SDM Advisors (SDMA) is a wealth management firm headquartered in San Francisco. Unlike many advisory firms, SDMA doesn’t offer asset management services. The firm only offers financial planning and retirement planning services.
If you’re in need of a registered investment advisor (RIA) firm that offers portfolio management, SmartAsset’s free financial advisor matching service can help you.
SDM Advisors Background
SDMA was established in 2012 by partners Stephen D. Mayer and Richard A. Hillsbery. The firm says it specializes in estate planning, investment guidance, insurance and tax planning and retirement planning. Though based in San Francisco, SDMA also has an office in Menlo Park, California. The firm is a member of BDO Alliance, a national association of accounting, consulting and service firms.
SDMA’s team includes such certifications as certified public accountant (CPA), personal financial specialist (PFS) and certified financial planner (CFP).
SDM Advisors Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
SDMA serves individuals, plan sponsors, trusts, estates, charitable foundations, corporations and other businesses. The firm hasn’t specified a minimum account size requirement, probably because they don't work with the assets of clients directly.
Services Offered by SDM Advisors
SDMA offers the following advisory services:
- Financial planning
- Pension consulting
- Selection of other advisors
SDM Advisors Investment Philosophy
SDMA says it strives to provide holistic personal and business advice which reflects its years of combined service experience. In offering money manager referral services, the firm assists clients in determining investment objectives and portfolio strategies.
Fees Under SDM Advisors
For financial planning, clients have two options when it comes to paying management fees: hourly fees or flat rates. Hourly fees range from $200 to $500 per hour, while flat fees span from $2,500 to $10,000.
SDM Advisors Awards and Recognition
SDMA has earned much recognition over the past few years. The San Francisco Business Times ranked SDMA as one of its 2018 Fast 100 -- a ranking that recognizes the 100 fastest-growing private companies in the Bay Area. The firm has also been named a “Best Place to Work” by the San Francisco Business Times.
What to Watch Out For
SDMA offers various financial planning, retirement planning and wealth management solutions, but the firm doesn’t provide portfolio management services. If you’re looking for a firm that does, consider using our free financial advisor matching tool.
Certain advisors here can receive third-party compensation in addition to client-paid fees. Although this can induce a potential conflict of interest, the firm's fiduciary duty requires it to act in clients' best interests at all times.
Opening an Account With SDM Advisors
To become a client of SDMA, simply call (415) 691-4040 or visit the contact page on the firm's website.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
Tips for Retirement Planning
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