Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common financial planning questions. If you need more info, feel free to reach out.

SERVING THE ST. LOUIS REGION

Questions About Toberman Becker Wealth in St. Louis

General Financial Planning Questions

Active investment management strives to beat the market by carefully selecting securities, whereas passive management aims to replicate market performance by tracking a specific index, usually at a lower cost.

Comprehensive wealth management goes beyond investments. It’s a holistic approach that covers financial planning, investment management, and life planning. Think of it as having a financial concierge dedicated to aligning your decisions with your best interests and ensuring your wealth supports your goals now and in the future.

The CFA® designation represents a commitment to ethics, professionalism, and expertise. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholders must pass three rigorous exams covering investment tools, asset valuation, portfolio management, and wealth planning.

Considered one of the most challenging financial credentials, the CFA program requires an average of over 900 hours of study and has a historically low pass rate.

The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification is the gold standard in financial planning. CFP® professionals undergo rigorous education and training, adhere to strict ethical standards, and are committed to acting in their clients’ best interests—helping them build a more secure future.

When you see the CFP® mark, you can be confident you’re working with someone with the expertise and integrity to guide your financial life confidently.

At Toberman Becker Wealth, we are fiduciaries, meaning we always have a legal and moral duty to act in your best interest. As a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), we adhere to the strict fiduciary standard enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Many financial advisors are not held to this standard, so they can recommend products that are merely suitable—not necessarily best—for your financial situation.

Your risk tolerance is your comfort with market ups and downs, and it starts by considering how you’d react to a significant portfolio drop, say 15 percent. It includes your willingness to take risks, which is your emotional response, and your ability to take risks, which depends on your financial goals, time horizon, and income needs.

Risk questionnaires and planning tools help build a portfolio aligned with your full risk profile.

Investing involves risk, but a diversified portfolio helps manage volatility and improve long-term stability. While you can’t eliminate risk, hedging against extreme fluctuations increases the likelihood of staying on track with your financial goals.

Economic cycles, with periods of growth and decline, influence investment performance as different assets and sectors thrive in various phases. Recognizing these economic patterns allows investors to allocate capital wisely and manage risk effectively.

Effective retirement planning starts with setting clear goals, evaluating finances, selecting the right accounts, and investing strategically. These steps can help you build a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Working with a financial advisor for retirement planning offers many benefits. Toberman Becker Wealth provides expert guidance, tailored advice, and reassurance, giving clients peace of mind and motivation to save. We also help consolidate retirement accounts into a single, streamlined plan.

Ready to Start Planning for the Future?

Book a call with us or schedule a visit at our St. Louis office.