Generally two ways of obtaining financial advice: one is given by stockbrokers, and the other is given by Investment Advisors. While many investors aren’t even aware differences exist, one of the main differences is that investment advisors have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of their clients at all times.

An RIA is legally bound to work in your best interest. Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, registered investment advisors are held to a fiduciary standard of care. By law, they must ensure that each investment recommendation they make is based on your best interest. In the event that a conflict of interest should arise, RIAs are required to let you know. Additionally, they are required to have a written code of ethics that governs their actions and fully discloses how they are compensated

The GFS Financial Advisors, LLC (GFS) family has two entities to service your financial needs in a holistic way. Donald A. Galade is President of Galade Financial Services, Inc.*, and CEO of GFS Financial Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm. GFS is an independent Registered Investment Advisor. Our mission is to provide the families and businesses we serve with innovative financial strategies, solutions, and planning that result in financial clarity and security.

At GFS, we believe no two investors are alike. In order to help each client meet their financial goals, we base our process on a client-focused personalized approach using multiple investment strategies.

• Our advice and recommendations are tailored to our clients’ investment goals, desired return objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, cash requirements and tax situation.
• Our investment strategy is designed based on your long-term investment goals of preserving principal, maximizing income or accumulating capital.
• As a fiduciary, we have an obligation to ensure the appropriate products are chosen based on the client’s best interest.
• We develop your personalized asset allocation model based on individual risk tolerance, objectives and financial needs.
• Our goal is to maximize your investment returns while minimizing your risk through diversification of your assets.
  *Insurance products and services are offered through Galade Financial Services Inc.

We’ve made it our mission to help provide our clients with complete financial peace of mind. This is accomplished through holistic philosophy; focusing on relationships, respect, commitment, confidence and expertise. GFS strategies focus on accumulation, distribution, protection and performance, but most importantly asset allocation and protection.

We focus on the big picture for our clients, considering all aspects of financial planning, not just your investments. That’s why we review recent tax returns, all investment plans, your existing debt structure, short and long term savings vehicles, insurance plans and legacy documents, to ensure each client has a comprehensive and customized plan that meets their individual goals.

GFS strives to educate our clients on all financial vehicles available in today’s market. Using these vehicles effectively, we then build a customized M.A.P. (Money Access Plan) which becomes the blueprint for the future.

Our firm does not give legal advice, but we have partners who do. Our firm does not give tax advice, but we have partners who do. We work for our clients, not financial institutions. Our clients are presented with accurate and complete information when formulating financial strategies as well as ensuring these strategies are properly implemented.

As specialists in life insurance and wealth transfer strategies, we help you understand the impact your financial position will have on your heirs and how to make sure your nest egg takes care of you and those you care about most.