portfolio's overall risk and return.
We've found that having the right mix can help you weather market storms while still growing your money over time. Every person's ideal allocation is different — it depends on your goals, timeline, and how comfortable you are with ups and downs.
There's no minimum investment requirement to get started with us. We've designed our services to be accessible whether you're starting with $1,000 or $1 million. What matters more is consistency — even small amounts invested regularly can grow significantly over time.
That said, certain investment strategies might require higher minimums due to the nature of the investments themselves. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation and recommend options that make sense for your budget.
Active investing is like being the chef who's constantly tweaking recipes — it involves frequently buying and selling investments to try to beat the market. Passive investing is more like following a proven recipe exactly — tracking a market index without trying to outperform it.
Both approaches have their place. Active strategies can potentially deliver higher returns but typically come with higher fees and more risk. Passive strategies generally have lower fees and can be more tax-efficient. At Mindgona Questa, we often recommend a blend of both approaches, tailored to your specific needs and goals.
For most people, checking in quarterly is plenty. I've seen too many clients make poor decisions by watching their investments daily — it's like weighing yourself every hour on a diet!
That said, you should definitely schedule a more thorough review annually or when major life changes occur (marriage, new job, retirement, etc.). During these reviews, we'll reassess your goals, risk tolerance, and whether your current allocation still makes sense. Remember, the best portfolio is one you can stick with through market cycles without making emotional decisions.
Our Services & Approach
We're not just number-crunchers. Our approach starts with understanding your life, not just your money. This might sound obvious, but I'm always surprised by how many clients come to us after working with advisors who never asked about their dreams or worries.
Beyond that personal touch, we specialize in evidence-based investing rather than chasing trends or making predictions. We emphasize transparency in our fee structure, and unlike many firms, we don't receive commissions that might create conflicts of interest. Our advisors also undergo continuous education beyond industry requirements to stay at the forefront of financial strategies.
We start with a deep dive into your financial life — examining not just the numbers, but understanding what money means to you. This involves a comprehensive assessment covering:
- Your short and long-term goals
- Your time horizon for various objectives
- Your emotional response to market volatility
- Your income, expenses, and existing financial commitments
- Your tax situation and estate planning needs
From there, we craft a personalized strategy that balances your growth needs with your comfort level. And this isn't set in stone — we'll adjust as your life evolves.
We believe in complete transparency when it comes to fees. Our primary fee structure is based on assets under management, typically ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% annually, depending on portfolio size and complexity. This fee decreases as your assets grow.
We don't charge hidden fees, commissions, or receive kickbacks from product providers. Every dollar we earn comes directly from our clients, ensuring our interests are aligned with yours. For clients with specific planning needs but without assets to manage, we offer standalone financial planning services at hourly or project-based rates.
Yes, tax planning is integrated into our investment strategy. We consider tax implications when recommending investments, timing transactions, and planning withdrawals. Our approach includes tax-loss harvesting, strategic asset location (placing investments in the most tax-advantaged accounts), and coordination with retirement planning.
While we don't prepare tax returns, we work closely with your accountant to ensure our strategies complement your overall tax situation. If you don't have an accountant, we're happy to recommend trusted professionals from our network.
Getting Started
Don't worry about bringing a mountain of paperwork to our first meeting! It's more of a conversation to see if we're a good fit. That said, it helps if you have a general idea of:
- Your current investment accounts and approximate balances
- Major financial goals you're working toward
- Any pressing financial concerns or questions
After our initial meeting, if we decide to work together, we'll provide a specific list of documents to gather. But honestly, the most important thing to bring is an open mind and your questions.
From our first meeting to delivering your comprehensive financial plan typically takes 2-3 weeks. The process includes:
- Initial consultation (1 hour)
- Data gathering and analysis (1-2 weeks)
- Plan development (3-5 days)
- Plan presentation and discussion (90 minutes)
We don't rush this process because we're laying the foundation for your financial future. Once your plan is in place, implementation can begin immediately for most strategies, though some aspects may be phased in over time depending on market conditions and your specific situation.
