Frequently Asked Questions
Advisory Services FAQ’s
Tax Services FAQ’s
Ministry FAQ’s
Advisory Services FAQ’s
1.) What does a Financial Advisor Do?
The benefits of working with an advisory team is that they look at the big picture. This includes reviewing all legal and financial documents and working with licensed professionals such as attorneys and CPA's as needed. As advisors, we develop long-term relationships with you and your family so that we can help you plan for your family’s future.
A typical meeting with an advisor should include review of:
1. Family legal documents to ensure that they are updated and complete
2. Your income tax returns to provide ongoing advice
3. Family financial structure and retirement income planning
4. Various investments, making adjustments as needed
5. Your employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401k, 403b etc...
6. Your insurance needs including Life, Disability and Long Term Care
7. Any other issues that you deem necessary 
2.) What is a Certified Financial Planner TM (CFP®)?
A CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ is a financial planner who is committed to competent and ethical behavior when providing financial planning. Individuals certified by the CFP Board have taken the extra step to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP® certification process that includes demanding education, examination, experience, and ethical requirements. These standards are called “the four E's,” and they are four important reasons why the financial planning practitioner you select should display the CFP® certification marks.
Once certified, CFP® practitioners are required to maintain technical competence and fulfill ethical obligations. Every two years, they must complete a minimum 30 hours of continuing education to stay current with developments in the financial planning profession and better serve clients. Two of these hours are spent studying or discussing CFP® Board’s Code of Ethics or Practice Standards.
A CFP® acts as the quarterback of your financial team. A CFP® can coordinate complex investment, tax, retirement, insurance, and estate planning issues with other professionals to develop and monitor your stewardship plan.
3.) I’m not a “Christian.” Can I still work with your firm?
Yes, The LIFE Financial Group, Inc. works with anyone, regardless of religious affiliation. Because of our commitment to Christ, we will provide Biblically sound advice with exceptional service to all of our clients.
4.) I don’t live in Pennsylvania. Can I still work with your firm?
Yes, we have clients all over the country and would be glad to serve you. We are currently licensed to do business in many states throughout the country.
5.) Do you have an investment minimum?
Yes, the minimum account size that we will invest is $50,000.
6.) What is an Initial Consultation?
An Initial Consultation is the first step in becoming a member of our elite group of clients. The meeting lasts for about 90 minutes, although more complex cases may take more time. During the meeting, we listen carefully in order to understand your needs. By gathering information about your family, employment, legal documents, tax return, income, debt, savings, investments and insurance, we then can provide you with a step-by-step list of detailed recommendations.
7.) What is the cost for an initial consultation?
We typically charge $350 for an initial consultation. This allows us to provide unbiased advice without feeling that we need to sell you something. Individuals who come to us by referral receive a discounted rate of $200. For those in full-time vocational ministry, we offer our initial consultation at no charge.
8.) What do you charge to manage money?
We typically earn a small percentage based upon the amount that the client invests. If you would like more specific information about fees and costs, please contact our office at (610) 385-4500.
9.) I don’t think I need an advisor but I do need advice. Can you help me?
Yes, we offer a la carte advisory services to meet the specific needs of individuals and families. These services are especially suited for the following individuals:
- Those with assets under our minimum account size
- Those who already have an advisor and want a second opinion
- Those who need advice for their work-sponsored retirement plans
- Those who need help working through complex estate planning issues
- Those who need tax planning and advice
- Those who need insurance planning
The cost for this kind of service varies greatly based upon the size and complexity of the case. Please contact our office for an estimate.
10.) How do I get started?
Tax Services FAQ’s
1.) What makes The LIFE Financial Group’s Tax services better than less expensive alternatives?
Tax services at our firm are different than many others in the industry. We specialize in expert tax services, coupled with essential advice on how to properly improve your tax management. In other words, we don’t just give our clients a tax return; we also give them advice in tax planning to help minimize taxation.
2.) What do you charge for a typical tax return?
It is difficult to give an accurate quote without knowing your unique situation. While it is wise to be concerned about the cost, in our experience, it is more important to be concerned about the quality of the services provided. Our office provides a great service at a reasonable price. We do offer a discounted rate for our clients who use our investment advisory services. Please contact your financial advisor to find out more and to see if you are eligible.
3.) What kind of experience does your tax staff have?
We have a team of highly trained individuals led by Michelle Hackman. Michelle has more than 20 years of financial industry experience, providing assistance to both the individual tax payer and small businesses.
4.) What forms do I need to send you to get my tax return done?
You can find a complete list of what will be needed to submit to our office by using the following documents.
5.) Are you familiar with and do you prepare Pastors' Taxes?
Yes and Yes. The LIFE Financial Group, Inc. prides itself on having a detailed understanding of the issues related to pastors' taxes. We help many pastors from all across the country complete their taxes in a correct and honest fashion. For more details on pastors' tax issues, please read The Pastor and His Tax Return.
6.) Do you offer accounting services?
Yes, we offer accounting services to individuals, small businesses, and churches. This service extends to establishing and reviewing your bookkeeping needs to enable you to handle this on your own.
Ministry FAQ’s
1.) What does “L.I.F.E.” stand for in The LIFE Financial Group, Inc.?
LIFE stands for the Legacy Institute for Financial Excellence. It is the ministry side of our business. For more information about our ministry, please click on “Our Ministry Side.”
2.) Do you provide any teaching about Stewardship for the local church?
Yes, for more than 30 years, The LIFE Financial Group, Inc. has equipped the church body to be better stewards of all of the assets that God has given them. This ministry has grown into an information-packed 3-Day Stewardship Lifestyle Seminar. These seminars run from Sunday through Tuesday and provide preaching and teaching on the important topic of Stewardship. Our team also meets one-on-one with families to provide personal application for their unique situation at no cost to them.
3.) How can I get The Legacy Institute for Financial Excellence to come to my church?
First, review the information provided in the “Our Ministry Side” page of this web site. Next, download “Agreement for Ministry” and make sure that you understand all that is involved. Then you can contact Tim Russell or MaryGrace Holcomb to ask further questions and schedule the meeting.
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