^FAQ
Questions? I've Got Answers.

1. What type of clients do you typically work with?

I work with individuals and families at various stages of their financial lives — from early-career professionals focused on building wealth to retirees looking to manage income and preserve what they've built. I also work with small business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and anyone who wants a thoughtful, personalized approach to their finances.

2. How do I know if I need a financial advisor?

If you've ever felt unsure about whether you're making the right financial decisions — or if you simply don't have the time to stay on top of everything — that's usually a good sign it's time to talk. A financial advisor can help you organize your financial life, set meaningful goals, and build a strategy to pursue them.

3. Do I need to live in The Region/Chicagoland to work with you?

No. I work with people from coast to coast. I am currently licensed in AL, AZ, CA, CO, IL, IN, MO, SC, & TX, even though the bulk of my clients are right here in Indiana and Illinois. If you're not in one of those states, but wish to work with us, it's not a dealbreaker! Just reach out and ask me about your state.

4. What should I expect during our first meeting?

Our first conversation is all about getting to know each other. I'll ask about your financial situation, your goals, your concerns, and what's most important to you. There's no pressure and no obligation — it's simply an opportunity to see if we're a good fit for working together.

5. How do you charge for your services?

I believe in being upfront about how I'm compensated. During our initial conversation, I'll walk you through my fee structure in detail so you understand exactly what to expect. Transparency around fees is important in a successful advisor/client relationship.

6. Are you a fiduciary?

Yes. Not only do I have the proper licensing to work with clients, but I also undergo many hours of annual training and refresher courses to make sure I am able to conduct myself and my business in a manner that only puts my client's best interest first and foremost. I also am subject to annual audits which hold me to the highest industry standards. I take my client's outcomes very seriously.

7. What is your investment philosophy?

My approach is grounded in research, discipline, and a long-term perspective. I don't chase trends or make reactive decisions based on short-term market noise. Instead, I build strategies based on your specific goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon — and I monitor them consistently to help keep you on track.

8. Are you a virtual-friendly advisor?

Yes! No matter where in the country you live, I am happy to meet with you via a virtual meeting. Whether you're just looking to save a few minutes in your calendar, or a plane ride to meet with your advisor isn't in the cards right now, I happily accomodate all of my clients with virtual meetings if that's what they prefer.

9. How often will we meet or communicate?

That depends on your preferences and your situation. At a minimum, I schedule regular reviews to make sure your plan is still aligned with your goals. Between those reviews, I'm always available if something comes up or if you just have a question. I want you to feel connected to your plan — not left in the dark.

10. Will you be my only point of contact?

Yes. When you work with me, you work directly with me. I'm personally involved in every aspect of your financial plan — from strategy development to ongoing management. You won't be handed off to someone you've never met.

11. Can you help with retirement planning even if I'm still early in my career?

Absolutely. In fact, the earlier you start planning, the more flexibility you have. Whether retirement is five years away or thirty, I'll help you build a strategy that reflects where you are now and where you want to be.

12. What makes you different from other financial advisors?

I focus on building long-term relationships, not transactional ones. I take the time to understand your full financial picture before making any recommendations, and I stay engaged with your plan as your life changes. My approach is personalized, proactive, and always centered on your goals. I also come from a place of education, instead of just shoving some random solution in your face and telling you to buy into it like some other places do. I will teach you what you want to/need to know, and help you make an educated decision that's right for you and your family.

Also, several life experiences have given me valuable knowledge that I'm able to now pass along to my clients. Experiences such as business ownership, beating cancer, going through a divorce, and two different instances of non-profit organization leadership. I can talk the talk because I walked the walk -- literally.

Finally, I'm proud to be the only financial advisor in Northwest Indiana who has ever been named to the InvestmentNews 40 Under 40 List, back in 2022. 

13. Do you only work with people who have a lot of money?

No. I work with clients across a range of financial situations. What matters most to me isn't the size of your portfolio — it's your willingness to take your financial future seriously and engage in the planning process.

14. Can you help me with tax-related strategies?

While I'm not a tax preparer or CPA, tax-aware planning is an important part of what I do. I consider tax implications when building and adjusting your financial strategy, and I'm happy to collaborate with your tax professional to help make sure everything is coordinated.

15. What happens if my financial situation changes?

Life changes — and your plan should change with it. Whether it's a new job, a marriage, a new child, or an unexpected event, I'll work with you to reassess and adjust your strategy so it continues to reflect your current reality and goals.

16. How do you stay current with changes in the financial industry?

I invest in ongoing education, attend industry conferences, and stay up to date with regulatory changes, market research, and emerging strategies. Staying informed is part of my responsibility to you, and it directly impacts the quality of the guidance I provide.

17. Is my personal and financial information kept confidential?

Yes. Protecting your personal and financial information is a core part of how I operate. I follow strict data privacy protocols and will never share your information without your explicit consent. I also don't discuss your situation with anyone outside of my line of work. You get the same type of confidentiality with me that you have with your doctor.

18. How do I get started?

It's simple — just reach out to schedule an introductory conversation. There's no commitment required. We'll sit down, talk about your situation and your goals, and determine whether working together makes sense. The first step is always the easiest. You can begin by emailing Chris at chris@envoywm.com.