Frequently Asked Questions

Fee-only means we are paid directly by our clients and not by commissions from product companies. FIRST Financial Group became a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor in 2012 so that our advice would never depend on what we sell. You can read the details in our Form CRS.

A fiduciary is legally required to act in your best interest at all times. As a Registered Investment Advisor, FFG is held to that standard with every recommendation we make.

We are paid a fee by our clients for the advice and management we provide. Our fees and any conflicts of interest are described in plain language in our Form CRS, and we will walk you through them before you make any decision.

We work with people at different stages, from those just starting to build wealth to those already retired. The introductory meeting is where we find out together whether we are the right fit.

No. Our office is in Raleigh, NC, and we serve clients locally and across the country. We can meet in person, by phone or by video.

Client accounts are held at Charles Schwab, an independent custodian. FFG manages your portfolio, but your assets stay in accounts in your name.

Financial planning is the roadmap: saving, budgeting, taxes, insurance, retirement and estate planning organized under one plan. Wealth management is how we invest and monitor your portfolio to support that plan. Most clients use both.

The first meeting is an introduction for both sides. We will identify your goals, priorities and preferences, as well as potential obstacles, and we will mutually establish whether an ongoing partnership is the right fit. It is complimentary. See Our Process for the full four steps.

We start by identifying your objectives and gauging your risk tolerance, then recommend a portfolio. Because we are independent and not bound to any product company, we can build it from a wide variety of investment options. We monitor it closely and reallocate as often as necessary.

Use the Client Login page. From there you can reach your Charles Schwab accounts, your performance reporting, and your financial planning portal.

You will work directly with our team. FFG is a small firm by design, and the people you meet at the start are the people who answer when you call. Meet our team.

Then your plan changes with it. A financial plan is a living and breathing document. As circumstances change in your life, FFG will work with you to modify your plan and guide you in making any necessary adjustments.