Yes, in most cases we can help you transfer existing investments to our management. We'll carefully analyze your current holdings to determine which ones make sense to keep within your new strategy and which might be better to gradually transition out of.
We're mindful of potential tax implications when making these decisions — sometimes it's worth keeping a less-than-ideal investment to avoid triggering significant capital gains taxes. Our transfer process is designed to be as seamless as possible, with our team handling the paperwork and coordination with your current providers.
Life happens — and your financial plan should adapt accordingly! When significant changes occur (new job, marriage, children, inheritance, etc.), we recommend scheduling a strategy session right away so we can adjust your plan.
Even without major life events, we conduct scheduled reviews to ensure your strategy remains aligned with your goals. The beauty of our approach is flexibility — your plan is never set in stone. I remember a client who suddenly needed to care for an aging parent; we completely restructured their investments within a week to provide more income and liquidity. Whatever changes come your way, we'll help you adjust course while keeping your long-term objectives in view.

Still have questions?
Our advisors are ready to help you navigate your financial journey with personalized guidance.
Contact UsLooking for educational resources?
Check out our Learning Program for in-depth guides, webinars, and tools to help you become a more confident investor.
Explore Resources
Our team includes certified financial analysts with over 20 years of experience in asset allocation strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about asset allocation and investment strategies? We've compiled answers to the most common questions our clients ask. If you can't find what you're looking for, don't hesitate to reach out.
Investment Basics
Asset allocation is how you split your investments across different asset classes like stocks, bonds, and cash. Think of it as not putting all your eggs in one basket. It's probably the most important investment decision you'll make because it determines about 90% of your portfolio's overall risk and return.
We've found that having the right mix can help you weather market storms while still growing your money over time. Every person's ideal allocation is different — it depends on your goals, timeline, and how comfortable you are with ups and downs.
There's no minimum investment requirement to get started with us. We've designed our services to be accessible whether you're starting with $1,000 or $1 million. What matters more is consistency — even small amounts invested regularly can grow significantly over time.
That said, certain investment strategies might require higher minimums due to the nature of the investments themselves. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation and recommend options that make sense for your budget.
Active investing is like being the chef who's constantly tweaking recipes — it involves frequently buying and selling investments to try to beat the market. Passive investing is more like following a proven recipe exactly — tracking a market index without trying to outperform it.
Both approaches have their place. Active strategies can potentially deliver higher returns but typically come with higher fees and more risk. Passive strategies generally have lower fees and can be more tax-efficient. At Mindgona Questa, we often recommend a blend of both approaches, tailored to your specific needs and goals.
For most people, checking in quarterly is plenty. I've seen too many clients make poor decisions by watching their investments daily — it's like weighing yourself every hour on a diet!
That said, you should definitely schedule a more thorough review annually or when major life changes occur (marriage, new job, retirement, etc.). During these reviews, we'll reassess your goals, risk tolerance, and whether your current allocation still makes sense. Remember, the best portfolio is one you can stick with through market cycles without making emotional decisions.
Our Services & Approach
We're not just number-crunchers. Our approach starts with understanding your life, not just your money. This might sound obvious, but I'm always surprised by how many clients come to us after working with advisors who never asked about their dreams or worries.
Beyond that personal touch, we specialize in evidence-based investing rather than chasing trends or making predictions. We emphasize transparency in our fee structure, and unlike many firms, we don't receive commissions that might create conflicts of interest. Our advisors also undergo continuous education beyond industry requirements to stay at the forefront of financial strategies.
We start with a deep dive into your financial life — examining not just the numbers, but understanding what money means to you. This involves a comprehensive assessment covering:
- Your short and long-term goals
- Your time horizon for various objectives
- Your emotional response to market volatility
- Your income, expenses, and existing financial commitments
- Your tax situation and estate planning needs
From there, we craft a personalized strategy that balances your growth needs with your comfort level. And this isn't set in stone — we'll adjust as your life evolves.
