Questions we hear most

Why does everything start with a written plan?

Without a plan, there's no real way to tell if your portfolio is doing its job. "Make as much as you can" isn't a goal. Neither is "do the best you can." You can't measure either one. A plan sets real targets: what your money needs to do, and when. Then we manage your portfolio to those targets. That's why every new retirement client starts with a plan. We build it first. Then we match your money to it.

How do you decide what to invest in?

We start with your plan. It tells us what your money needs to do. Then Wally chooses a mix of investments that fits it, and we check your account against that mix on a regular schedule. Your money stays at Interactive Brokers, and you can see every trade there.

What does a plan cover?

It can cover your investments, taxes, retirement plans at work, Roth conversions, insurance, retirement income, Social Security, college costs, and wills, estate plans and trusts. What's included depends on the plan level you choose. The plan is written down, in plain English. You keep it.

How much does a plan cost?

For most new retirement clients, you pay for the plan once: 12 monthly payments. After that, your planning keeps going at no extra charge for as long as we manage your money. The plan levels are Essential, $260 a month; Family Retirement, $315 a month; and Entrepreneur, $565 a month. You can pay in one lump sum instead.

If we manage $1 million or more for you, there's no separate plan fee at all. Foundations is $130 a month for 6 months, for people under 35 with less than $25,000 to invest.

You can cancel within five business days at no cost. Buying a plan doesn't require you to move your investments to us. If you later stop having us manage your money, more planning would need a new agreement and its fee.

How long does it take to get my plan?

Generally about a week, sometimes longer. It depends mostly on how fast you send back complete, accurate answers to our intake spreadsheet, and on any follow-up questions we have for you. The clock starts after you sign up (and pay the planning fee, if your plan has one).

What do you charge to manage my money?

Our standard yearly fee is 1.45% on the first $500,000 and 1.00% on the amount above $500,000. The fee can be negotiated, and it won't be more than 2.0% a year. We bill monthly, after the month ends, based on your account's average daily balance. The custodian takes the fee from your account, with your written OK.

Is there a minimum?

Our standard minimum is $50,000, and we can waive it. Accounts under $50,000 either pay a flat $50 a month or use a mix of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the regular fee schedule.

Who holds my money?

Your money is held at an independent custodian, Interactive Brokers, not by us. You can see your account there, and your statements come straight from the custodian.

Are you a fiduciary?

Yes. When we give you investment advice, we act as your fiduciary. That means we must act in your best interest and put your interests ahead of our own. If we have a conflict of interest, we tell you about it. Our conflicts are described in our Form ADV Part 2. Insurance that Jarod sells in his separate role as an insurance agent is not part of our advisory services.

Do you sell insurance or annuities?

AGG doesn't sell insurance, and the firm earns no commissions on it. Jarod W. Nichols, an AGG investment adviser representative, sells insurance separately from AGG, in his individual capacity as a licensed insurance agent, and may earn commissions. You don't have to buy insurance through him. You may use any agent you choose.

Do you use AI?

Yes, a lot. And a person is in charge every step of the way. Wally gives AI tools their tasks and checks the results. AI helps us build and run our planning tools, check the math in plans and fees, research, test and propose investment mixes, write plans and letters in plain English, and prepare trades. AI does not make investment decisions. Wally decides every mix and approves trades before they're placed. AI can make mistakes. That's why a person checks its work.

Can my financial advisor also do my will or trust?

At Asset Guidance Group, yes. Wally is a licensed attorney. He provides estate-planning legal services to AGG advisory clients, as part of their planning. He doesn't run a separate law practice. You're free to use any attorney you choose.

Do you prepare tax returns?

Wally prepares tax returns for select clients, along with their financial planning. The Family Retirement plan includes a review of your tax return and, if you ask, help filing it. You're free to keep your own tax preparer.

Who will I work with?

A father and son. Not a call center. Wallace R. Nichols, MBA, JD, CFP®, has worked in accounting, law and investing since 1984, and holds an MBA in statistics. His son, Jarod W. Nichols, works with clients day to day. When you work with us, you can work with both of us.

How do I check a financial advisor's background?

Look them up at adviserinfo.sec.gov. It shows an adviser's registration, work history and any disciplinary record. To confirm someone holds the CFP® certification, use the CFP Board's "Verify a CFP® Professional" tool at cfp.net. You can check Wally's record at adviserinfo.sec.gov.

What happens on the free 20-minute call?

We get to know you face to face, by video or in person, and learn about your specific concerns and problem areas. You get to decide whether we're the right fit for your personality and your needs. It's free, with no obligation. You'll talk with Wally or Jarod, not a call center.

Where is your office? Can we meet by video?

Our office is at 1875 Old Alabama Road, Suite 645, Roswell, GA 30076. We meet in person or by video.

Do you work with people outside Georgia?

We meet in person in Roswell and metro Atlanta, and by video anywhere in Georgia. We're registered with the State of Georgia. If you live in another state, call us. Whether we can work with you depends on that state's rules.