FAQs
What has changed?
We have launched our new, independent wealth management financial services firm, Maher Wealth Management. Our financial consultants will be partnering with LPL Financial. LPL is the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer* overall, and third largest custodian of assets**, supporting over 19,000 independent advisors. As our client, you have your own considerations and priorities, so we will continue tailoring plans to your specific needs—that has not changed.
What motivated you to make the change?
We take pride in serving you and have therefore adapted our services to reflect the growing changes within the financial industry. Your ongoing support is much appreciated and inspires us to continually strive for excellence. Our financial consultants' partnership with LPL allows us the independence we need to spend more time working with you and supporting your goals. As our broker/dealer, LPL provides the technology, resources, and investment choices necessary to continue the personalized experience you have grown accustomed to.
Why didn’t you tell us about this change earlier?
It was necessary to delay the announcement of our consultants' partnership with LPL Financial until our LPL Financial Advisors were formally registered with them, to avoid potential conflicts of interest. If you have any questions prior to us contacting you, please call us at (480) 716-6100.
Why did you choose LPL Financial as your broker/dealer?
We decided to launch our new independent services by affiliating our financial consultants with LPL Financial – a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest financial service firms in the country, safeguarding over $1 trillion in client assets. This arrangement will allow us to utilize the strength and leverage of a major firm, while allowing us to build our own culture, team, and resources to best partner with you.
LPL’s comprehensive support, technology, and research, along with their model of transparency and dedication to independence and choice, allows us to provide you with a wide range of diligently evaluated, non-proprietary products. In fact, you will now have access to many investment choices that previously were not available to you by virtue of LPL’s scale. As a competitor in the retail financial advice market, we are confident that we are being fully supported by a firm who can match our high standards.
What should I expect during this transition?
You can expect a smooth and transparent process as we make this transition together. None of your current investments will need to be sold in the process of a transfer. We will contact you directly to discuss your account transfer, and how this change will positively impact your experience with us.
Where will my assets be held, and how safe will they be?
As a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member firm, subject to the federal securities laws and the rules of industry self-regulatory organizations, LPL Financial prioritizes its obligations to protect client assets in their custody with the utmost care and scrupulous adherence to financial protection rules, including those governing the segregation of client assets.
LPL provides an enormous catalog of services and resources, as well as a long history of financial stability. The LPL Financial SIPC Membership provides account protection up to a maximum of $500,000 per customer, of which $250,000 may be claims for cash. An explanatory brochure is available at www.sipc.org. Additionally, through London Insurers, LPL Financial accounts have additional securities protection to cover the net equity of customer accounts up to an overall aggregate firm limit of $750,000,000 subject to conditions and limitations. The account protection applies when a SIPC member firm fails financially and is unable to meet obligations to securities clients, but it does not protect against losses from the rise and fall in the market value of investments.
Can I keep my accounts where they are?
Yes, however we will not be able to manage the accounts since we are no longer affiliated with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. If you choose to keep your accounts Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, you will be reassigned to a different advisor.
How is my personal information protected?
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, LPL Financial uses security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. LPL’s online environment uses security technologies, including layered security and access controls over personal information. For further information, please visit LPL’s Privacy/Security page at: www.lpl.com/disclosures/privacy-security.html
Has your investment process changed?
No. In fact, because we now offer independent financial services, we are no longer limited in our access to research, planning, and portfolio construction capabilities. This freedom of choice empowers us to do more for you.
What is your new website and how do I log into my account?
You can visit our new website at: www.maherwm.com. As soon as your account has been moved to LPL Financial, we will contact you to let you know how to enroll in Account View, which is our new client portal.
Where is your new office?
Our new office is located at 2111 E Highland Ave, Suite B225, Phoenix, AZ 85016. You can reach us at (480) 716-6100.
How did you choose your name?
We selected Maher Wealth Management as a way to capitalize on the familiarity and reputation of our Founder and Managing Director Thom Maher, and the long-standing relationships he has built during his many years in the industry. Our name represents the close and meaningful bond we share with our clients.
*As reported by Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2022, based on total revenue.
**Cerulli Associate, 2019 U.S. RIA Marketplace Report