We believe in complete transparency when it comes to fees. Our primary fee structure is based on assets under management, typically ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% annually, depending on portfolio size and complexity. This fee decreases as your assets grow.
We don't charge hidden fees, commissions, or receive kickbacks from product providers. Every dollar we earn comes directly from our clients, ensuring our interests are aligned with yours. For clients with specific planning needs but without assets to manage, we offer standalone financial planning services at hourly or project-based rates.
Yes, tax planning is integrated into our investment strategy. We consider tax implications when recommending investments, timing transactions, and planning withdrawals. Our approach includes tax-loss harvesting, strategic asset location (placing investments in the most tax-advantaged accounts), and coordination with retirement planning.
While we don't prepare tax returns, we work closely with your accountant to ensure our strategies complement your overall tax situation. If you don't have an accountant, we're happy to recommend trusted professionals from our network.
Getting Started
Don't worry about bringing a mountain of paperwork to our first meeting! It's more of a conversation to see if we're a good fit. That said, it helps if you have a general idea of:
- Your current investment accounts and approximate balances
- Major financial goals you're working toward
- Any pressing financial concerns or questions
After our initial meeting, if we decide to work together, we'll provide a specific list of documents to gather. But honestly, the most important thing to bring is an open mind and your questions.
From our first meeting to delivering your comprehensive financial plan typically takes 2-3 weeks. The process includes:
- Initial consultation (1 hour)
- Data gathering and analysis (1-2 weeks)
- Plan development (3-5 days)
- Plan presentation and discussion (90 minutes)
We don't rush this process because we're laying the foundation for your financial future. Once your plan is in place, implementation can begin immediately for most strategies, though some aspects may be phased in over time depending on market conditions and your specific situation.
Yes, in most cases we can help you transfer existing investments to our management. We'll carefully analyze your current holdings to determine which ones make sense to keep within your new strategy and which might be better to gradually transition out of.
We're mindful of potential tax implications when making these decisions — sometimes it's worth keeping a less-than-ideal investment to avoid triggering significant capital gains taxes. Our transfer process is designed to be as seamless as possible, with our team handling the paperwork and coordination with your current providers.
Life happens — and your financial plan should adapt accordingly! When significant changes occur (new job, marriage, children, inheritance, etc.), we recommend scheduling a strategy session right away so we can adjust your plan.
Even without major life events, we conduct scheduled reviews to ensure your strategy remains aligned with your goals. The beauty of our approach is flexibility — your plan is never set in stone. I remember a client who suddenly needed to care for an aging parent; we completely restructured their investments within a week to provide more income and liquidity. Whatever changes come your way, we'll help you adjust course while keeping your long-term objectives in view.

Still have questions?
Our advisors are ready to help you navigate your financial journey with personalized guidance.
Contact UsLooking for educational resources?
Check out our Learning Program for in-depth guides, webinars, and tools to help you become a more confident investor.
Explore Resources
Our team includes certified financial analysts with over 20 years of experience in asset allocation strategies.
That said, certain investment strategies might require higher minimums due to the nature of the investments themselves. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation and recommend options that make sense for your budget.
Active investing is like being the chef who's constantly tweaking recipes — it involves frequently buying and selling investments to try to beat the market. Passive investing is more like following a proven recipe exactly — tracking a market index without trying to outperform it.
Both approaches have their place. Active strategies can potentially deliver higher returns but typically come with higher fees and more risk. Passive strategies generally have lower fees and can be more tax-efficient. At Mindgona Questa, we often recommend a blend of both approaches, tailored to your specific needs and goals.
For most people, checking in quarterly is plenty. I've seen too many clients make poor decisions by watching their investments daily — it's like weighing yourself every hour on a diet!
That said, you should definitely schedule a more thorough review annually or when major life changes occur (marriage, new job, retirement, etc.). During these reviews, we'll reassess your goals, risk tolerance, and whether your current allocation still makes sense. Remember, the best portfolio is one you can stick with through market cycles without making emotional decisions.
