About the practice
Alder Crown Advisory is a wealth management practice in Charlotte, North Carolina. It works on a stated scope for a stated cost, and it writes both down first.
The practice begins by writing the question down. A financial question asked in passing and a financial question set out on paper are rarely the same question, and the difference between them is usually where the real decision sits.
From there the work is ordinary. The scope that answers the question is described in plain terms, the cost of that scope is confirmed, and the result is set against what was agreed rather than against a market. Alder Crown Advisory does not forecast returns and does not describe an outcome as likely.
Three operating principles
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Scope before cost, cost before work
Nothing begins until the scope is written down and its cost is confirmed. A scope that changes is re-agreed, not absorbed.
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Plain language, including the unwelcome parts
A question the practice cannot answer is named as one. So is a decision that can reasonably wait.
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No promised outcome
The practice states what it will do. It does not state what the market will do, and it attaches no figure to a future it cannot see.
What happens, in four steps
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Step 1
The question is written down
In the visitor's own words first, then in the terms the work needs.
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Step 2
A scope is proposed
One of the six services, or a statement that none of them fits.
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Step 3
The cost is confirmed
In writing, before any work starts, including what would change it.
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Step 4
The work is set against the agreement
The result is reported against the scope that was agreed, and against nothing else.
One clear limitation
Alder Crown Advisory does not take custody of assets, does not execute trades on a client's behalf and does not give tax or legal advice. Where a question needs any of those, the practice says so and the visitor takes it elsewhere.
Start with the introductory consultation
It carries no charge, and it ends either with a scope worth agreeing or with a clear statement that none of the six services fits.