Access Setarcos’s wide range of tailored financial solutions to guide your path to financial success.
Investment Management
Your investment strategy should reflect you—your unique circumstances, and your risk tolerance. Setarcos designs and manages each client’s portfolio to their needs, and we update the strategy as those needs change. In addition, our portfolios minimize needless complexity, fees, and taxes while increasing diversification opportunities.
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial plans help you to reach your destination and navigate life’s uncertainties. This personalized service incorporates not only your financial data and goals, but also your unique current and future expected tax and estate planning profiles, as well as insurance needs.
Investment Management
You deserve a thoughtful investment strategy tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you prioritize growth, stability, or a blended approach, it’s important to understand your goals, risk tolerance, and tax considerations. Setarcos helps you navigate these complexities and build a personalized portfolio that aligns with your financial plan.
Services Include:
- Asset allocation development, portfolio selection and implementation
- Use of low-cost index strategies
- Tax efficient management
- Concentrated stock strategies
We Believe That:
Markets increase in the long-term
Neither we, nor anyone else, can accurately predict near-term market movements
Prudent investing requires long-term discipline—not timing the market or chasing returns
Passive strategies generally beat active strategies
Diversification across asset classes adds value over time
Alternative investments, when properly selected, can add value
Financial Planning
We build financial plans that provide a roadmap for your aspirations. They are built from the ground up, tailored to your unique situation. By helping to clarify your goals and identifying potential risks, a well-designed financial plan provides direction on how to secure the future you envision.
But that’s not enough. We monitor, maintain, and adapt your plan to the inevitable changes that life throws your way. It’s a dynamic process, continuously adjusting to your changing life circumstances. This collaborative experience ensures your finances align with your aspirations—both now, and in the years to come.
Goal/Retirement Planning
Defining your goals, charting a path to achieve them, and monitoring your progress.
Tax Planning
Developing strategies to avoid or minimize taxes using near- and long-term projections.
Insurance Planning
Using insurance to mitigate the risks that lurk in your financial life (e.g., life insurance).
Estate Planning
Putting documents in place to ensure your legacy goals are met and the estate passes efficiently to your heirs.
Cash Flow Planning
Developing strategies to meet near-term cash needs.
Everything Else
As a small firm, we can help you with anything that intersects with your financial well-being.
About Setarcos
(“seh-TAR-kohs”)
From day one, our mission has been to provide objective and comprehensive financial advice. The foundation of our service offering is comprised of three fundamental tenets which we bring to every relationship.
Be reliable, responsive and trustworthy
Listen first, then advise
Serve as a trusted partner for the long term
Why Setarcos
We’re a high touch firm. We don’t have hundreds of clients (you’ll never have to ‘dial 3’ for an advisor). Our experience and credentials empower us to cover a lot of financial ground. We proudly deliver value to our clients by bringing this breadth and depth of expertise to every engagement, while building a personalized experience and an enduring relationship. Our very first client is still a client to this day.
Trust
We’re a fiduciary. We always act in your best interest.
We’re highly organized, responsive, and reliable.
We’re your financial partner for the long term.
Advice
We provide objective, candid, and transparent advice.
Our work is comprehensive, thorough, and analytical.
We tailor our advice to your situation.
Results
Informed financial decision-making.
Clarity and confidence that you have set—and can meet—your financial goals.
Ultimately, reduced stress around your finances and greater peace of mind.
Our Team
What Do Your Credentials Mean?
Certified Financial Planner ™
Certified Financial Planner™ professionals meet rigorous standards in education, examination, experience, and ethics to provide comprehensive financial planning services. They possess expertise in various areas of personal finance, including investment management and planning for income taxes, retirement, estates, and insurance. They are required to act as fiduciaries, which ensures that they act in their clients’ best interests. To maintain their certification, they must complete ongoing education requirements to stay current with the latest financial strategies and regulations. Overall, they help individuals and families achieve their financial goals through detailed, client-centered planning.
