Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) are individuals offering investment advice that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and/or their state. Most RIAs:

• Work in small firms or as solo practitioners, dedicated to individuals and institutions looking for more personalized investment services.

• Work independently of large financial institutions.

• Are under no pressure to sell proprietary products and have an unlimited selection of investment options to meet the needs of their clients.

Most investors participate in the securities markets through mutual funds, stock brokers, or online trading sites. RIAs offer the best characteristics of each of these options:

• the diversity and risk management of mutual funds,the personal contact of a stock broker

• the flexibility and low cost of online trading sites

Furthermore, a unique portfolio is developed for each client based on a variety of financial and personal factors. This degree of interaction allows a RIA to work with a client's total financial picture and provide the necessary counsel to navigate them toward their goals.