How long have you been in business?
James Whiddon founded James Whiddon & Associates in 1986. The firm later changed its name to JWA Financial Group, Inc.
What are your qualifications?
Our advisors are Certified Financial Planner® practitioners, the industry’s highest standard. They also hold master’s degrees in Financial Services and Economics. The firm is a Registered Investment Advisor, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
What is your investment philosophy?
Our philosophy is rooted in Modern Portfolio Theory, a Nobel-Prize winning system of combining asset classes that historically move diversely of one another. We believe that diversification spreads risk, that risk and return are related, and that the asset allocation decision is the primary determinant of a portfolio’s risk and expected return.
We avoid the ineffective practices of stock-picking, market-timing and return chasing by investing client portfolios in institutional asset class funds, which allow effective implementation of the Market Return Portfolio™. Our philosophy for portfolio management is based on the science of capital markets. The equity allocation is exposed to three risk factors that academic studies have shown to produce returns: the equity risk premium, the value premium, and the small company premium. These three risk factors can explain over 96% of an equity portfolio’s variation in return. Utilizing institutional asset class funds, the result is a total market portfolio designed to capture these three risk premiums with low transaction costs and portfolio turnover, minimizing risks that do not add to expected returns.
What type of clients do you work with?
The majority of our clients are retired or within five years of retirement. They are typically between 50 and 75 years of age with portfolios that usually range in size between $500,000 and $5 million.
Will you work with out-of-town clients?
Yes. JWA has clients in all four corners of the country. Our straightforward approach to financial planning and investing, along with factors such as an efficient business model, a highly qualified staff and modern technology allow us to provide services to investors across the nation.
How do you get paid?
JWA Financial Group is paid only through fees collected directly from clients. We receive no revenue from commissions or incentives. We do not sell any additional products. As members of The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA),we sign a fiduciary oath.
How do you determine fees?
We base our financial planning retainer on an estimate of the time and resources needed to develop, implement and monitor the financial plan. Our investment management fee is based on percentage of assets and competitive to industry counterparts.
How much, in assets, does your firm manage?
JWA Financial Group, Inc. manages approximately $450 million in client assets.
Is there a minimum investment?
Generally, JWA works with client portfolios valued at $500,000 and above.
Where will my account be held?
Client accounts are held at third-party custodians—Schwab Institutional, TD Ameritrade or Fidelity—according to client preference.
How will my account be serviced and maintained?
Your account will be routinely monitored and reviewed to ensure it stays in alignment with your written Investment Policy Statement. When necessary, your portfolio mix will be rebalanced to preserve your asset allocation and generate income when needed.
How long does it to complete the financial planning process?
Usually 6 to 8 weeks from the date of the initial consultation.
Where are you located?
Our physical address is 6200 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 180, Dallas, TX 75240. Directions are available here.
How do I get started?
Our Services page includes specific information on our financial planning and investment management process. Every prospective client should complete a CONSULTATION REQUEST which will initiate the process for staff to schedule an appointment.
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