General:
How do I get started using Income Strategy™?
Income Strategy™ has a very user friendly interface that will help you through the important steps to get your
information entered into the software. There are a number of help documents and videos that will get you
going. If you get stuck, just call us at 866-762-7526, ext. 2.
How do I get my financial information into Income Strategy™?
You can enter your financial information into Income Strategy™ in two ways. First, you can use our secure “sync” process that will use your institutional passwords to link to your investments. Your upload will take literally seconds, and we do not have access to your financial data or passwords. Second, if the sync and upload options are not your preference, you can manually enter each of your accounts.
What types of accounts can I include in Income Strategy™?
You can include all types of accounts. From bank savings accounts, to 401k accounts, to managed accounts with other custodians, we’ve made our “sync” process simple for you.
Can I get help setting up my account?
Absolutely! Our telephone number is 866-762-7526, ext. 1. You can reach us Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., central time. There is a fee associated with this service.
What is your privacy policy?
Our privacy policy can viewed by clicking the link at the bottom of any webpage on our site.
How secure is my information?
You can feel confident that your information is secure. We use the highest industry standards to protect your data. For brokerage links, we use 256-bit encryption, which is the industry standard and the same level of security banks use. Additionally, there are no shared net worth numbers on our application, so no one can see how much money you have in your account. Also, we do not store your credentials or any sensitive information on our servers. Finally, we use a third party data provider called Plaid to handle all our brokerage connections. Plaid only has read only connections and deploys server-side firewalls to keep your data safe.
Are you a fiduciary?
Our offers are for non-discretionary self-management of your accounts. No fiduciary oversight is provided for the education and guidance services provided. If you select our Financial Advice Package, advice will provided by an affiliate company, Retirement Benchmark, LLC, which is a fiduciary.
What web browsers is Income Strategy™ compatible with?
Income Strategy™ is compatible with all browsers including Safari and Microsoft Edge.
Do-It-Yourself Options:
How should I select which level of Income Strategy™ is best for me?
The level of services you choose depends on the features you need in managing your retirement income. Most of our “do-it-yourself” subscribers use our Premier option because it offers the most useful functions. You are always able to upgrade or downgrade your services. You can even select the option for us to manage everything for you and later become a “do-it-yourselfer” when you feel more comfortable with the software.
Can I really do it myself?
Sure you can! We’ve made the on-boarding process easy for even the most concerned user. And we’re available by phone if you get stuck.
How can I get help if I need it?
Give us a call at 866-762-7526, ext. 2, for the assistance you need.
How is my Income Strategy™ plan customized for me?
During the process to get started, you’ll enter a significant amount of information about your household, risk preferences, assets, spending plans, and more. Income Strategy™ uses all of the information you enter to
customize your withdrawal strategy options for your situation. You can then compare the trade-offs between the options and select the one you feel best suits your needs. And, you can change your strategy if your needs change over time.
Who holds my money with the do-it-yourself options?
Your money remains with the institutions where it is now. While we have an affiliated registered investment advisory firm, we do not take custody of your money. Even if you choose the Financial Advice Package, you can choose for your savings to be held at Schwab, Fidelity or Pershing. We never have direct access to your accounts.
How will I get income from my accounts?
Income Strategy™ makes it easy to determine how to get income from your savings. Simply click the “Generate Cash” button, and you’ll receive instructions on what assets to liquidate from which accounts. If you choose the Financial Advice Package, we’ll make sure you receive income at the frequency you determine.
Who chooses my account settings?
We have account settings that we are happy to share. However, each setting is available to you to change in the direction you’ve determined to be best for your retirement income.
How often does rebalancing occur?
You choose the frequency of rebalancing of your accounts. This feature can be found under the “AccountSettings” options in the navigation menu.
What kind of reporting is available for me?
Income Strategy™ has made available a number of reports. For specific information, please select report option under each section.
We-Do-It-For-You Option:
Why should I select this option?
While many people have the time and desire to manage their own portfolio, others find it cumbersome, confusing, and time-consuming. With this option, our licensed financial professionals work directly with you to set up your account and manage your plan. You will always have access to Income Strategy™ and can monitor the progress of your plan, but we manage the details for you. Once you’re comfortable with the software and your withdrawal strategy, you can always become a “do-it-yourselfer.”
What are your fees for this option?
Our fees are based on the total value of your portfolio. Contact us at 866-762-7526 for additional information about fees.
How are your fee calculated?
Our fees are calculated based on the value of your portfolio that we manage. Contact us at 866-762-7526 for additional information about our fees.
Who holds my money with this option?
We never take custody of your money. You can choose to custody your portfolio at Schwab, Fidelity or Pershing.
What are the credentials of the advisors who will manage my plan and investments?
All of our financial advisors are registered investment advisor representatives. Additionally, we have a team of certified financial analysts, Social Security experts, tax experts, and portfolio managers who work together to effectively manage your strategy.
How can I stay abreast with what is happening to my money?
With Income Strategy™, you will always be able to log in and track the progress of your strategy. In addition, you’ll receive an alert if a change to your plan is recommended.
How will you customize my strategy with this option?
Our financial professionals will work directly with you to learn about your retirement goals, risk preferences and more. This information will be used to craft your withdrawal strategy, and we’ll manage with the preferences you determine and approve.
Who will determine my investments with this option?
Our financial professionals will be able to provide recommendations, but you will remain in control and make the determinations for your investments.
How will I get income from my accounts?
With our Financial Advice Package, we’ll make sure you receive income at the frequency you determine. We’ll use your selected withdrawal strategy as a guide to liquidate holdings in order to generate income for you. You simply wait for the check to arrive.
How do I make changes to my plan?
With Income Strategy™ you are in control of your plan. Many changes can be made within the software with no assistance from our staff. And you can also call us to discuss and validate your changes, or you can request that we make specific changes to your plan.
Is there a minimum level of assets to use this service?
No, there is no minimum level of assets required to use this service.
Do you manage outside portfolios for clients?
No. Using this option will require you to move the accounts you want us to manage to one of the custodians with which we have a relationship.
What kinds of reporting can I receive?
With Income Strategy™, you always have access to a number of reports you can download and print at any time. These reports are accessible from each section of the software.
Do you use model portfolios?
Yes. With Income Strategy™ you can choose model portfolios created by our experts, ones modeled after Vanguard’s model portfolios, or you can create your own.
How will you communicate with me?
Income Strategy™ makes communication easy. You’ll receive regular messages, alerts, and tips. Additionally, you can contact us via telephone or email. We’re even available for videoconferencing.
How can I monitor what is going on with my service?
With Income Strategy™, you will always be able to log in and track the progress of your strategy. In addition, you’ll receive an alert if a change to your plan is recommended.
How will I be notified that I need to make a change?
Income Strategy™ will generate alerts indicating you need to make an adjustment. You might also receive communications from our financial professionals via email or telephone.