Frequently Asked Questions

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We're Here to Help

We understand you have questions. No matter the situation, we have the experience to ensure you're making the best financial decisions possible. These are among some of our most frequently asked.

What is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)?
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The term Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) is used to describe an Investment Adviser who is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or a state’s securities agency.

The term has been popularized due to its use within the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. An RIA is an individual or firm that is in the business of giving advice about securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or exchange traded funds.

GSIA adheres to the Fiduciary Standard. What does that mean?
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An RIA must adhere to a fiduciary standard of care laid out in the US Investment Advisors Act of 1940.  Simply stated, this standard requires the advisor to act in the best interest of the client and to eliminate, or expose to the client, any existing or potential conflicts of interest.

What is your investing philosophy?
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Our philosophy consists of low cost index investing via exchange traded and mutual funds with selective use of individual stocks and fixed income instruments.

Statistics have shown that over long time horizons (i.e. 10 years or more) very few money managers beat the performance of the index matching their investment style.  
We don’t see the value in paying higher fees for the likelihood of lower performance. We shun high expense structure assets, and don’t see a reason to ever pay a sales commission (or load) to purchase or sell an asset.

What’s the difference between GSIA and large commercial firms?
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We believe it is the degree of intimacy in the personal finance relationship we achieve with clients. We don’t have the challenges of achieving sales quotas, profit goals, number of clients, and all the other mandates that large corporations place on their employees.

The only metrics that matter to us are whether the client is satisfied with their portfolio results and the value they get from our relationship. Large firms will claim their market and industry analysis is superior but great analysis is readily available to all firms.

The big name firms also have large overhead expenses which almost always results in their charging higher fees for similarly defined services.

What is the minimum amount to do business with your firm?
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We don’t have any account minimums. Our philosophy is to help those people who would benefit from our services. We have different fee arrangements, one of which is best suited (and most cost effective) for the client based on the amount of investable assets in question.

What’s the best way to determine my fit with GSIA?
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We should have an initial consultation to discuss your needs and our expertise, philosophy, etc. The initial meeting is complimentary and completely confidential. There is no obligation and you will never be hounded with follow-up.

We’ll both know if the relationship feels right and we want to take it any further. Client references will be made available as needed.

Let's Connect

Compile all your questions and let’s schedule a time for an in-depth conversation.

Contact Us
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Visit with Us

4346 W Rose Hill St.
Boise, ID 83705

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Call

(208) 890-5680

Email

ron@gemstateinvestments.com

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Business Hours

8:00 am - 5:00 pm | M-F
by appointment