First Command Advisory Services
First Command Advisory Services focuses on providing military families with financial planning and investment management services. It currently has billions of dollars in client assets under management (AUM). This financial advisor firm has more than 170 offices worldwide and many are near military installations.
Advisors at the firm can receive third-party sales commissions in addition to client-paid fees, which makes it fee-based. A fee-only firm, on the other hand, only receives client-paid fees as compensation.
First Command Advisory Services Background
First Command Advisory Services has been in business since 1958. Today, it exists as a wholly owned subsidiary of First Command Financial Services, Inc, which in turn is owned by First Command Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The firm also offers banking services and insurance solutions to customers.
First Command Advisory Services Client Types and Minimum Account Sizes
The firm works exclusively with individuals, corporate entities and trusts. To establish an investment advisory relationship, you generally need a minimum account balance of $20,000 to $50,000, depending on the program in which you enroll.
Services Offered by First Command Advisory Services
First Command Advisory Services specializes in portfolio management and financial planning services. The company offers both together through its tailored professional services (TPS) program. They can provide advice on such topics as:
- Financial coaching
- Insurance
- Investing and savings
- Funding college expenses through 529 plans
The firm also has a banking division that can provide clients with credit cards and other types of accounts.
First Command Advisory Services Investment Philosophy
First Command Advisory Services primarily utilizes mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), variable annuities and variable life insurance products. However, the firm would tailor an investment portfolio to the individual's financial situation and risk tolerance.
"We are biased toward managers who select investments based on fundamental analysis of underlying business characteristics, comprehensive review of financial statements, and prudent consideration of risks including security valuation," the company states in its firm brochure.
Fees Under First Command Advisory Services
First Command's fee structure includes a wrap fee for its Asset Management Solutions (AMS) program, which covers advisory, brokerage and administrative services. The wrap fee is based on a percentage of the account value, assessed monthly in advance, and varies according to the account's total value. Clients will pay 1.30% on their first $250,000 in AUM, 1.15% on the next $250,000, 1.00% on the following $500,000, 0.75% on the next $1 million and 0.50% on their account balance over $2 million.
Additional fees apply for specific services, such as outgoing account transfers, wire transfers, and custodial maintenance for IRAs.
What to Watch Out For
First Command Advisory Services has been involved in some disciplinary events. The firm has six disclosures on its SEC-filed Form ADV.
First Command is affiliated with various financial services firms such as broker-dealers and insurance companies. In turn, its advisors may earn commissions by recommending products from such vendors, in addition to the advisory fee they charge clients. This poses a potential conflict of interest. That said, the firm has a fiduciary duty to work in the best interests of its clients.
Opening an Account With First Command Advisory Services
The easiest way to become a client of First Command Advisory Services is to call (817) 731-8621.
All information is accurate as of the writing of this article.
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