FAQs | Aspen Investment Management

common questions

We’re here to answer your questions.

What does it mean that Aspen is a fiduciary?

Being a fiduciary means we are legally and ethically obligated to put your best interests first in everything we do. All of our recommendations are independent, transparent, and free of conflicts of interest.

How is Aspen Investment Management compensated?

We operate on a simple, transparent fee structure that is based on assets under management. This means our success is directly tied to your success. We do not earn commissions from products or services.

Do I need a minimum amount of assets to work with Aspen?

We do not have a strict minimum, but our services are designed for individuals and families with complex financial needs who benefit most from comprehensive planning and professional investment management.

How do you tailor investment strategies to individual clients?

Every client’s situation is unique, which is why we don’t believe in off-the-shelf portfolios. We start by getting to know what truly matters to you—your goals, lifestyle, and what financial confidence looks like in your world. From there, we design an investment strategy that’s both intentional and adaptable: built to pursue opportunity, manage risk, and evolve as your life and markets change.

Can you work with clients outside of Michigan?

While Aspen is based in West Michigan, we serve clients across the United Sates

How often will I hear from my advisor?

We believe in proactive and consistent communication. You will hear from us regularly through portfolio reviews, planning updates, and educational resources. We are also available whenever you need us.

What is the process for becoming a client?

The first step is an introductory conversation where we learn about your goals and needs. If it feels like a good fit, we share our ADV disclosure, outline next steps, and formalize the relationship with an Investment Advisory Agreement.

What is included in a comprehensive financial plan?

A financial plan considers your entire financial picture, including retirement savings, tax strategies, insurance, estate planning, and cash flow. The goal is to give you a clear path toward achieving your objectives.

How do you help clients prepare for retirement?

We create retirement income strategies that balance growth, stability, and tax efficiency. This includes evaluating Social Security timing, planning withdrawals, and aligning your investments with your lifestyle goals.

What happens if my retirement goals change over time?

Your plan is designed to evolve with you. If your goals or circumstances change, we revisit your plan and adjust strategies so that your retirement path continues to reflect your needs.

Can you help with tax-efficient planning strategies?

Yes. We look at how taxes affect your savings and distributions, and we incorporate strategies such as Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and optimized withdrawal sequencing to help reduce your tax burden.

How do you incorporate Social Security into retirement planning?

We analyze different claiming strategies and timelines to determine the approach that best fits your overall plan. Our goal is to maximize your lifetime benefits while balancing your other income sources.

Do you provide guidance on estate and legacy planning?

Yes. We work alongside your estate attorney to ensure your wealth transfer strategy is aligned with your wishes, whether that involves trusts, charitable giving, or planning for the next generation.

What tools or software do you use for retirement projections?

We use industry-leading planning software, such as MoneyGuidePro, to run detailed retirement projections. This allows us to model different scenarios and provide clear insight into whether you are on track to meet your goals.

What types of accounts can Aspen manage?

We manage a wide range of accounts including individual and joint brokerage accounts, retirement accounts such as IRAs and 401(k) rollovers, trusts, endowments, foundations, and business accounts.

How do you select investments for a client’s portfolio?

We follow a disciplined process that considers your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Portfolios are diversified across asset classes and adjusted as needed to keep your strategy on track.

Will my portfolio be actively managed or set up once and left alone?

Your portfolio will be actively managed. We monitor investments regularly and make adjustments as needed to reflect changes in markets, economic conditions, or your personal situation.

How do you monitor risk within a portfolio?

We use a combination of diversification, asset allocation, and ongoing analysis to manage risk. Regular reviews ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your comfort level and long-term objectives.

Who holds my money—Aspen or a third-party custodian?

Your assets are held by an independent custodian, not directly by Aspen. This provides an additional layer of security while allowing us to manage the investments on your behalf.

Can you manage my 401(k) or retirement plan from a current employer?

Yes. Through our partnership with Pontera, we are able to securely manage and monitor held-away accounts such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and HSAs.

How often do you rebalance portfolios?

We review portfolios regularly and rebalance them as needed to maintain your target allocation. This helps ensure that your investments stay in line with your plan and your goals.