Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Who do you typically work with?
We serve individuals, couples, and families seeking a long-term relationship with a trusted financial advisory team. Many of our clients are preparing for or in retirement, managing a major life transition, or looking to delegate their financial planning and investment management to experienced professionals. We have a wide range of clientele, from their early 20s to over 100 years old! We serve a broad range of clients based on their unique goals. Our client relationships include ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) client families with most client relationships having a net worth of above $5M.
What is your minimum asset requirement?
Our minimum for new clients is typically $600,000 of investable assets. However, we may work with clients with less than $600,000 if there is a clear financial planning need, they are part of an existing client relationship, or aggressively adding to the portfolio.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes, we are fiduciaries. This means we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times.
Which custodian do you use?
We use Charles Schwab as our primary custodian.
Where are you located?
We are conveniently located in the heart of downtown Winter Park, FL, in the Douglas Grand building across from the train station parking lot. Our mailing address is 334 West Morse Blvd. Winter Park, FL 32789.
*Please note we are in secure building and you will need to be buzzed in via a callbox located at 101 S. New York Ave. Winter Park, FL 32789.
Do you work with clients outside of Florida?
Yes, we work with clients all over the country in over 20 states, regularly meeting via Zoom and over the phone.
How do I become a client?
Fill out our email form on the Contact Us page to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation introductory call. During this initial discussion, we’ll learn about you and share how we work with clients. If it’s a mutual fit, we’ll outline the next steps and begin gathering information for your financial plan. You can learn more on Our Process page.
What is your investment philosophy?
We build diversified portfolios using mutual funds, ETFs, and high-quality individual stocks that include U.S. and international stocks, bonds, and alternative asset classes. Our approach focuses on long-term growth by prioritizing quality investments and risk management, which is founded on economic research. Each portfolio is tailored to your personal risk tolerance to help you reach your financial goals.
Do you offer financial planning?
Yes, comprehensive financial planning is a core part of our service. We help you prioritize goals and build a clear, actionable plan for your future. We want to help you get on the right track and give you peace of mind that you can retire with confidence.
Do you offer tax planning?
Yes, we provide strategic tax planning to minimize your current and future tax liability. This includes investing in tax-efficient funds, aiming for favorable long-term capital gains when trading in taxable accounts, and taking advantage of tax-loss and tax-gain harvesting when possible. We also determine which type of account you should contribute to or withdraw from, such as your 401(k), Roth IRA, taxable account, etc., based on your specific income and tax situation. We will also plan ahead for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA and 401(k) by implementing Roth conversion strategies and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) when applicable. We will coordinate with your CPA or tax preparer as needed.
Do you help with estate planning?
Yes, we help you create and implement your estate plan to ensure your assets are distributed according to your legacy goals while mitigating estate taxes and ensuring that your wishes are clearly documented. We coordinate closely with experienced estate planning and elder law attorneys, and we never receive commissions or compensation from these referrals.
Do you provide insurance advice?
Yes, we review your insurance needs and existing coverages, including life, disability, homeowner’s, auto, umbrella, and long-term care, to ensure they align with your financial goals. When appropriate, we connect you with trusted independent professionals, and we never receive commissions or compensation from these referrals.
Do you help with Social Security and pension decisions?
Yes, we evaluate your claiming options and how it fits into your overall financial plan.
Do you sell any products or earn commissions?
No, we are a fee-only firm. We have no products to sell, no quotas to fulfill, no prizes to win, and no commissions to generate from our recommendations.
How long has the firm been around?
Susan Spraker, our Founder, began advising fee-only clients in 1998 when she started her first firm along with two other partners in Central Florida. John West joined shortly thereafter, in June of 2009, as a Senior Financial Analyst. Susan and John worked closely together for over a decade before John became a 50% partner, and the firm became Sparker West Wealth Management in June of 2021. Susan fully retired in December of 2022, and John became the sole owner in June of 2024.