Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about retirement planning and working with RCA in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How do I find a good financial advisor in Cincinnati?
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Retirement Corporation of America (RCA) is a fiduciary financial advisory team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that has guided local families through retirement planning since 1988. When evaluating a Cincinnati financial advisor, look for a team that is a fiduciary, holds relevant credentials such as CFP® or CIMA®, and builds a clear, personalized plan rather than selling a one-size-fits-all product. You can meet our team or schedule a complimentary introductory meeting to see if we're the right fit.
What is a fiduciary financial advisor, and how is that different from a broker?
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A fiduciary financial advisor is legally required to act in a client's best interest at all times, while a broker is generally held to a lower "suitability" standard, meaning a recommended product only needs to be reasonably appropriate. RCA operates under a 100% fiduciary commitment, with investment advice offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor.
What is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)?
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A Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) is a firm registered with the SEC or state securities regulators that provides investment advice and is held to a fiduciary standard. RCA's investment advice is offered through Stratos Wealth Advisors, LLC, an RIA, which also provides RCA with compliance oversight, IT infrastructure, and operations support.
What makes RCA different from other financial advisors in Cincinnati?
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RCA is a three-generation, family-led team that has served Cincinnati families since 1988, with a proprietary Family Master Plan® process built around each client's specific goals rather than a standardized product. Backed by Stratos Wealth Advisors, Schwab Advisor Services™, and Fidelity Institutional®, RCA combines the resources of a larger practice with the personal feel of a small, local practice.
What is the Family Master Plan®?
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The Family Master Plan® is RCA's proprietary, personalized retirement and wealth planning process, built around five areas: financial, investment & portfolio management planning; budget & paycheck planning; tax planning strategies; legal & estate planning; and insurance planning. Learn more on our Family Master Plan page.
Who holds and custodies my investment accounts if I work with RCA?
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Schwab Advisor Services™ and Fidelity Institutional® provide RCA with custodian, clearing, and technology solutions, including portfolio management tools, integrated trading platforms, and strict privacy and asset security standards. Your accounts are held at these established custodians, not directly by RCA.
What happens to my accounts if something happens to my individual advisor?
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Your relationship with RCA isn't tied to a single advisor. Each client is supported by an Advisory Team, a Portfolio Management Team, and a Service Team, so your plan continues smoothly with knowledgeable coverage even if one team member is unavailable, retires, or changes roles.
Does RCA manage both 401(k) accounts and personal investment accounts?
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Yes. RCA provides 3(38) fiduciary services and participant advisory support for employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, alongside personal investment management, retirement planning, and estate coordination for individuals and families. Learn more about 401(k) plan services.
How long has RCA been serving Cincinnati families?
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RCA was founded in 1988 and has been based in Cincinnati, Ohio for over 35 years. We're a multi-generational, family-led team that has served up to four generations of the families who trust us.
Does RCA only work with clients in Cincinnati, or also other areas?
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RCA is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and has deep roots in the local community, including a long history with Procter & Gamble families. That said, we work with clients using secure virtual meetings as well, so location isn't a barrier to working with our team. Contact us to find out how we can help wherever you're located.
What credentials does RCA's team hold?
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Our Cincinnati-based team holds designations including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist® (CRPS®), Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA), Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®), and Certified Investment Management Analyst™ (CIMA®). Meet the full team here.
How much does it cost to work with a financial advisor at RCA?
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Fees depend on the scope of services and assets involved, since every client's situation is different. The clearest way to get a specific answer is a complimentary introductory meeting, where we discuss your goals and outline exactly how we could work together, with no obligation. Schedule your introductory meeting here.
What should I expect in my first meeting with an RCA advisor?
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Your first meeting is a complimentary, no-obligation conversation about your goals, your family, and where you are on the path to retirement. From there, we walk through how a Family Master Plan® could apply to your specific situation, and if it's a good fit, outline a clear next step. Schedule your introductory meeting.
Does RCA offer free educational resources for people planning retirement?
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RCA hosts a free First Thursday Webinar every month covering a current investment or planning topic, and publishes a quarterly client newsletter on the markets and the economy — both free to watch or read, no account required.
How do I schedule a meeting with a Cincinnati retirement planning advisor?
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You can schedule an introductory meeting directly on our website — it's complimentary and carries no obligation. Visit our Schedule a Meeting page to pick a time that works for you.