FAQ
Is Tom taking any new clients?
I am happy to meet and talk to anyone. I reach out via a phone call or Zoom Meeting as a discovery meeting. In this meeting I will get to know the person’s objectives and goals and make sure if it’ll be a good fit or to bring in another advisor.
I do provide prompt service to my clients, and in return I ask that you also are prompt in responses to emails we send out and regularly see me for reviews at least annually.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please reach out to my practice manager, Keli Onken at konken@sfg-cfg.com or 319-200-8189.
How long does it take to get a distribution?
For our brokerage and advisory accounts, I’ll get the holding sold that day or next business day if after market’s close. Then, it may take up 3 days for the cash to settle (per SEC regulation) before it is ready to be sent to you. The distribution can be mailed or sent to your bank account, per your request. For IRA and Roth IRA accounts, a form will be required to know what tax withholding you would like to elect and link your bank account to the account. After the first form is complete, we can keep the tax withholding and delivery of funds on file for up to 18 months.
What is eMoney?
eMoney is the financial software that provides comprehensive financial plan for my clients with it’s streamlined and engaging technology. It collects current values for your securities you have through me, plus being able to link outside retirement accounts. It has the ability to track a budget with linking any bank accounts to it, has a vault where you can store any statements or upload anytime.
Blake Helms, in my office, can help you to get registered on the site and with any other questions you may have. He can be reached at bhelms@sfg-cfg.com or 319-200-8184.
How secure are my accounts?
We take your privacy of your accounts very seriously. We keep all your information secure behind complex passwords and locked cabinets. Additionally, logging into any of the brokerage, direct fund websites, or financial plan, you must have a complex password to enter.
Additionally, each account is insured against lost or stolen securities at Pershing LLC or Osaic Wealth by the SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation). This allows for the securities in each account to be protected up to $500,000, if lost or stolen. Please see www.sipc.com for specific details.
Additionally, to the above, Pershing gives the following coverage to client assets:
- An aggregate loss limit of $1 billion for eligible securities
- A lost limit of $1.9 million per client for cash waiting reinvestment (within the aggregate loss limit of $1 billion sited previously).
Note: this does not include market loss.
What if I get locked out of www.raaequipt.com?
It will allow for you to make three attempts to log in. After that, unfortunately, it will lock you out. If this happens, call Keli Onken at 319-200-8189 or email at konken@sfg-cfg.com and she’ll be able to get it unlocked and call you back to confirm.
How to I enroll into eDelivery?
For brokerage accounts with Pershing, there is a fee tied to client receiving trade confirms and prospectus, as of 2021. If you would like to sign up for eDelivery, you can log into www.raaequipt.com. Click on the ‘Go Paperless’ icon in green on the right side of the page. If you have trouble, you can also reach out to Keli Onken at 319-200-8189 or konken@sfg-cfg.comand ask to go paperless with your brokerage accounts.
If you have accounts direct with the fund companies, each fund company would have their own eDelivery process.
Who do I make my check out to?
Brokerage and advisory accounts can be made out to Pershing LLC.
If it is held directly with the company, then please reach out to us so we can direct you appropriately at 319-200-8190.
How do I change my address?
Please give Keli a call at 319-200-8189 or Jen at 319-200-8228, so that we can verify your address. We will take care of all the accounts you have with us and let you know once they are updated. If you have a PO Box, we will need a physical address on file, as well. Please note, as per the AML guidelines, there will be a confirmation set to both the old address and new address.
When should I expect tax documents?
For most accounts, 1099s will be sent at the end of January of the following year after a distribution or systematic payment was sent to you.
There are a handful of TOD accounts with Pershing that that the fund company needs an extension before the finalized 1099 goes out. The extension can only go until March 15. We will be tracking these and will be in touch with you on how you want to receive it based on your situation.
For contributions, 5498s are sent in May of the following year after the contribution was made. If you need a total amount of contributions for a year for tax purposes, you may be able to use the statement from 12/31 of the previous year. Please let us know if you need help in finding that amount on the statement.
What’s the difference about Strellner Financial Group, Osaic, and Pershing?
Strellner Financial Group is a group of advisors that provide full service insurance and total asset management to people from all across Iowa from Cedar Rapids to Carroll. Over the past 22 years, we decided to come together to help give the best experience and knowledge to our clients and across generations. With this ‘team approach’ we have a combination of 50+ years of financial service operations. It is our pledge to be here when you need us the most and be your ‘Friends for Life’.
Osaic is one of the largest independent broker-dealers. I partner with them to help me maintain in compliance with SEC and FINRA regulations and they also provide me with supervisory oversight. Osaic Wealth works with Independent Advisors like me to track trades, and help ensure the advice provided is in the client’s best interest.
Pershing is the clearing firm for Osaic Wealth. Pershing was established in 1936 and is one of the largest independent clearing custody firms. They reconcile data, process trades, and generates your monthly statements.