• What does the title “Investment Counsel” mean?

    Under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, an Investment Counsel’s primary activity must be to provide investment advice that includes substantial supervisory services. An Investment Counsel designs investment portfolios and oversees portfolio managers. Investment Counsels set the long-term strategy for your investment plan, including asset allocation. In setting your investment plan in motion, an Investment Counsel takes into account your individual goals, your risk tolerance, and your time horizon.

    What services do you provide?

    • Investment Counsel
    • Investment Management
    • Portfolio Design
    • Wealth Management
    • Risk Management
    • Retirement Income Planning
    • Estate Planning
    • Other Services As Needed – Every Client Is Different!

  • What is CIMA® certification?

    A Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA®) is certified by the Investments & Wealth Institute after completing rigorous courses of learning about investment theory, investment manager analysis, portfolio design, and ethics. The CIMA® certification, which also requires extensive experience in the financial advisory field, indicates a higher standard of knowledge, commitment, and excellence. There are many designations for financial advisors, and investors should be careful putting their faith in them. Beware of hollow designations.

    Unlike most other designations, CIMA® is accredited by an independent third party, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

  • What is a Registered Investment Advisor?

    A Registered Investment Advisor, or RIA, is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or with state securities agencies. Unlike broker/dealers, RIAs must adhere to a significantly higher standard of fiduciary. A fiduciary standard is defined by the U.S. Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and means that an RIA always must serve a client’s best interests. RIAs must eliminate, or at least disclose, any potential conflicts of interest. Michael J.D. McCall LLC. has no conflicts of interest.  Can your broker say that?

  • What does “fee-only” mean?

    A fee-only financial advisor charges a straight fee for services, often based on the amount of assets the advisor is managing for the client. The term means the advisor does not receive any commissions or other considerations from third parties such as financial institutions or insurance companies, for recommending certain investments or offering certain advice. Don't be fooled by the term "fee-based".  This is the newer term for "fee plus commission".