Frequently asked questions

What does Private Harbour do?
Our objective is to help clients achieve their dreams and protect their retirements. The first step is to help them determine how their needs, wants and goals best interact with their financial situation today and as their lives evolve. We then apply our knowledge and experience to build client-specific, risk-managed portfolios primarily using individual securities.

What types of clients do you serve?
We primarily work with individuals and small businesses with $1 million to more than $10 million in assets. We do occasionally make exceptions for those with less than $1 million, depending on individual circumstances.

What services do you provide?
We provide investment management and related services to help improve the quality of our clients’ lives financially and in other ways. Related services can include tax planning and compliance, estate planning, financial forecasts and more.

Why would I need professional investment management?
People choose to work with Private Harbour for many reasons. Some want to focus their time on other areas. Others want professional and experienced guidance through the complexities of preserving, growing and transferring wealth. Others want steady and reasoned advice and recommendations through the ups and downs of their market, business and personal lives. Whatever your motivation, we use our experience and insights to help you make sound decisions at each step.

How are you compensated?
We charge clients a percent of assets under management. The rate varies based on the amount of the assets we manage for you. The maximum rate is one percent annually, which is less than the cost simply to hold many mutual funds. We receive no fees from buying or selling securities or any 12(b)1 fees by “selling” you mutual funds. We do not earn commissions on annuity or insurance product sales. We earn our fees by providing you with the highest caliber independent advice, nothing less.

Which company will my hold my assets?
We are a non-custodial manager. This means your funds will be in accounts at an unrelated custodian—a bank, brokerage or other securities firm. We have established relationships with several high quality and well-capitalized national custodians including, among others: Charles Schwab, U.S. Bank, Fidelity Investments and JP Morgan. In addition to detailed quarterly reports from Private Harbour, you receive regular statements directly from your chosen custodians.

Are my assets safe from theft, unauthorized withdrawal and custodial bankruptcy?
While we have discretionary authority to invest your assets, we do not have physical custody. Your investment holdings remain at your brokerage, bank or other securities firm. This separation of management authority from custodial responsibility gives you an additional layer of protection. Only you and those to whom you grant power of attorney can access the funds in your accounts.

What reports will I receive?
You will receive statements from Private Harbour and directly from your custodian. This allows you to compare and verify all information and changes. However, you should know that we reconcile our internal records to your custodial statements to ensure you are properly credited for all dividends and interest.

What if I change my mind and want to leave?
Your contract with Private Harbour allows you to discontinue the relationship at any time. Should you find that Private Harbour is not what you are looking for, we ask that you provide us with 30 days written notice so that we can document and process your request.

How will you communicate with me?
You can contact us at any time by whatever method works for you. We are available to meet with you at your request. We collect a variety of information at the beginning of the relationship, including your contact preferences and seasonal locations–all of which remains confidential except as necessary to serve you best. To contact you, we use whichever communication channel you prefer: landline phone, cell phone, email, fax or mail.

Will you work with my other professional advisors?
Absolutely. If you have previously established professional relationships, we make every effort to work with them as part of your team to provide you with the highest level of service. If you need help finding an accountant, estate planning or insurance professional, we would be glad to introduce you to some excellent providers.