FAQS
How is MSF Companies different from a large brokerage house or insurance company?
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We are a boutique investment firm.
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We do not use "in-house” products or investment banking offerings to sell to clients, and function as an independent solutions provider.
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We use a transparent fee-based model, without any transaction commissions.
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We focus on “net” return for our clients, making tax reduction an important concentration for our team.

I see you are located in Newtown, Connecticut. How far is your reach?
First and foremost, we value personal relationships, and serve clients in over 20 states.
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We spend several weeks a year traveling to visit our clients and we embrace webx meeting technology.
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We are also a part of the Lion Street Advisor network, comprised of the country’s elite financial specialists and firms. With over 120 firms we likely have an affiliate office in your neck of the woods.
Is MSF Companies restricted in the number of Insurance Carriers offered to clients?
No. We are independent and not beholden to a specific Insurance Carrier. We have access to virtually every manufacturer and routinely shop for the best solution. We allow the carriers to bid for your business, not the other way around. This way we are conflict-free and client-centric.
How does MSF Companies handle Cyber security?
We take security very seriously at MSF Companies. You can be confident that your important information is safe and secure. We use the most advanced features and protocols to keep your data safe, private, and secure, 24/7/365.
Our security measures include:
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Password protection
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Secure socket layer encryption
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Firewalls
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Intrusion detection
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Audits
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Inspections, and more
Does MSF Companies hold my investments?
No, MSF Companies does not custody clients’ assets within the firm.
Clients have access to the largest independent custodians in the world to hold investments for safekeeping. MSF Companies' preferred custodian is TD Ameritrade Institutional. Other custodians may be utilized, if necessary or if requested by the client. This segregation of duties gives clients comfort that no one at MSF Companies has direct access to their assets.
What does a “custodian” do?
The custodian is responsible for the holding and safekeeping of a client’s investments as well as for trade execution of any MSF Companies' investment recommendations. This function helps minimize costs and provide timely, efficient, and accurate transactions.
The custodian takes and holds written instructions from the account holder regarding who has what authority to access funds. These instructions may vary from client to client and from account to account and can be changed at client’s request. MSF Companies utilizes the institutional platforms of its preferred custodians and has access to almost any investment.
Will clients have online access to their accounts at MSF Investment Advisory?
Yes, all custodians provide online access to client account information. Clients will also have the ability to receive statements, confirmations, and shareholder documents electronically or by US mail.
MSF Companies delivers integrated quarterly reporting that provides clients with a detailed view of their investment performance.
What does MSF Investment Advisory charge for managing investments?
MSF Companies is a fee-based asset management and financial planning firm. MSF Companies receives compensation from clients based upon a percentage of assets under management. This ensures that there is no commission conflict and aligns the firm’s interests with that of its clients. All investment management fees are calculated and billed quarterly in arrears.