Frequently Asked Questions

Who is HMA?

We are not just wealth advisors. We are not just investing assets. At its core, HMA is an experienced financial team with a treasured history. We are our clients’ advocates, entrusted with managing their financial affairs across multiple generations. We pride ourselves on our detailed level of personal and dedicated service. As registered investment advisor representatives, we provide a wide range of services by partnering with Hightower, Charles Schwab, and our clients’ personal team of financial professionals. This allows us to offer comprehensive and customized solutions with the support of a sophisticated, independent platform.

How is HMA compensated?

We are solely compensated by a tiered advisory fee schedule based on assets under management. By utilizing a service model (instead of a sales model), our incentive is your incentive – ultimately resulting in a more beneficial fee structure for clients. We believe that financial planning is the cornerstone to any client arrangement – as such, we do not charge any additional fees for these services. We do not receive compensation from any investments that might be in your portfolio.

Who is Hightower?

Hightower is a registered investment advisor (RIA) firm offering a model that blends objective wealth management advice with a robust technology and services platform. The company is headquartered in Chicago.

Established in 2008, Hightower’s national presence has attracted some of the industry’s most successful financial advisors. With 124 practices across the country, its advisors currently oversee nearly $117.7 billion in client assets, as of March 31st, 2022.

To allow us to build and implement financial planning and wealth management strategies tailored to each client's needs and help them reach their goals and objectives, Hightower provides access to an array of high-quality options from a host of third-party providers. This includes research, manager due diligence, technology, institutional investment managers, financial planning software, trust, insurance and estate planning services, and independent custodians and trading platforms.

Where are client assets held, and how safe are they?

Client assets are custodied at Schwab Institutional, a division of Charles Schwab, and Fidelity. Schwab and Fidelity combined hold more than $12 trillion in assets, and their long histories of providing asset safety, client service, trading and technology support align both with our values and criteria for servicing client needs. SIPC, insurance protections and asset safeguards remain intact.

Can we view and analyze assets owned outside of Schwab and HMA?

Yes. HMA’s Client Portal, powered by eMoney Advisor, is an online platform that provides a consolidated view of a client’s holistic finances across various financial institutions, multiple asset classes, and different account types, updated daily. With our clients’ consent, we can view accounts held outside of our management (such as bank accounts, company 401(k) plans, and accounts at other investment firms). eMoney’s software solution produces detailed financial reports, allowing us to provide integrated, holistic advice. This portal can be accessed directly through the ‘Login’ link on our homepage.