FAQs

Q.  What's the difference between working with you versus a broker?

A.  ATI is a Registered Investment Adviser.  This means the firm charges a fee for advice.  There are no commissions paid by a third-party (such as a mutual fund company), and therefore, no conflict of interests.  By law a Registered Investment Adviser (such as ATI) must act in the client's best interest.  Brokers earn commissions when they transact for the client (buy and sell orders), they also can earn trail commissions (e.g., a mutual fund company will pay them a percentage of the client's assets as long as they remain invested in the fund).  Brokers have an obligation to sell clients a product that is suitable, which is a less stringent standard than the best interest standard that Registered Investment Advisers must abide by.  

Q.  Does ATI work with only a specific type of client?  Are there account minimums to be met?

A.  ATI clients are diverse as to where they are in life (young and starting out, to retired and dealing with estate planning issues) but they share a common philosophy:  they are committed to building wealth and understand the value of unbiased professional advice.  ATI does not set account minimums, because we believe all investors who are disciplined and serious about bettering their financial situations should be encouraged to do so.

Q.  What sets ATI apart from other Investment Advisers?

A.  Anthony T. Isola, President of ATI, is a teacher in addition to being an Registered Investment Advisor.  He believes in educating clients so that they understand what they are invested in and why.  He encourages questions, because he knows that when a client is informed as to the strategy and implementation, they will be more likely to stay on course and to see the value in working with ATI.  The firm's commitment to education extends to the many free community service events that ATI has participated in.

Q.  How does a typical client arrangement work?

A.  Clients hire us to  provide a personalized investment plan that integrates all accounts into one asset allocation strategy; in addition, some clients also hire us to provide on-going oversight of this allocation.  Clients compensate ATI either by paying a flat fee or a percentage of assets (an annual fee of 0.65%) billed as 0.162% of assets, every quarter.  This is the only compensation ATI receives. 

Q.  Will I receive a statement from ATI?  How often?

A.  Clients choose where their accounts are maintained (e.g., Fidelity, Schwab, etc.) and will receive statements from these institutions.  In addition, clients who hire ATI for on-going oversight will receive a quarterly statement and letter, detailing their account specifics.

Q.  I have accounts that are all over, can ATI help me consolidate them?

A.  Yes.  You will choose the firm that will hold the securities, and ATI will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork to transfer the assets.  However, due to privacy laws, there are certain instructions that only clients are allowed to communicate with the third-party firm.

Q.  How do I know if ATI is right for me?

A.  Contact us at 631-675-1420 and introduce yourself.  ATI offers a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your current situation, goals, and concerns.  At that point, we can offer some general observations and ideas regarding your situation.  If ATI believes it can assist you, you will receive a proposal and cost estimate.  Then, the rest is up to you.  If and when you are ready to commit yourself to the process, you will contact us.  We never use sales tactics or pressure investors.  We only want to work with clients who undertand the importance and value in what ATI provides.  Another way to meet us is to attend an Upcoming Event.

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