Here are answers to questions I frequently hear from prospective clients. If you have others, please reach out—I’m always happy to talk.
Is Kisco Capital a fiduciary?
Yes. Kisco Capital is a registered investment advisor (RIA) and fiduciary, meaning we are legally obligated to act in your best interest at all times. We are not affiliated with any broker-dealer and do not earn commissions from selling investment or insurance products. Unlike many large institutions, we have no allegiance to any product type or fund family—our only obligation is to you.
What are your fees?
Kisco Capital charges an asset-based management fee of 1% annually, depending on account size and complexity. There are no commissions, hidden fees, or charges. Fee schedules are provided in writing before you become a client.
What is the minimum account size to work with you?
We typically work with clients who have at least $100,000 in investable assets, though exceptions can be made for families and business owners with complex investment planning needs.
Who do you typically work with?
Kisco Capital serves business owners, families, and retirees in Westchester County and the surrounding tri-state area who are looking for personalized investment management and financial planning. Many of our clients are navigating major transitions—selling a business, planning for retirement, or managing wealth they’ve accumulated over their careers. While we primarily work with clients in the New York area, we can provide services to clients residing in any of the 50 US states.
What is a fiduciary financial advisor?
A fiduciary advisor is legally required to put your interests first in all financial recommendations and decisions. This is different from brokers or advisors who work under a “suitability” standard, where they only need to recommend products that are suitable, not necessarily the best option for you. As a fiduciary and independent RIA, I have no conflicts of interest from product sales or commissions.
How often will we meet and communicate?
Most clients meet with me quarterly to review their portfolios and discuss any changes in their financial situation or goals. However, I’m available by phone or email anytime questions arise. Additionally, clients receive a daily market email from me reviewing earnings, economic data, bond yields, and S&P 500 technicals, plus a weekly newsletter with deeper market commentary available on this website.
Where are client assets held?
Kisco Capital uses Charles Schwab and Interactive Brokers as custodians for all client assets. This means your money is held at these major, independent financial institutions—not with Kisco Capital. Clients may choose either platform and can access all their investment information through a web portal, tablet, or smartphone for real-time account data.
What types of investments do you use in client portfolios?
That depends entirely on your risk tolerance and financial goals. Depending on your situation, we may use individual stocks, bonds, ETFs (exchange-traded funds), and occasionally mutual funds or options strategies for income generation or hedging. Some clients want conservative, low-volatility portfolios focused on preservation, while others prefer growth-oriented strategies with individual stock selection that have the potential for higher returns. It’s my job to find the right mix of assets for each client.
Do you use mutual funds in client portfolios?
While we generally prefer ETFs due to their lower fees and greater tax efficiency, mutual funds can play a role in certain portfolios. In my experience, many mutual funds simply replicate major indexes like the S&P 500, NASDAQ, or Russell 2000 at higher costs than equivalent ETFs. However, some actively managed funds may be appropriate depending on your specific situation, and some clients do prefer this vehicle.
Can you help with retirement planning?
Yes. Retirement planning is a core part of what we do at Kisco Capital. This includes portfolio management designed for income and preservation, IRA and 401(k) rollovers, Social Security timing strategies, required minimum distribution (RMD) planning, and withdrawal strategies to make your money last throughout retirement.
What is an IRA?
An IRA stands for Individual Retirement Account. This type of account allows you to save and invest for retirement with significant tax advantages. There are several types of IRAs—Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs. Each has different rules regarding eligibility, taxation, and withdrawals. These rules are subject to change by Congress, so it’s best to work with both a financial advisor and tax consultant who can advise you on contributions and withdrawals.
Can I roll over my 401(k) into an IRA?
Yes. Many retirees have built up substantial savings in their 401(k) accounts but want greater flexibility with their investment choices and lower fees. The good news is that you can move this money into a newly formed IRA account without any tax penalty through a process called a rollover. This gives you access to a much broader range of investment options and personalized portfolio management. I help clients navigate this process regularly.
What is your investment approach?
I use a combination of fundamental and technical analysis to manage client portfolios. Fundamental analysis evaluates a security’s value based on business results such as sales, earnings, cash flow, and balance sheet strength—this is essential for understanding what you own. Technical analysis examines supply and demand patterns, price trends, volume, and market sentiment—this helps with timing and filtering out investments that are currently out of favor. Having managed portfolios through major market downturns including 2000-2002, 2008-2009, and other volatile periods, risk management is central to everything I do.
How are trades executed?
Kisco Capital can execute trades on your behalf as part of the discretionary investment management services offered. However, only you as the client can add or remove funds from your investment accounts through the custodian’s secure web portal.
What if there is a service I need that is not offered by your firm?
If you need specialized tax, insurance, estate planning, or legal advice, I can make referrals to trusted third-party professionals who are experts in their respective areas. I work collaboratively with your other advisors to ensure your overall financial plan is coordinated.
Are my assets safe? What happens if something happens to you or your firm?
Your assets are held at Charles Schwab or Interactive Brokers, not with Kisco Capital, which means they are protected by SIPC insurance and held separately from any business assets. If anything were to happen to me or the firm, your accounts remain yours at the custodian, and you would have full control to transfer them to another advisor or manage them yourself.
How do I get started with Kisco Capital?
The first step is a complimentary initial consultation where we’ll discuss your financial situation, goals, and whether we’re a good fit to work together. If we decide to move forward, I’ll provide you with an advisory agreement and fee schedule in writing. Once the paperwork is complete and accounts are opened at the custodian, we’ll develop your personalized investment strategy and begin managing your portfolio. The entire process is done electronically so accounts can be opened within a few days but some clients take longer due to a busy schedule.
What makes Kisco Capital different?
Beyond portfolio management, clients benefit from daily market emails covering earnings, economic data, and technical analysis of the S&P 500, plus weekly newsletters with deeper market commentary. Many clients also consult with me about the economic outlook, real estate investing, job-related decisions, business sale timing, and anything else they feel may impact their financial profile. As an independent fiduciary serving Westchester families and business owners, I provide institutional-quality investment management with the personalized attention you won’t find at large firms.
Still have an unanswered question? Send me a message on the CONTACT page.