Our Services & Approach
We're not just number-crunchers. Our approach starts with understanding your life, not just your money. This might sound obvious, but I'm always surprised by how many clients come to us after working with advisors who never asked about their dreams or worries.
Beyond that personal touch, we specialize in evidence-based investing rather than chasing trends or making predictions. We emphasize transparency in our fee structure, and unlike many firms, we don't receive commissions that might create conflicts of interest. Our advisors also undergo continuous education beyond industry requirements to stay at the forefront of financial strategies.
We start with a deep dive into your financial life — examining not just the numbers, but understanding what money means to you. This involves a comprehensive assessment covering:
- Your short and long-term goals
- Your time horizon for various objectives
- Your emotional response to market volatility
- Your income, expenses, and existing financial commitments
- Your tax situation and estate planning needs
From there, we craft a personalized strategy that balances your growth needs with your comfort level. And this isn't set in stone — we'll adjust as your life evolves.
We believe in complete transparency when it comes to fees. Our primary fee structure is based on assets under management, typically ranging from 0.75% to 1.25% annually, depending on portfolio size and complexity. This fee decreases as your assets grow.
We don't charge hidden fees, commissions, or receive kickbacks from product providers. Every dollar we earn comes directly from our clients, ensuring our interests are aligned with yours. For clients with specific planning needs but without assets to manage, we offer standalone financial planning services at hourly or project-based rates.
Yes, tax planning is integrated into our investment strategy. We consider tax implications when recommending investments, timing transactions, and planning withdrawals. Our approach includes tax-loss harvesting, strategic asset location (placing investments in the most tax-advantaged accounts), and coordination with retirement planning.
While we don't prepare tax returns, we work closely with your accountant to ensure our strategies complement your overall tax situation. If you don't have an accountant, we're happy to recommend trusted professionals from our network.
Getting Started
Don't worry about bringing a mountain of paperwork to our first meeting! It's more of a conversation to see if we're a good fit. That said, it helps if you have a general idea of:
- Your current investment accounts and approximate balances
- Major financial goals you're working toward
- Any pressing financial concerns or questions
After our initial meeting, if we decide to work together, we'll provide a specific list of documents to gather. But honestly, the most important thing to bring is an open mind and your questions.
From our first meeting to delivering your comprehensive financial plan typically takes 2-3 weeks. The process includes:
- Initial consultation (1 hour)
- Data gathering and analysis (1-2 weeks)
- Plan development (3-5 days)
- Plan presentation and discussion (90 minutes)
We don't rush this process because we're laying the foundation for your financial future. Once your plan is in place, implementation can begin immediately for most strategies, though some aspects may be phased in over time depending on market conditions and your specific situation.
Yes, in most cases we can help you transfer existing investments to our management. We'll carefully analyze your current holdings to determine which ones make sense to keep within your new strategy and which might be better to gradually transition out of.
We're mindful of potential tax implications when making these decisions — sometimes it's worth keeping a less-than-ideal investment to avoid triggering significant capital gains taxes. Our transfer process is designed to be as seamless as possible, with our team handling the paperwork and coordination with your current providers.
Life happens — and your financial plan should adapt accordingly! When significant changes occur (new job, marriage, children, inheritance, etc.), we recommend scheduling a strategy session right away so we can adjust your plan.
Even without major life events, we conduct scheduled reviews to ensure your strategy remains aligned with your goals. The beauty of our approach is flexibility — your plan is never set in stone. I remember a client who suddenly needed to care for an aging parent; we completely restructured their investments within a week to provide more income and liquidity. Whatever changes come your way, we'll help you adjust course while keeping your long-term objectives in view.

Still have questions?
Our advisors are ready to help you navigate your financial journey with personalized guidance.
Contact UsLooking for educational resources?
Check out our Learning Program for in-depth guides, webinars, and tools to help you become a more confident investor.
Explore Resources
Our team includes certified financial analysts with over 20 years of experience in asset allocation strategies.