FAQ
Questions worth
asking anyone.
Ask these of every adviser you talk to, not just this one. The answers should be specific, and they should be findable before you hand over any money.
Getting started
Fit and
first steps
How much money do I need to start?
None. There is no account minimum to engage the firm. Balances under $50,000 are served through the $485 one-time model portfolio setup or hourly planning at $125. Ongoing percentage-of-assets management is offered at $50,000 and above, because below that the annual fee gets too small to support the work honestly.
What happens on the first call?
About twenty minutes. You describe what you have and what you're trying to do. You'll get a straight read on which engagement fits, what it costs, and whether this firm is the right choice at all. Nothing is signed on that call.
Do we have to meet in person?
No — phone, video, and email work fine, and plenty of clients never meet me face to face. But if you're local, I'm happy to grab a coffee somewhere in town. I'm in Middletown myself. The address listed on this site is just a mailing address, not an office.
Your money
Custody
and control
Where is my money actually held?
At an independent qualified custodian, in an account in your name. Capital B never takes possession of your funds or securities. The only custody the firm is deemed to have comes from the ability to deduct its advisory fee directly from your account, and only if you authorize that in writing.
Can you move money out of my account?
No. Even under a signed discretionary authorization, the firm has no authority to withdraw funds or securities (other than the authorized fee deduction), to direct distributions or transfers to third parties, or to change beneficiary designations or account ownership.
Can you trade my account without asking me?
Not by default. Advice is non-discretionary unless you grant written discretionary authority in a separate authorization form. With discretion granted, the firm can buy, sell, and rebalance within your stated objectives without approving each trade. You can revoke it in writing at any time, effective when received.
Do I have to change custodians?
You pick the custodian, as long as it's a qualified custodian. The practical constraint is that ongoing management requires one that will grant the adviser trading authorization. If yours won't, the firm can still advise on a non-discretionary, advice-only basis and you place the trades. You can change custodians whenever you like.
Who sends my statements?
Your custodian, directly to you, at least quarterly, along with trade confirmations. Read them, and compare them against anything the firm sends you. That comparison is one of the few real protections you have as a client, of any adviser.
Who votes my proxies?
You do. Capital B does not accept authority to vote client securities. Proxy materials go from your custodian or transfer agent straight to you. You're welcome to call with questions about a particular solicitation.
Fees
What it
costs
How does the 1% actually get charged?
Quarterly in arrears, based on the value of assets under management — so you pay after the quarter, not before it. It can be deducted directly from your custodial account with your written authorization, or invoiced to you.
Do you charge performance fees?
No. The firm does not charge performance-based fees or take any share of capital gains or appreciation.
What if I want to leave?
Terminate in writing at any time under your advisory agreement. Fees accrued through that date remain payable; unearned prepaid fees are refunded pro rata. No penalty, no lock-up.
The firm
Checking
up on us
How do I verify the firm's registration?
Look up CRD #339698 for the firm, or CRD #8201835 for Dane DeBartolo, at adviserinfo.sec.gov. Do this. It takes a minute and it works for any adviser in the country.
Has the firm or the adviser been disciplined?
Form ADV Part 2A Item 9 and Part 2B Item 3 report no criminal, civil, administrative, or SRO disciplinary events, no arbitration awards, and no bankruptcy petitions. Verify it yourself on IAPD rather than taking a website's word for it.
Is Capital B registered with the SEC?
No. It is registered with the State of New Jersey. Advisers below certain asset thresholds register with their state rather than the SEC. Registration — state or federal — does not imply any level of skill or training.
Next step
Twenty minutes,
no cost.
Tell me what you've got and what you're trying to do with it. If Capital B isn't the right fit, I'll say so on the call.