Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a registered investment advisor?

A Registered Investment Advisor, or RIA, is a person or firm who advises high net worth individuals on investments and actively manages their investment portfolios. Registered investment advisors have a fiduciary duty to their clients, which means they have a fundamental obligation to provide investment advice that always acts in their clients’ best interests.

What does it mean to be an SEC Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm?

An SEC registered investment advisory firm means that the investment firm is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Verity Investment Partners is registered with the SEC.

What is dividend growth investing?

Dividend Growth Investing involves buying shares of dividend paying companies that increase their dividends each year. Verity Investment Partners looks for companies that have a track record of increasing their dividend annually and that have both the ability and the willingness to increase their dividend annually going forward. This disciplined approach to investing can provide a growing stream of dividend income in the short-term while keeping savings invested for long-term growth. If the income is not needed for withdrawal needs, it can be reinvested as additional savings.

What is a dividend?

A dividend is the distribution of a portion of a company’s earnings to its shareholders, as determined by the company’s board of directors. Common shareholders of dividendpaying companies are typically eligible as long as they own the stock before the exdividend date. Dividends may be paid out as cash or in the form of additional stock.

Who do you serve?

Verity Investment Partners serves high net worth individuals and their families throughout the United States. Clients include business and professional practice owners, couples planning for retirement, women who are in transition as a result of divorce or the death of their spouse, and individuals who have received an inheritance and are looking for financial advice.

How long have you been in business?

Paula and Will Verity founded Verity Investment Partners in 2002. The firm is based in Beaufort, South Carolina and has additional offices in Edwards, Colorado and San Antonio, Texas.

Is Verity Investment Partners a financial planning firm?

Verity Investment Partners is a registered investment advisory firm that also provides financial planning services. We have a member on our team who is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

What is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is a formal recognition of expertise in the areas of financial planning, taxes, insurance, estate planning, and retirement (such as with 401(k)s). Owned and awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., the CFA designation is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial exams, then continue ongoing annual education programs to sustain their skills and certification.

What is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)?

A Chartered Financial Analyst is a formal designation by the CFA Institute that is globally recognized. This Institute (formerly the AIMR, Association for Investment Management and Research), measures and certifies financial analysts’ competency and integrity. Candidates are required to pass three levels of exams covering areas, such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management, and security analysis. It is one of the highest distinctions in the investment management profession. Verity Investment Partners team includes three CFAs.

What is a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)?

A Certified Investment Management Analyst is a professional certification for financial consultants and investment advisors. Individuals must go through formal education, take and pass the examinations administered by Investments and Wealth Institute. To keep their certification, the CIMA must maintain their certification through at least 40 hours of continuing education for a two-year period.