Frequently Asked Questions
Where does your company name "Maas" come from?
The Maas (French Meuse) is a major European river, rising in France and flowing through Belgium and the Netherlands before draining into the North Sea. The Maas is linked with the Belgian port of Antwerp by the Albert Canal and with Rotterdam and other Dutch ports by the intricate system of Dutch waterways, making it one of Europe's main thoroughfares. A strategic line of defense, particularly in Belgium and France, the valley has been a battleground in many wars, and most of the cities along its course have been strongly fortified since the Middle Ages.
The Maas River has a strong personal significance for Maas Capital's founder Jim Corbeau. His parents, who were born and raised in Rotterdam, emigrated to the U.S. from Holland as young newlyweds in the early 1960s. Their transatlantic journey started at the departure terminal for Holland America Line, situated on the south bank of the Maas in Rotterdam.
Many years later, when Jim worked as a merchant banker in Europe, his office overlooked the Maas River and the stylish Hotel New York, the former departure terminal for Holland America Line!
How are you compensated for your services?
Maas Capital is a fee-only advisory practice.
Our integrated financial planning and investment management services are provided for an annual fee, under an “open retainer” agreement. Under this arrangement, clients may make use of our services on an unlimited, as-needed basis.
For more detailed information, please see the Fee Structure section on our website. You may also review our Form ADV Part II on our website, under the section entitled Important Forms.
What does "fee-only" mean, and why should it matter to me?
As a fee-only firm, we receive compensation only from our clients. We do not sell any financial products, do not collect sales commissions and do not accept referral fees. We believe this approach reinforces our objectivity, and provides our clients with the assurance that they will receive unbiased advice.
What is a CFP® - or Certified Financial Planner™ - professional, and why should that matter to me?
When selecting a financial advisor, you should feel confident that the person you choose to help you plan for your future is competent and ethical.
To earn the right to use the CFP marks, individuals must complete the following competency requirements.
- Education: Develop theoretical and practical financial planning knowledge by completing a comprehensive course of study at a college or university offering a financial planning curriculum.
- Experience: Have a minimum of three years' experience in the financial planning process prior to earning the right to use the CFP marks.
- Examination: Pass a comprehensive, two-day, 10-hour examination that tests the ability to apply financial planning knowledge in an integrated format. The exam covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits and retirement planning, estate planning, investments management and insurance.
- Ethics: As a final step to certification, CFP professionals agree to abide by a strict code of professional conduct, known as CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, that sets forth their ethical responsibilities to the public, to clients and to employers.
Is Maas Capital a Registered Investment Advisor?
Yes, Maas Capital Advisors, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. As such, we must comply with a host of regulations designed to protect the consumer.
One important question to ask when considering retaining a financial advisor is: "May I have a copy of your ADV Part II?" This document contains important information about the advisor's education, qualifications, fiduciary duties, history of past violations, etc and must be filed with the state.
You can obtain a copy of our Form ADV Part II on our website, under the section entitled Important Forms.
Is Maas Capital a fiduciary, and what does that mean?
Yes, Maas Capital is a fiduciary to its clients.
A fiduciary is a person in which trust and confidence is placed by another, and who by nature of the relationship must place the interests of the trusting party ahead of their own.
We believe that all financial planning and investment advisory firms should act as fiduciaries for their clients.
What is your investment philosophy and approach?
Our investment philosophy is summarized on our website, under the section entitled Investment Philosophy. We believe that our investment philosophy is a defining feature of our practice, and a major strength.
How do you select investments for a client?
Before we recommend any investment strategy, we consider your objectives, investment horizon, risk tolerance, liquidity requirements, income needs and tax considerations.
For more information, please see the section of our website entitled Investment Philosophy.
How are my assets kept safe?
All securities and cash balances held in your accounts are retained with a registered broker/dealer and other custodial institutions designated by you. Maas Capital does not take custody of your assets. Maas Capital receives no commission or other financial benefit from any broker/dealer or other institution that may be used in connection with your accounts. The broker/dealer and custodial firm that Maas Capital typically uses is National Financial Services (NFS), a Fidelity Investments company.
Please click here to learn why we work with Fidelity.
Securities in accounts with NFS are protected by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation up to $500,000 (including cash claims of $100,000). NFS has arranged for unlimited insurance protection for cash and securities to supplement its SIPC coverage. Of course, neither coverage protects against a decline in the market value of securities.
Can I follow my accounts online?
The answer is yes, for most accounts. Please call our office or send us an email and we will provide you with instructions and links to set up online viewing of your accounts.
Are your fees tax deductible?
Yes, the Internal Revenue Code permits an itemized deduction for tax and/or investment advice, in the "miscellaneous" section of Schedule A. This deduction is subject to a 2% floor of Adjusted Gross Income on a personal tax return.
How can we get started?
You can contact us by phone or by email.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments about financial planning, investment management, Maas Capital's services, or any other topic of interest. We'd love to hear from you.
We encourage you to browse through our website, which is intended to provide our clients and visitors with background information about our practice, our approach to planning and our investment philosophy, and how we work with our clients.
We offer all prospective clients a complimentary initial consultation, which allows us to get acquainted and determine if we can best meet your financial advisory needs. This introductory meeting also gives us ample opportunity to tell you more about our practice and our philosophy, and to explain our compensation structure.
For more information, or to arrange an initial consultation, please stop by our office, or contact us by phone or by email. We look forward to meeting with you.