Pomona Wealth is a 100% independent wealth management firm. This means our recommendations and business decisions are independent of outside owners, separate business line considerations, or commission incentives.

Pomona serves in a fiduciary capacity with all our clients. This should go without needing to be mentioned, but many financial services companies in our industry still serve under the “suitability” standard, meaning recommendations only need to be “suitable”, or said another way, not entirely in the clients best interest.

A fiduciary is a professional entrusted with a unique relationship of trust, confidence, and/or legal responsibility with a client. Pomona operates as a Registered Investment Advisor, obligating us, in accordance with the law, to consistently act in the best interest of our clients. We approach this duty with utmost seriousness.

In the wealth management sector, professional designations are highly valued, and I mention this with a bit of humor. Achieving the basic securities exams and qualifying as a "Financial Advisor" is relatively straightforward, allowing a diverse range of individuals with varying skills and knowledge to bear the title of "Financial Advisor". Distinguishing oneself in the vast sea of advisors can be achieved by going beyond the basic securities licenses and obtaining additional credentials. As far as I am aware, I am the sole advisor in Eastern Washington who possesses the CFA, CFP®, and AIF® designations.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) – The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is generally considered the most challenging designation in the finance industry. The CFA program requires passing three levels of exams that cover a wide range of topics in finance, investment, and ethics, and it demands a significant amount of study time, typically requiring several hundred hours of study for each level. Additionally, candidates must have four years of professional work experience in the investment decision-making process and adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) – Outside normal security exams, the CFP® designation is the minimum standard many clients look for in an advisor. The CFP® is recognized globally and requires candidates to meet education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including financial planning, risk management, insurance, investments, tax planning, retirement and estate planning, ensuring that CFP professionals are well-equipped to provide comprehensive financial advice.

Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) - The AIF® designation is awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies to financial professionals who specialize in fiduciary responsibility and portfolio management. The AIF® program focuses on teaching investment professionals the practices of a fiduciary standard of care, including legal and best practice frameworks for managing other people's money. Holders of the AIF designation are trained to implement a fiduciary process into their investment management practices and to act in the best interests of their clients.

Individuals vary in their responses, and this response may evolve for a person over time. An effective wealth manager ensures your well-being and that of your loved ones by maintaining the stability of your "financial house." Additionally, they can safeguard your wealth from the influence of emotions or unforeseen absences.

Our fees are inclusive of trade costs and are based on either one of two fee-only arrangements: 1) a percentage of assets management, 2) or a flat quarterly-retainer that is determined by the needs and size of one’s overall investment portfolio plus 0.10% AUM-based fee on any dollars being monitored or managed on a daily basis. With minimal overhead, integrated technology, and streamlined processes, clients typically enjoy significant cost savings when partnering with Pomona compared to larger and more bureaucratic firms.

Customized financial planning and investment management services cater to individual client needs. This may involve creating a comprehensive financial plan and overseeing investment portfolios for a retired couple, while for another, it might entail total balance sheet management and maximizing cash yields for a business owner. Additionally, Pomona covers all managed account trade costs to ensure clients are not nickel and dimed.

Pomona is the greek goddess of fruitful abundance, specifically orchard fruit. Having spent my formative years in a rural community, working in orchards during summers, and more recently in agricultural financing, the choice of Pomona resonates with my personal, professional experiences in this field and many clients I work with.

Pomona operates as a genuine fiduciary. Being "fee-only" signifies that our sole compensation comes directly from our clients. We do not accept commissions or any payments from the providers of the financial products we suggest to clients. Our costs are straightforward and transparent, easily understandable.

These individuals are both professionals and friends with whom I've collaborated throughout my career. Much like fellow shareholders in a larger firm, they are the professionals I would confidently entrust to care for my loved ones if I were absent. Opting to work with any of them ensures a seamless continuation of service from where I left off. This offers clients the backup protection akin to larger Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) without the limitations of being tied to a specific firm.