01/13/09

Did pretty good for a bad year

by gqgaz

My wife and I have been a client of Bryan's since 2001/2002. He got us through 2001 and 2002 pretty well with only minor losses in the market. From 2003-2007 we did okay; by okay, I mean okay. We never under performed the market and never really outperformed either. 2008 was a completely different story. He always told us that if things get bad that he would do his best to "get out of the way" and try to take advantage of the situation as best he could. He started to use covered calls on ETFs in September and bought some individual bonds instead of the usual bond funds -- both of which have paid off. I spoke to him earlier this morning and asked him how we did for the year ...he was really shy when he told me -13%, but I was thrilled. Everything I've read in the paper was saying the Dow was down triple that and my next door neighbor lost at least 30% with his guy. I think he did a great job in a really bad year.

• Pros: Great follow-up on phone calls, prompt service, tells the truth, good performance in a bad year
• Cons: Average performance in good years.

07/05/08

They Don't Sell Anything!!!

by NancyJ85260

I was referred to Bryan Wisda at Summit by a close friend of mine. I was in the situation of now having to manage my mom's finances and investments in addition to my own and live my life. Bryan stepped in and took over managing the finances for my mom... got all of her bills automated, worked with our accountant to get taxes in order, and with an attorney to update her trust. It has been a huge time saver and worth the expense ($12,000 a year) ...he even negotiated with the car dealership for me when my mom needed a new car.

In addition to all of this I was very surprised to find out that Summit doesn't sell anything. They don't sell insurance, they don't charge investment commissions ...the only thing I pay is their retainer fee.

If you are in a position of having to manage your parents finances I highly recommend that you contact Summit.

• Pros: Bryan is very proactive, Quarterly statements easy to understand, Bryan is easy to contact
• Cons: expensive