Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fiduciary advisor?

As a fiduciary advisor, we are legally bound to put clients’ interest ahead of our own. That’s very different from most advisors, who operate under much looser regulatory standards that allow serious conflicts of interest.

Where are the clients’ Investments kept?

We keep client assets with an independent, third-party custodian in order to assured their safety. SFS personnel have no direct assets to client money. Our primary custodian is Charles Schwab & Co., one of the largest and most respected firms in the financial industry.

Who are our clients?

We serve affluent individuals and families, young professionals and non-profit organizations.

Do you provide financial planning?

Holistic financial planning is the cornerstone of our service to our clients. We use a comprehensive process to learn our clients’ situations, needs and goals, and we provide a clear roadmap to help clients achieve their objectives.

What is your investment approach?

We design customized portfolios based on each client’s unique goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. One of our differentiators is that we manage investments personally, in-house, rather than turning client assets over to a distant, unaccountable third-party manager. Client portfolios are handled personally by SFS President, Zoriana M. Stawnychy, CFP®, who has more than three decades of experience investing at the largest Independent Broker/Dealer in the industry. Our equity strategies rely heavily on exchange-traded funds and preferred stocks. And we use an active approach to mitigating risk and seizing opportunity, using hand-picked stocks, bonds and other investments.

How can I learn more?

Please contact us directly with further questions. Note that we offer complementary review of your investment portfolio and financial plan.