Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I hire a professional money manager?
A: A full-time money manager should be able to reduce your investment risk while improving performance, net after costs. Based upon our history, Marin has been able to do just that.
Q: What exactly does a money manager do?
A: A money manager is a professional Investment Advisor who administers and directs your portfolio in the same manner that you would if you had the time, information, and experience to do it yourself.
Q: How does Marin know what is right for me?
A: At Marin, we guide you in the development of suitable investment objectives which are compatible with your risk comfort level, then structure an investment portfolio designed to meet those objectives.
Q: Does Marin receive a commission on any of my investments or trading activity?
A: No. Marin is compensated only by our clients and receives no commissions, or any other compensation other than our stated management fee. This allows us to act entirely on your behalf without bias. For further information follow this link to "12 Differences Between Stockbrokers and Independent Investment Managers."
Q: Can Marin manage the assets of an existing trust?
A: Yes, absolutely.
Q: Can Marin help me establish a Trust Account for my family?
A: If suitable, we can demonstrate the overall investment and estate planning benefits of various trusts, but since we do not hold ourselves out as attorneys, we cannot draft the trust documents. We could, however, work with your personal attorney to see that it is structured to meet your needs.
Q: Do I still receive my statements and confirmations?
A: Yes. You receive all statements and confirmations of trades from the custodian firm, Schwab, where your assets are held. In addition, Marin provides you with semi-annual statements including year-end statements which contain important information such as capital gains and losses, taxable and non-taxable dividends and interest, and investment performance.
Q: Are my investments held at Marin?
A: No. For your safety and peace of mind, all assets are held in your name at Charles Schwab & Company. Any transfer of assets, deposits or withdrawals are handled directly between the custodian and yourself--we never physically take custody of your assets.
Q: Can I withdraw money from my account at any time?
A: Yes. All funds are held in your name. You can withdraw and make deposits at any time although in order for us to do the best job possible, we would appreciate advance notice of any significant withdrawals so that we can prepare for portfolio rebalancing.
Q: I have recently changed jobs. Can I roll my 401(k) money from my old company's plan into an account with Marin?
A: Yes. Through a rollover IRA account, Marin can manage your retirement funds.
Q: Will I be able to read my statement?
A: Yes. We designed our statements to be easy to read, yet present essential information you need to know such as current market value and total return on investment.
Q: How will the billing be handled by Marin?
A: Management fees are based on a current valuation of assets and billed in advance on a quarterly basis. Marin's management fees are deducted directly from your account quarterly and invoiced on your statement. You don’t have to worry about writing checks or other paperwork and you always know what your fee is.
Q: Do I have to fill out a lot of paperwork to transfer my assets?
A: No. If any transfers are required, or requested on your part, we will assist in preparing the simple transfer form. Just provide us with the latest copy of your current account.
Q: How do I open an account?
A: Read and complete Marin's information sheet, SEC ADV form, Questionnaire and Investment Advisory Agreement. We will begin working for you immediately. These items can be obtained by clicking on the required forms link on this site.
