Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About Vermillion
Yes. As a Registered Investment Advisor with all advisors being CFP® Professionals, Vermillion operates as a fiduciary at all times, ensuring our clients’ best interests come first throughout every stage of the relationship.
Yes. Vermillion requires all advisors to be CFP® Professionals and to follow the CFP Board process to be able to address every area of a client’s financial life, not just investments.
Yes. As a truly independent Registered Investment Advisor, Vermillion is not restricted by corporate parent companies, captive products, private-equity ownership, or outside investor influence. This independence gives us unrestricted freedom of choice when recommending investments and structuring our services, so we can put your interests first, not the interests of another. When your advisor is unbound by from these restrictions, you benefit from truly objective advice, broader options, and a fee structure aligned with your goals.
Vermillion’s client retention rate exceeds 99%, reflecting the trust and long-term relationships we strive to build with those we serve.
Vermillion has an average client to advisor ratio of 47, intentionally kept well below the typical industry standard of 100 or more. This approach allows us to deliver a higher level of personalized attention and foster the deeper relationships our clients expect from their advisor.
Vermillion stands out for our commitment to client education, transparency, and collaboration, empowering clients to understand and participate in every financial decision.
Vermillion is 100% family and employee owned, ensuring true independence and a client-first focus. Unlike many established firms influenced by private equity or outside investors, our advice is guided only by our clients’ best interests.
No. Vermillion has no disciplinary history or complaints, which can be verified through the SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website.
Getting Started
Yes. Vermillion offers a two-part initial consultation. In the first meeting, we focus on getting to know you as an individual or family, and in the second, we learn about your financial situation. Unlike other firms, we don’t try to fit everything into one meeting. It’s important to take the time needed to understand you fully and make recommendations in your best interest.
Our Service
We provide Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Family Office, and Business Planning services. This includes Investment Management, Retirement Planning, Tax Reduction Planning, Estate and Wealth Transfer, and more.
We create customized service plans designed to align with your goals and circumstances. This plan outlines how often you want to meet and what you want to accomplish together, ensuring you receive a proactive approach and the level of service you deserve. Some clients meet with us monthly, others annually, whatever best fits your needs and preferences.
Our service model is designed to be dynamic and flexible. You can easily shape the support you receive as your priorities shift, ensuring your plan evolves with your goals and circumstances.
No. Vermillion is fully independent and does not offer proprietary investments, allowing us to recommend what best fits each client’s goals without restrictions.
We meet clients in person, by phone, or virtually, whichever method is most convenient and comfortable for them.
Yes! Vermillion collaborates with your existing professionals, such as tax professionals and attorneys, or can recommend trusted partners from our established relationships if needed. We work to ensure everyone is aligned with your best interests and that your strategies are implemented effectively and seamlessly coordinated.
Fees & Transparency
Vermillion is a fee-based firm. We do not earn commissions on investment products, eliminating conflicts of interest in our investment recommendations. For clients who ask us to implement insurance solutions, we may receive commissions, which represent less than 2% of our firm’s revenue. We provide this optional service as it allows clients to work with a fiduciary advisor who understands their full financial picture rather than a traditional insurance agent. No client ever needs to purchase an insurance product through Vermillion.
For Investment Advisory services, Vermillion charges a percentage of assets under management. For Financial Planning, we provide flexible fee options such as hourly, flat fee, or retainer based, tailored to the scope of your needs and giving you complete control over how you engage with us.
General Questions
No, they do not. While many firms describe their services as “financial planning,” the scope and depth of what they deliver can vary widely. Some firms focus on only one or two disciplines of financial planning rather than taking a comprehensive approach. Even among those that address all seven key financial disciplines, the level of detail and analysis in each area often differs from firm to firm.
That’s an excellent question and one that many firms find challenging to answer. To make this easier, we created an Advisor Comparison Questionnaire designed to help you ask the right questions and identify which firm best fits your needs.
Partner with Vermillion
If you want a planning process that is collaborative, structured, and built entirely around your goals, connect with us to begin the first step in creating a plan designed for your life.