Privacy Policy

At Capital Financial Planners, we prioritize the confidentiality of your information. We never share, sell, or disclose personal information to any other company or organization.
Please be aware that the LPL Financial Registered Representatives associated with this website can only engage in securities-related activities with residents of the following states: AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY.
Neil Cain is a Registered Representative offering Securities and Advisory Services through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor and Member FINRA/SIPC.

 

  • Who is Capital Financial Planners/When was CFP started/Who is LPL and what do they do/ What is RETFED?

    Capital Financial Planners is an independent financial services firm specializing in assisting federal employees in crafting personalized retirement strategies tailored to the unique complexities of transitioning from the federal government. We were co-founded in February 2015 by Neil Cain and David Setia, and today, we proudly serve the investment and retirement needs of over 250 households.

    As part of our commitment to providing top-notch service, we are affiliated with LPL Financial, the largest independent broker-dealer in the country. This affiliation grants us access to cutting-edge technology, extensive research, and an expansive investment portfolio, ensuring that we can offer our clients a diverse range of choices. Importantly, LPL does not promote proprietary investment products or engage in investment banking activities, allowing our advisors the freedom to make recommendations based solely on our clients' best interests.

    One of our key offerings is a comprehensive retirement training program designed specifically for federal employees. We recognize the unique challenges they face while planning for retirement, and our program bridges the gap in the training federal employees typically receive. Our seminar trainer holds prestigious certifications as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and a Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant℠. These certifications enable RETFED® to provide up-to-date financial literacy content in accordance with OPM's guidelines. Moreover, our program has proven to be an invaluable resource for federal employees looking to enhance their individual development plans each year.

  • Are you employed by LPL Financial?

    LPL Financial stands as the leading independent broker-dealer in the nation, renowned for its vast size. This stature grants us unparalleled access to state-of-the-art technology, cutting-edge research, and an extensive array of investment options at our disposal for the benefit of our valued clients. An important aspect of our partnership with LPL is the fact that LPL refrains from offering proprietary investment products and does not involve itself in investment banking activities. Consequently, this ensures that our affiliated advisors are free from any undue pressure or influence to promote any specific product. Our commitment is solely to our clients' best interests, and we take pride in providing them with unbiased guidance and a wide spectrum of investment choices.

  • How safe is my money/how do I know you won’t run off with my money?

    We want to ensure the security of your accounts at Capital Financial Planners. As part of our commitment to safeguarding your investments, please be aware of the following important information:

    1. Insurance Coverage: Your accounts are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) in the event of LPL Financial's failure. SIPC provides insurance coverage of up to $500,000 per account, with a maximum of $250,000 in cash. For further details, you can request an explanatory SIPC brochure or visit www.sipc.org. It's important to note that SIPC coverage does not safeguard your account against market losses.
    2. Custodian of Client Assets: Client assets are securely held by a third-party public custodian, LPL Financial. These assets are not accessible to Capital Financial Planner employees. Consequently, all checks from clients should be made payable to "LPL Financial."
    3. Account Fund Movement: Generally, we can facilitate the transfer of funds from your account in the following ways:
    • A wire transfer to another account at a different institution, provided it's in your exact name and with your written permission.
    • A check payable to the account holder(s) and mailed to the address of record on the account.
    • A journal transfer to another account with the same owner.
    • An Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers to/from a client's bank account. This requires specific instructions and a voided check provided by the client

    Our aim is to offer clients a secure and transparent financial experience, ensuring that clients assets are protected, and that their financial needs are met with care and professionalism. 

  • Do you have a minimum account size?

    Indeed, our firm maintains an account minimum of $250,000. We appreciate that many of our clients are federal employees who may face unique financial circumstances and constraints. In recognition of this, we are willing to arrange accommodations in certain cases. Specifically, we may permit clients to open smaller accounts, with the understanding that they will reach the eligible age to meet our standard minimum investment threshold in due time. Our goal is to provide flexibility and support to help clients navigate their financial journey effectively, while ensuring they can access our services when needed. If you have any questions or require further details about this policy, please feel free to contact us for clarification and guidance.

  • What are your fees?

    Our Account Fee Schedule is:

    1.10% = $500,000 to $749,999

    1.00% = $750,000 to $999,999

    0.95% = $1,000,000 to $1,499,999

    0.90% = $1,500,000 to $1,999,999

    0.85% = $2,000,000 to $2,499,999

    0.80% = $2,500,000 to $2,999,999

    0.75% = $3,000,000+

    Please note: This fee encompasses all transaction costs, account management fees, and our ongoing financial planning services. These are flat fees for all assets once a break-point is reached; we do not use a tiered fee schedule.

    At the advisor's discretion, we may allow smaller accounts to be opened on a probationary period until the client reaches the eligible age to then meet the $250,000 Minimum. These accounts do not include in-depth financial planning (though it can be added at cost), and the fees for those accounts are:

    1.60% = $100,000 to $249,999 (at advisor's discretion)

    1.35% = $250,000 to $499,999 (at advisor's discretion)

  • What licenses and designations do your professionals have?

    Our team members hold various professional designations, including: 

    • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) 
    • Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor (CMFC) 
    • Chartered Charter Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBC) 
    • Series 7 Registered Representative designation - held with LPL Financial
    • Series 63 Uniform Combined State Law designation - held with LPL Financial
    • Series 65 Investment/ Advisor designation - held with LPL Financial
    • Life Insurance License

  • Do you confer with me before doing any transactions?

