About Us

“Finding good partners is the key to success in anything: in business, in marriage and, especially, in investing.”
~ Robert Kiyosaki

What Sets Us Apart?

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If you’re looking for a financial advisor, you may be wondering how to select one.

It’s not always easy, and your choice is important. The wrong decision could be costly well into the future, with little opportunity to recover from the wrong path.

So in evaluating advisors, consider IWA’s approach.

1) Unbiased advice: No conflicts of interest, no compromise.

At IWA, our mission and values are embodied in our tagline, “Freedom of choice. Freedom of mind.”

While many advisors say they’re unbiased when managing your money, that’s not always true. Read the fine print in their disclosures. You may find they’re not committed to working in a true fiduciary role, pledging to act in your best interests without the influence of hidden costs and incentives they may receive when they “sell” investment products to you.

We don’t “sell” investment products. We’re never compensated by product companies as we manage your portfolio. This frees us to be objective, presenting you choices that are in your best interest–choices you may not have if your advisor’s goals aren’t precisely aligned to yours.

Learn why unbiased advice really does matter.

2) Strategic planning: The cornerstone of your financial plan.

One key aspect of our approach to wealth management is our insistence that careful strategic planning comes before execution–not the other way around.

By developing a thorough understanding of your unique goals and aspirations, reviewing your assets and income, and assessing any potential challenges, we work with you through a defined methodology. This approach helps to ensure your plan is sound, suitable for your needs and that the investment choices we implement for you align with that plan.

Learn more about strategic planning.

3) A relationship-based approach: We care.

There’s a certain empathy and understanding that emerges after we’ve worked with a client on a long-term basis.

Indeed, as a trusted advisor, we get to know our clients quite well. Over time, our shared history of working closely together helps us support you in ways that extend well beyond simply managing your investments.

At IWA, you can expect to work with a team dedicated to a forward-looking approach–analyzing how future changes in your life might impact your finances. This proactive approach means we often foresee potential challenges and suggest solutions before you even ask.

In short, we care–and we’re there when our clients need us. That means a lot to our clients and it means a lot to us, too.

Learn more about our relationship-based approach.

Remember, all financial advisors are not alike. At IWA, our strategic focus, our commitment to providing unbiased advice, and the approach we embrace sets us apart.

We’re proud of our record of providing “Freedom of Choice and Freedom of Mind.” And we’d be happy to show you how we can work for you.

Our Story

Unbiased advice: It matters more than you think.

Independence Wealth Advisors (IWA) was founded because many investors don’t often get completely unbiased advice and recommendations–and they may not even know it.

This is why Kathy Duffy started IWA. As a Registered Investment Advisor, we put our clients’ needs front and center, so that each client can rest easy knowing they have the support of experienced financial professionals who aren’t influenced by commissions and benefiting from hidden fees.

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Our Approach

A strong focus on relationships. Anticipating your needs.

At Independence Wealth Advisors, we treasure the relationships we grow with our clients over time, which is why clients who start with us stay with us.

Yes, managing your assets and investments does require an analytical approach to evaluating the complex relationships between your needs and investment alternatives.

But there’s a certain art to the process as well. As we get to know you, our shared history of working closely together puts us in a unique position to not only meet your needs, but to even anticipate them. So don’t be surprised if we act proactively, bringing up potential issues and challenges you may not even be aware of—and suggest solutions that can help you make the most of your assets.

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How We Work

A big picture perspective. A pinpoint focus on your needs.

For every client, there’s a unique strategy for lifetime planning. In fact, managing your finances against realistic goals and objectives can make the difference between a secure retirement and one that calls for making serious compromises to the lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

So we go through a multifaceted and detailed analysis to create a strategy best suited to your needs and your tolerance for risk. At IWA, you can expect to embrace the idea that with the right strategy, you have a solid foundation for planning your future.

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Who We Are

Our Team of employees and consultants consist of seasoned financial professionals and together they have earned and represent the major financial designations, including:

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Meet Our Team

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FAQs

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How is Independence Wealth Advisors different from other advisors?

Independence Wealth Advisors realizes that the greatest formula for growth lies in personal choice. That’s why our professional advice, timely information and open access to resources allow you to choose, with our guidance, the best way to achieve your future. We will help you financially articulate your dreams so they become your reality.

As a Fiduciary and an Independent Registered Investment Advisor, we strive to provide the best advice for each client’s specific situation and needs without the concern of an agenda of a parent company and any quotas they may impose.

What is a fiduciary?

Brokers are subject to a “suitability standard” of client care, one that allows them to consider their own compensation as they choose investments and other solutions to recommend to clients.

As an independent Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm, IWA is required to provide a fiduciary level of service to our clients which means that we must put our clients’ best interests ahead of our own interests. We have proactively chosen to operate as a fiduciary because we believe in the paramount importance of the client relationship and client trust.

Who is your typical client?

Our typical clients are individuals and families who value the importance of their financial health. At IWA, have a variety of clients, including business owners, families, retirees of varying ages, couples and single individuals.

What is your fee model?

We are a fee-based Registered Investment Advisor firm—our compensation comes from assets under management. This helps ensure that our clients’ are put first—not a commission or a sale. This allows for client-centered financial advice. We are not paid through sales commissions, so we have no incentive to steer you to investments based on what we may earn.

How are you regulated?

As a Registered Investment Advisory Firm, IWA is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and must abide by their rules and regulations.

How do you protect personal information?

Client trust in financial management is only part of the picture. We know that we have been entrusted with important personal information as well. We take seriously the need to ensure the safety and protection of this information in our office and on our networks. This includes:

  • Hardware firewalls
  • Company-wide anti-virus software
  • Encryption
  • Redundant backups
  • Stringent policies and procedures
  • Background checks on all employees