The Lift Bridge Financial™ Mission

We want to show a client-focused approach, provide a strong knowledge base, and lead with empathy for you.

While Finding Our Fit, prospective clients typically ask:

• What’s Lift Bridge Financial’s background? Read our full story here.
• How do I know I can trust you? The first of our four HERO values is Honesty. We invite you to ask any questions you may like and make the best-informed decision for you and your family. The third of our HERO values is Relationships. While we may not know each other well from our first conversation, we make it a point to know you, what matters to you, the people in your life, and build a client-advisor relationship with trust as our foundation.
• How much do I owe you? How do you get paid? We take a fiduciary-driven approach to guiding every conversation, interaction, and decision. Some of our services are advisory, which are fee-based, while others are commission-based, such as our insurance services. Whatever method or compensation structure is used, our fiduciary-driven approach starts with providing services in your best interest.
• How can you help me know if I have the right investments and coverage? The second and third steps in our Lift Bridge Way™ proprietary process, Onboarding and Developing, are about understanding your assets and coverage. We also work to identify any potential ‘gaps’ in your financial and insurance needs.
• Can Lift Bridge Financial™ also help me with (additional service)? Many clients and prospective clients ask us about various services beyond investment and insurance. We’re comfortable and confident explaining what we do well and what you and your family may need. We will refer you to our strategic partners if you need more specialized services or any service beyond our expertise.

We want you to feel seen, heard, and valued as a person far beyond their portfolio size or insurance needs.

While Onboarding, clients typically ask: 

• How long will it take to start working with Lift Bridge Financial™? We typically respond with an update via phone or email within one (1) calendar week of receiving your initial documentation.
• What documents does Lift Bridge Financial™ need from me? We provide a checklist explaining which documents we need for Onboarding. Typical document types we need include your existing account and/or policy statements, some form of ID, such as your driver’s license, any existing financial plans, and income and asset verification (W2s, 1099s, tax filings, etc.).
• Where do I sign and why? Typically, there are only a few forms you will need to complete and sign through this process. Some forms require a ‘wet signature’ while many of our documents can be completed via e-signature. We don’t necessarily have to meet in person to do physical signatures. We have a simple, convenient process of mailing you documents for signature if needed.
• How do I know we’re on the right track? We recommend financial planning, ongoing conversations, and regular review meetings to ensure we’re managing expectations and fostering healthy communication. Access is important to us, so if you have questions, please contact us at the first opportunity.
• How do we determine my risk tolerance? When determining your risk level, we typically focus on two key factors: volatility and returns. Can you endure volatility if sound market data tells us there’s a higher possible rate of return? We listen to your concerns and guide you toward what I believe is best for you based on the information given.

We strive to right-size your investments and coverage to fit you and your family’s needs and goals. We approach financial planning and insurance as if you’ll die tomorrow or live to be 100+.

While Developing, clients typically ask:

• How do I know an investment or insurance recommendation is right for me? Honesty is our first value with Lift Bridge Financial™. We work to offer multiple data-backed investment and insurance recommendations and often say, “If we were in your situation, based on the data and what we know about this industry, this is the option we would choose based on these reasons.” Of course, you ultimately decide what investment and insurance choices you believe are best for you.
• Who else is affected because I’m working with Lift Bridge Financial™? We make it a point to get to know you and your family. Who is in your everyday life who will be affected by any investment or insurance decisions? 
• What other details does Lift Bridge Financial need to know? As we champion honesty while working with you, we also ask you to lead with honesty toward us. We work to help you feel comfortable telling us about important negative events, such as death, debt, and unexpected changes.
• What data supports this plan? We utilize data and connections with experts who work for experienced investment companies, including our relationship with LPL Financial. We also lean on our years of industry expertise to help inform your decision-making.
• What if I need to ____________? If you have questions, reach out at the first opportunity and expect a timely response. If you have concerns, we’re here to listen, understand, and take meaningful action together. We can act as an intermediary if you need to have further conversations about financial details with other advisors in your life, such as your attorney.

We aim to align your accounts with the agreed-upon financial plan. We work to understand your overall investment portfolio and insurance needs. Based on that insight, we can make suggestions for filling gaps in your portfolio in line with your needs and goals.

While Implementing, clients typically ask:

• What do you need from me to make changes? Often, a phone call is enough to let us make changes. However, if more significant change is needed, it may require a completed form or documentation.
• How long will it take before we start seeing results? This often is determined by a combination of your availability, the timeline(s) of other companies, such as working with LPL Financial, the necessary steps in a responsible fiduciary process, and communication. If you’re happy with the plan we discussed, as long as you respond to questions and requests in a timely manner, we will move along at a good pace.
• How will I know when the Implementing step is complete? We will keep you informed throughout this process. If you have questions, please reach out at the first opportunity.
• What must I do with these letters or statements I’m receiving from LPL and others? If anything arrives via mail or email that raises a question or concern, please reach out at the first opportunity.
• What does this letter mean? If you have any questions, please connect with us.
• Why do I have this new account? Every investment decision, product, and account type is meant to align with your and your family’s best interests. LPL accounts typically match your account types. It helps our Lift Bridge Financial™ team have an accurate picture of your portfolio and policy status.

Conduct an annual review with you as our client/s to determine the plan’s success and discuss what adjustments need to be made, based on life changes. Review the tasks that may need to be addressed according to the plan.

While Monitoring, clients typically ask:

• What do I need to do? First, connect with us for your regular review meetings. Keep us informed on any life event changes, such as relationship status, work status, relocation, adding new family members, etc.
• What happens if _________? Again, if you have questions or concerns, we’re here to help you. Simply reach out to share your thoughts.
• Can you help me with _________? We aim to provide you with the help you need. This sometimes means referring you to a different expert with more experience or a specialty that’s outside our area of expertise.
• Do we need to meet? Relationships are key to how we approach our work. Thanks to technology, we have many ways to meet, not just in person. Spencerport is a great place to grab lunch and meet in person if you’d like.
• “I’m busy. Can you just sort it out for me?” Even though we value relationships, we are also sometimes constrained by what we’re legally allowed to do. We act as fiduciaries for your investment and insurance interests, but ultimately, you are the driver, controlling your own financial future. We are the navigators, ensuring you know all the good possible paths you can take.
• Can I retire earlier? Do I have enough money to retire in ___ years? It depends on your unique financial situation. For us to best answer this question, we need to understand your current reality, assess your financial situation, and give informed advice.