    It's important for us to outline how we will manage your investments and communicate our approach clearly. Here's a summary of our investment management process:

    1. Initial Investment Policy: To begin, we will work with you to develop a customized Investment Policy Statement. This document will outline your investment goals, risk tolerance, and any specific preferences or restrictions you have.
    2. Recommendations and Approval: After establishing your Investment Policy, we will present our initial investment recommendations. At this stage, we value your input and approval to ensure that the proposed strategy aligns with your financial objectives.
    3. Ongoing Discretionary Management: Once your initial investment plan is in place and approved, all future investment transactions will be executed at our discretion. We will follow the guidelines and parameters set forth in your Investment Policy Statement.
    4. Trade Confirmations: You will receive notifications of trade confirmations for all investment transactions. This transparency allows you to stay informed about the activities within your portfolio.
    5. Client-Specified Investments: If you have specific investments that you bring to us and specify should not be sold, we will honor your instructions. These investments will remain in your account until we receive further instructions or your permission to sell.

    Our aim is to provide you with a well-defined investment strategy that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance while giving you the flexibility to participate actively or entrust the day-to-day management to our expertise. We value your trust and are committed to maintaining open communication throughout our partnership.

  • What is a fiduciary and why is having a financial advisor that acts as your fiduciary important?

    A fiduciary is an individual who has been entrusted with the highest level of trust and confidence to manage and safeguard property or money. In this relationship, the fiduciary has a legal obligation to act solely in the best interests of the person for whom they are acting.

    1. Capital Financial Planners as a Fiduciary: Capital Financial Planners operates in a fiduciary capacity for its investment advisory clients. This means that the firm is legally bound to act in the best interests of its clients, prioritizing their financial well-being.
    2. Commissions and Fiduciary Relationships: When advisors recommend investments that pay commissions, a fiduciary relationship may not exist. Commissions can introduce conflicts of interest, as advisors may be incentivized to recommend products that generate higher commissions, potentially not aligning with the client's best interests.
    3. Fee-Based Accounts: Clients of Capital Financial Planners in fee-based accounts do not pay commissions. This fee structure helps ensure that a fiduciary relationship exists, as the firm's compensation is not tied to commissions, and advisors are motivated solely by the client's financial welfare.

    By making these distinctions clear, clients can have confidence that Capital Financial Planners is committed to acting in their best interests, free from conflicts of interest that may arise from commission-based recommendations. This transparency is crucial in building trust and ensuring clients' financial goals are the top priority.

  • Why do you recommend account consolidations?

    Here are the key points clients should be aware of:

    1. Simplified Portfolio Management: Consolidating all of your investments with one institution streamlines your portfolio and makes it easier to manage. Importantly, this consolidation does not require you to sell your existing investments, and our team will handle all the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
    2. Cost Considerations: While there are some costs associated with consolidation, they are typically minor. Our team will discuss these costs with you upfront, ensuring transparency and clarity.
    3. Benefits of Consolidation: There are several advantages to consolidating your investments, including:
    • Reduction in Paperwork: With fewer accounts to track, you'll experience a significant reduction in paperwork, making it more convenient to oversee your financial holdings.
    • Error Reduction: A consolidated portfolio decreases the chances of errors or oversights in managing your investments.
    • Simplified Tax Preparation: Consolidation simplifies tax preparation and record-keeping, making it easier to manage your financial affairs during tax season.
    • Enhanced Money Management: Managing your money flows becomes more straightforward when your investments are consolidated in one place.
    • Review Opportunities: Consolidation provides the opportunity to review and update title issues and beneficiary designations, ensuring they align with your current intentions.
    • Estate Administration: In the unfortunate event of death or disability, having a consolidated portfolio centralizes estate administration, making the process more efficient and manageable for your loved ones.

    By consolidating your investments, you can enjoy these benefits while also simplifying your overall financial picture. Capital Financial Planners is committed to facilitating this process, ensuring that it is both seamless and cost-effective for our clients.

  • If I become a client, am I contractually committed for a certain time period?

    It's important for clients to understand their options and have control over their financial decisions. Here's a summary of your statement:

    1. No Binding Contract: There is no contractual obligation that ties clients to your firm. Clients are not bound by any agreements that restrict their ability to manage their investments or make decisions about their financial assets.
    2. Client Empowerment: You believe that the money under management is the client's, and they should have full access and the freedom to move it as they see fit. This philosophy underscores your commitment to empowering clients to make financial choices that align with their goals and preferences.

    This approach reinforces trust and transparency in your client relationships, emphasizing that clients have the ultimate say over their financial matters. It aligns with the principle that clients should feel confident and in control when it comes to managing their investments and wealth.

  • How often do advisors meet and or speak with clients?

    1. Client-Centric Review Frequency: We recognize that each client's financial situation and planning needs are unique. Instead of imposing a fixed review schedule based on account size, we tailor the review frequency to when there's progress to be made or specific planning requirements. This ensures that clients receive the attention and guidance they need precisely when it's most beneficial to them.
    2. Open Accessibility: Our firm maintains an open-door policy, welcoming clients to reach out and schedule meetings whenever they see fit. This accessibility fosters a collaborative and supportive client-advisor relationship, where clients can proactively seek guidance or discuss any financial concerns at their convenience.

    This flexible and client-driven approach not only puts clients in control of their financial planning but also underscores our commitment to providing personalized, meaningful support that aligns with each client's unique circumstances and objectives. This demonstrates our strong dedication to client satisfaction and success.