Chartered Financial Analyst®
A Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder has completed the CFA Program, which includes three rigorous exams covering investment management, financial analysis, portfolio management, and ethical standards. They possess in-depth knowledge of investment principles and are highly skilled in financial analysis and asset management. This designation is recognized globally and indicates a high level of competence and integrity in the field of finance, making them respected professionals in investment banking, asset management, and financial advisory roles. Chartered Financial Analyst® and CFA® are registered trademarks of the CFA Institute.
Certified Public Accountant
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed professional accountant who has passed the CPA exam and met additional state certification and experience requirements. CPAs are trained in accounting, auditing, tax, and financial analysis. They are qualified to provide a range of services, including preparing financial statements, conducting audits, and offering tax advice and planning. This designation signifies a high level of competence, ethics, and professionalism.
Fellow of the Society of Actuaries
An FSA (Fellow of the Society of Actuaries) credential signifies that an individual has attained a high level of expertise in actuarial science through extensive education and rigorous exams. This credential is awarded by the Society of Actuaries and indicates proficiency in evaluating financial risks and designing financial strategies in areas such as insurance, pensions, investments, and other financial sectors. Actuaries are known for their analytical skills, deep understanding of financial systems, and ability to apply mathematical and statistical methods to solve complex financial problems.
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst
A Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) is a professional designation for individuals specializing in alternative investments, such as hedge funds, private equity, real estate, commodities, and structured products. The CAIA designation is awarded by the CAIA Association and requires passing two levels of exams that cover a broad range of topics, including investment strategies, risk management, ethics, and due diligence. Earning the CAIA credential signifies a deep understanding of alternative assets and their role in diversified investment portfolios, making CAIA charterholders valuable in roles related to asset management, investment analysis, and financial advisory services.
Financial Risk Manager
A Financial Risk Manager (FRM) is a professional designation awarded by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in managing financial risk. The FRM designation requires passing a two-part exam that covers topics such as market risk, credit risk, operational risk, and investment management. FRMs possess a deep understanding of risk assessment, risk management, and financial strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. As Certified Financial Planner™ professionals and members of NAPFA, an organization of fee-only advisors, we are bound by the fiduciary standard.
How do you get paid?
We get paid based on a percentage of assets under management. That’s it. No added fees, no product sales.
What's your minimum?
$1M of assets under management.
Do you have service tiers?
We have no service tiers. Every client gets our full attention and focus. No exceptions.
How responsive are you?
Very. Any time you contact us during our business day, you will hear back from us that same day.
How often do you meet with your clients?
We generally meet quarterly, but have calls any time our clients need one.
Where are your offices?
Setarcos has offices in Philadelphia and Savannah. We generally operate as a remote firm, using video and phone calls for meetings. We also like to travel to meet our clients in person, so we can get to know each other better.
Can you manage my current employer retirement account (such as a 401(k) plan)?
Yes, Setarcos uses a technology platform that allows us to manage these types of accounts with trade-only access.
Do I need to change custodians / brokers if I work with you?
It will depend on the situation. If you do, Setarcos can handle almost all of the transfer paperwork.
Do I need a financial advisor?
We believe that you can manage your own wealth if you have the following things:
- Time to do it
- Knowledge of how to do it
- Interest in doing it
- Even temperament
If you have all these things, you’re probably in good shape. If not, let’s start the conversation.
How do I get started?
Let’s talk! Assuming we’re a good fit, you’ll sign our contract and then place your assets under our management.
Insights
Stay up-to-date with news and insights from Setarcos and the ever-changing world of finance.
Updated: May 15 The S&P 500 (the ‘S&P’) has been on a tear in recent years. During the 10-year period ending March 31, 2024, the S&P averaged 13.0% per year…
Effective tax planning is an important component of building wealth and is generally split into two time periods: near-term (i.e. the current tax year) and longer-term (beyond the current year).…
The first time I heard Charlie Munger’s name was in the late 90s. I was working at an actuarial consulting firm starting to develop an interest in financial markets and…
